Are you looking for a way to update your gardens and patio without having to spend a ton of money? A good way to do so would be to add a pergola to the open space of your backyard. There are several models and types to choose from, and they each have corresponding features which you may find attractive or useful to install in your own home.

Tips to remember when buying pergolas

Pergolas come in a variety of sizes, shapes, types, models, add-ons, and colors and these factors may make it harder to choose for the first-time buyer. Always keep in mind these considerations because they are the most important factors that you have to remember.

One is to know the size of the pergola for your gardens. This time, size truly matters because with the variety of sizes of pergolas, your choice will depend on the size of the space that it will occupy. You cannot force a big pergola on a small patio because it will look cluttered and forced. A pergola that is too small will be swallowed up by the empty space in the gardens and will fail to become the focal point.

You will also need to think about the type of roof that you will need, because some pergolas can feature solid roofs to shield against rain, while others have open roofs which can be designed with flowers as details.

Types of Pergolas

Pergolas come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Each type has a specific functionality and features which may be important to consider when buying or making pergolas. Remember, style and the design is just a small fraction to consider when buying a pergola.

If you are one of the more nitpicky customers who want to maximize the cost of their money with the performance of the product, it is better to examine the advantages of each type before choosing.

Fiberglass pergolas

Fiberglass is one of the more durable materials for pergolas. Plus, they are relatively more affordable and can allow light exposure while still protecting you from harmful UV rays. Fiberglass or plastic pergolas can also protect you from getting drenched in the rain.

Since it is lightweight, you will have an easy time assembling a fiberglass pergola. It also comes in different sizes so make sure to measure your backyard to get the exact measurements and size that you will need.

The downside to fiberglass pergolas is that they are harder to find. However, they are worth looking for in the market because they are environmentally-friendly. They are made from recycled materials so you will be reducing the waste and trash on the planet by purchasing fiberglass pergolas.

Attached deck pergola

For some homeowners who many not have enough space in their backyard or gardens for a separate pergola can try installing an attached one instead. Attached deck pergolas are usually built to be a part of the house. It can be installed over a deck and stand right next to the house.

Putting an attached pergola will also benefit your patio because it can create a shaded portion on your patio for guests. If your attached deck pergola does not have a solid roof for rainy seasons or harsher sunny days, you can also install canopy or plastic covers to keep you protected from the elements.

Vinyl pergolas

With the changing environment today, more customers are wary of how the elements can affect their home installations. To stop concerns of wood rotting or annual repainting, vinyl pergolas have become a classic hit for those who want minimal upkeep for their patios. The only maintenance needed for this type of pergola would be the occasional wiping, especially if it has been an extremely dry and dusty day.

Vinyl pergolas have three types. Transition vinyl pergolas are usually installed to have a space to pass by from the home to the outdoor gardens. The shade vinyl pergolas are usually the ones that are freestanding, and oftentimes provide shade for outdoor tables, a swing set, or a backyard Jacuzzi. The last type is the arbor, which can be designed with floral or plant life as an elegant finish. Thicker or denser plant life or flower arrangements can be a type of shade, especially if the arbor does not have solid roof.

Cedar pergolas

Those who want to go with a contemporary look without giving up the traditional pergola feel can go for cedar pergolas. Such structures are installed more for aesthetic appeal rather than functionality, seeing as how cedar pergolas do not offer shade against the sun or protection from the rain.

Cedar pergolas are also designed with flowers or vines, as these details give a more airy feel to your garden. Since the wood that they are made of already has a rich color, you can choose if you want to use paint to match it with your house’s scheme.

Pergola with shade

Also known as fabric deck pergolas, this type of pergola is one of the best ways to keep yourself and your patio protected from the elements. For those who are concerned with keeping UV rays at bay, it is better to choose fabric designs that are more durable and thicker. There are also fabrics lined with aluminum to prevent heat from seeping to users.

The fabrics have interesting and colorful designs, which you can easily adapt to your exterior theme. These can be easily installed and the prices would not cost you an arm and a leg either.

These are just some of the models of pergolas, but there is still a variety that you can choose from. Some manufacturers can create custom-made ones for customers, so if you want to go down that path, you may also do so especially if you have the budget for it.

But as far as pergolas go, you can have whichever style or model you want, so long as it fulfills the function that you bought it for.