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Pergolas add elegance to any landscape, but only when the right design is selected for the property. These outdoor structures create a canopy that provides shade while extending the outdoor living area.
Owners in warm, tropical climates often add this to their property, and those living in cold weather areas are now following in their footsteps.
What type of pergolas should an owner select, and why? The answer to these questions will determine how a person should proceed with this project.
First, a property owner must decide whether to install a freestanding or attached pergola. Canberra pergola builders can guide them through this process.
They must also know what they want and need from this structure, which will help them determine where to place the pergola.
Freestanding pergolas remain the most common today. Owners may dress them up as desired, such as with plants and foliage. They might also use insect netting or shading to allow for more use of the structure.
These pergolas might hold an outdoor kitchen, hot tub, or the owner's desired feature. The owner might also invest in a removable cloth cover for this structure.
Attached pergolas sit next to a building and are connected to this building in some way. One or two posts support the other side of the pergola, a natural extension of the building. This style provides shade while offering users more privacy.
Once the owner determines whether they want a freestanding or attached pergola, they must make several decisions.
First, they must choose a pergola type and the material used during construction. They then move on to other considerations.
Canberra pergolas come in many types and styles, each with benefits and drawbacks. Owners need to gather this information before proceeding with the project.
Once they understand these benefits and disadvantages, they’ll know which option suits their property.
Business owners frequently choose floating pergolas. Also known as awning pergolas, these structures provide a shaded area where people may gather.
As they attach to the building and have no pillars, floating pergolas leave an unobstructed landscape view.
Shaded pergolas offer shade and comfort to users. They are ideal for gatherings or when someone wants to relax outside without being exposed to the elements. The structure comes with either a cloth or hard-topped roof.
Owners in rainy areas usually opt for the hard-topped option, while those in sunny climates appreciate cloth coverings as they allow for a breeze.
Visit a nature-related property, and an arched pergola might be on-site to showcase the area's beauty. Arched pergolas often span a sidewalk, pathway, or bridge as they require little support from pillars.
The walls of the arched pergola are usually covered with flowers or other plants to continue the nature theme.
Louvered pergolas have moveable rafters, making them popular with many property owners. The rafters can be adjusted to block the sun or let in air. Many models today come with electrical systems that allow owners to adjust the rafters remotely.
Other styles feature manual rafters and allow for precise control of the rafters' position.
The owner must determine which material will be used for the pergola’s construction. They should consider other property elements to ensure the selected material will complement the landscape. Options today include wood, aluminum, and vinyl.
People have used wood to construct pergolas for centuries and continue to do so today. Wooden pergolas provide the structure with an earthy feel and blend seamlessly into the landscape. Owners love that they can stain the wood and achieve the desired color, but wood pergolas require more maintenance.
Build the structure with pressure-treated wood to resist rot and warping. Ground contact wood is needed for the footers, as they will be hard to maintain underground.
Owners who want a maintenance-free pergola should opt for vinyl. This material has an expected lifespan of 20 years or more, and it remains visually appealing with regular cleanings.
Owners may choose a color that blends effortlessly with the overall landscape, and they never need to worry about rot, pest infestations, and other problems seen with wood pergolas. However, they will pay more for a vinyl pergola than one made of wood.
The pergola should be the same if a property is sleek and minimalistic. Aluminum is the perfect material for this structure, and the owner might choose to have it powder-coated for added appeal.
One benefit of choosing aluminum is that the structure will last a lifetime. However, the owner will pay for this luxury, as aluminum pergolas aren’t cheap.
All Canberra pergolas add beauty to a landscape while offering functionality. Many people find these structures are a good alternative to gazebos and pavilions because they offer shade and comfort while dressing up the landscape.
Install a pergola and have a place to entertain, quietly read a book, stay dry while enjoying a brilliant summer storm, and more. The pergola makes it easy to engage in these activities and savor the wonders of nature.