Pergola Designs

Pergolas are designed as free-standing structures

Much like a canopy, a pergola is a free-standing structure, acting as outdoor shades, which may have fabric drawn over the top, and around the sides to enclose the interior. Canopies are more tent-like in appearance, with shade fabrics supported by poles and pinned to the ground.

In contrast to other shaes, pergolas are framed by four posts that are joined by four sides at the top. They make for excellent patio shades given their feeling of permanence that goes well with the extensive paving usually found in patios. The shade fabrics hang across and from the sides. The frame is usually made of wood but can also be made of high density plastics, and have aluminum parts for easy hanging of the outdoor shades.

The fabric is customizable, and some people choose the famous Sunbrella brand for example. If purchased in diassembled form, assembly is necessary and usually requiring the efforts of several people. Because the structure needs to be erected and can be very heavy, a ladder is usually required to place the top frame in place. Finally, braces that attach to the feet can be used to secure it in a permanent fashion to the backyard or deck. This constitutes the basic designs.

Unlike many of the other types of shades discussed here, pergolas provide incomplete shading by virtue of the fact that the capping structure is an array of planks that actually let a lot of light through. But the goal of many houses is to provide incomplete shading because some parts of the country are actually fairly lacking in sunlight. Proper design provides just enough shade to make it comfortable, but let in just enough light for the inhabitants to get toasty if its chilly outside. The designs also let in a lot of breezy wind, making it best for warmer climates.

Pergolas, if anything, don't have the cheap cloth and metal frame look as many awnings and low-end canopies possess. There is much flexibility in design ideas since they do not come in a package or kit. Usually design demands materials made of dark, quality woods that can be paired well with the house. The beams are thick and sturdy, so they can be used as nail surfaces to hold outdoor items, such as pictures, wall rugs, baskets and the like. They can also be repaired with the help of woodworking tools, and are infinitely customizable in terms of size, height, and total area covered.

Pergolas and arbors resemble each other greatly. A very simple arbor consists of two vertical beams topped off by a horizontal one. This resembles a doorway more than anything, and is usually set on a path to signify the entrance to a yard or garden. If its made into something more elaborate, perhaps the doorway is made deeper, so instead of two columns it became two parallel walls supporting an archwed top, then the arbor comes much closer. On the other hand, arbors tend to be smaller without sufficient space to hold outdoor furniture and the like underneath.