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What is the Purpose of a Pergola?

February 17, 2023 / Written by: Carlos Gonzales

February 17, 2023
Written by: Carlos Gonzales

Any hardscaping contractor can tell you about the beauty and benefits provided by a pergola. In relation to your house, a pergola is either cantilevered or freestanding.

It serves as a great outdoor area for shaded seating and may have electricity for those beautiful starry nights. With a pergola, you can have a space away from the chaos of the world whilst being surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The Purpose of a Pergola

The purpose of a pergola is to provide shaded seating in an outdoor area. Most pergolas provide fantastic shade protection for those overly sunny days and give you a space in which you can enjoy the outdoors without being completely vulnerable to the elements.

Although pergolas come in a wide range of designs and sizes, their main function is to shield residents from the elements. This might take the shape of cover from a springtime downpour or an extra layer of defense from the summer sun's damaging rays.

Therefore, your plans can proceed uninterrupted, whether you're reading a novel or hosting a family dinner outside. Pergolas increase the amount of time residents can spend in their outdoor living space, but that is just one of the many functions these landscape accents fulfill.

Types of Pergolas

There are many different types of pergolas, and each one serves its own function as well as visual appeal. Finding one that suits your home is completely up to your own choice and what you have in mind for your overall hardscaping design.

Vinyl Pergolas

Vinyl pergolas are exceptionally good at withstanding harsh weather conditions. Due to the creation method of vinyl, these pergolas are also low-maintenance and do not rot.

On an additional note, if you have a large number of bugs within your yard, they will not attack the vinyl pergola because of its design. Bugs are not interested in eating away at vinyl.

Wood Pergolas

Wooden pergolas have been a go-to staple in many homes due to their aesthetic appeal and vintage look. The wooden pergola is adequately strong to survive in harsh weather conditions, although if you have a bug problem such as termites, they could find their way into the wood.

It is best to assess the yard as a whole and contributing factors when deciding on a wooden pergola. However, if maintained properly, these are exceptionally eye-catching and beautiful pieces to have in your backyard.

Cedar Pergolas

Similar to the wooden pergola, cedar pergolas are created from Western red cedar and other types of cedar and redwood. Unlike normal wooden pergolas, the wood is naturally resistant to bugs and the effects of rot.

The beautiful and vibrant color produced by the wood creates an outstanding piece and finishing touch to any landscaping and hardscaping project.

Custom Pergolas

Custom pergolas are used to add a great sense of functionality to your outdoor areas. These custom pergolas can include seating areas, a trellis, outdoor lighting, and a whole range of additional add-ons that you may want.

This is a great way to add a personal touch to your design.

Metal Pergolas

A metal pergola is created by using high-quality and lightweight aluminum, which gives it a distinct strength against harsh conditions.

There is a sleek and mesmerizing visual appeal that it creates whilst also not succumbing to the effects of breaking, bending, rotting, and warping.

Fiberglass Pergolas

Fiberglass pergolas are just as strong, if not stronger, than metal pergolas. Due to this strength, they require no support structures because they are simply able to support themselves.

This pergola creates a simplistic yet stunning visual appeal without the need for various support beams. If you are someone that loves the minimalistic approach toward projects, this is a fantastic pergola to choose from.

Benefits of Installing a Pergola

Other than the visual appeal that a pergola creates, there is a range of benefits that come with it. Some of these benefits are fantastic for specific projects and yard spaces whilst also providing the user with a great deal of protection and tranquility.

Sun Protection

By design, a pergola is created to ensure safety from the sun. This allows visitors to sit in an outdoor area without being directly affected by the harsh effects of direct sunlight.

If you enjoy spending time in nature without the blazing heat of the sun bearing down on you, a pergola can assist you in providing a small getaway from the elements.

Increased Space and Functionality

Pergolas serve many purposes and have a vast array of functionality. Due to this, you can install a myriad of different outdoor spaces utilizing a pergola whilst still having a good amount of space to undertake other activities. 

Variety of Materials

The flexibility and appeal of a pergola are not constricted to one type of material. They come in many different types of materials, colors, and designs that allow you to be flexible.

This means that there is a pergola for every design choice and home.

DIY Projects for Building a Backyard Pergola

Adding a pergola is a fantastic project to undertake. There are many additional steps that you could take in a DIY manner to better the area and boost the overall visual appeal.

Pressure Treated Wood

This is an exceptional step to take if you are deciding on a beautiful wooden pergola. Pressure-treating the wood involves using high pressure to insert preservatives into the wood. This boosts the health of the wood whilst increasing its lifespan.

Concrete Patio Slab Base

If you want a stunning communal space under your pergola, inserting a concrete patio slab base is the way to go.

This creates a sleek and visually appealing aesthetic whilst adding to the overall quality of the pergola. With a concrete patio base, you are given the opportunity to create a stunning outdoor space for relaxation.

Sheer Curtains for More Privacy

Pergolas can also be used as a form of outdoor privacy. With the addition of sheer curtains to your pergola, you could create a stunning and intimate space away from the rest of the world.

This could be used as a secret romantic spot or simply a place to enjoy it privately. Whatever the decision, sheer curtains provide a fantastic cover and overall form of privacy.

Let a Qualified Hardscaping Contractor Install a Quality Pergola that You Will Love 

We understand the beauty and complexity of the installation of a pergola. Taking your home and yard into consideration, West Hills Masonry strives to deliver a product and service that is of an industry-leading standard.

With experts in the field and a professional team, West Hills Masonry has assisted hundreds of customers in their landscaping and hardscaping journeys.

Start your endeavor toward a beautiful tomorrow with the help of a qualified and dedicated hardscaping contractor, contact us at 714-519-5009 at West Hills Masonry today!

Carlos Gonzales
He is the co-owner and project consultant of West Hills Masonry – a industry leading hardscape and landscape contractor providing the finest in custom outdoor-scapes in Orange County, CA. Carlos and his team at West Hills Masonry have over 50 years of combine experience. Carlos is very keen on understanding client perspective and integrate their vision with professional recommendation for proper finished installation.

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