Pergolas are a glorious addition to any garden as they draw the eye upward and add visual interest. There are different types of pergola designs that you can choose from. The most common designs are deck pergolas, freestanding pergolas, and attached pergolas.
If you’re looking to acquire a pergola for your garden, be sure that the pergola design you choose is in perfect harmony with your garden. To make the right choice, therefore, you should consider the following factors when shopping for the best pergola designs for your garden.
The Purpose of the Pergola
One of the first things to consider when choosing pergola designs is what you will use your pergola for. This will help you narrow your choices in terms of features and size. For instance, if you are looking to do a lot of entertaining in your garden, you would want a pergola big enough to accommodate your guests.
Likewise, if you are planning to add outdoor kitchen features such as built-in grill, you will need some extra space. If you are a garden enthusiast, a smaller, less obtrusive pergola could be your ideal choice. This will blend in perfectly with your plants, providing a private, tranquil sanctuary.
Arched pergola designs can also be a great choice for garden areas, thanks to their natural curves that complement the nature’s beauty. If you like spending time outdoors for some late night stargazing, it is advisable to go for a more open-pergola to ensure that you have the perfect view of the sky above.
Space Available in Your Garden
When thinking about pergola designs, it is imperative that you consider the amount of space in your garden. This is because the size and shape of the pergola that you can install is largely dependent on the available space.
Moreover, you can go for a pergola attached to your home. This will allow you to extend your indoor living space to the outdoors. Alternatively, you can choose a freestanding pergola design so that you can create a whole new space in your garden.
The Shape of Your Pergola
The basic pergola shape in itself is enough to add a touch of style to your garden. Nonetheless, some extra design with a splash of color can make it look more artistic. There is a wide variety of shapes to choose from, including circular, hexagonal, rectangular, and square.
The most common pergola designs are rectangular and square shape. If you prefer an attached pergola, it is advisable to avoid a circular shape since it won’t fix properly. You should go for a semi-circular one instead as it can attach perfectly to your home.
The Material of Your Pergola
Traditionally, wood is considered to be the best material for making pergolas. This is mainly because wood pergolas are normally cheaper compared to pergola designs crafted from other materials like aluminum and vinyl. Moreover, wood is the most organic material you can find for building pergolas.
The Pergola Roof
When shopping for pergola designs, you also need to consider the roof type that suits your needs. Aside from the conventional flat-roofed pergola designs, there are also hipped, curved, gabled, as well as double-pitched designs.
Likewise, you can choose from various roof materials such as open battens, treated acrylic, plants, thatching, cloth, etc. The purpose of your pergola can help determine the kind of roof to go for. If you’re going to use it mainly during the summer, for instance, then go for a roof that allows lots of natural lighting in but blocks heat. Batten can be a great choice.
Final Thoughts
A pergola is one of the most eye-catching yet functional structures that you can install in your garden. It can serve numerous purposes: support for climbing plants; suspending flower pots; hanging a hammock, or simply act as decorative feature. However, choosing the perfect pergola design for your garden can be challenging. So, you need to consider the above factors in order to make the best decision on pergola designs.
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