What is a Pergola?

JS Enterprise
June 19, 2020

What is a Pergola?

If there’s one thing Coloradoans appreciate, it’s the outdoors. Colorado is known for 300 days of sunshine, and residents love spending those days outside on their own patios or in beautiful gardens. Pergolas have been popular outdoor structures since ancient Egypt, valued for their ability to provide airflow, filtered sunlight, and beauty to outdoor environments. There are many unique structures and ideas that can bring an outdoor space to life, but nothing ties a property together like a professionally installed pergola. Whether you’re in Colorado Springs or Palm Springs, a pergola is an easy way to bring character and shade to your outdoor space, while also contributing to landscape design by creating defined spaces and serving as a focal point in gardens and backyards. But what goes into putting a pergola in your outdoor space? In this blog, we’ll answer the question, “What is a Pergola?” and learn about what they’re meant for, who can install them, and other tips on constructing your own pergola. If you want a quick way to add life and beauty to your outdoor space, think pergolas.

What is the Purpose of a Pergola?

The primary purpose of a pergola is to define outdoor spaces, provide shade, and enhance visual appeal. A pergola is an outdoor feature designed to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment in your garden. Pergolas are typically built with four vertical posts to support a latticed roof. A pergola is an open structure, typically consisting of a pergola structure with columns supporting a roofing grid of beams and rafters. Some pergolas have covered roofs, but traditional pergolas have slatted, lattice-style roofing grids made from beams and rafters to assist with vining plants. Essentially, pergolas look good and keep you cool while providing a structure for climbing plants like roses or other vines. The open structure of a pergola can be enhanced with privacy panels or coverings for added comfort. Many pergolas are placed over outdoor living spaces like patios, pool decks, and outdoor kitchens.

Pergolas vs. Other Outdoor Structures

Pergolas vs. Arbors

Pergolas and arbors both nestle into your outdoor garden space and provide a structure for climbing vines, but are generally different in size and shape. Arbors tend to be small arched structures meant for garden entrances while pergolas are larger, rectangular, and are intended for lounging and enjoying your garden. Pergolas are often used to create defined spaces and add visual interest to outdoor areas, making them ideal for establishing outdoor rooms or zones for relaxation and entertainment, whereas arbors are more decorative and smaller in scale.

Pergolas vs. Gazebo

A gazebo is a much more built out, finished, and expensive outdoor structure when compared to pergolas. Gazebos are typically round or octagonal with fully covered roofs, making them ideal for providing shelter and complete shade from the sun and rain. All gazebos are roofed and have their own finished flooring, while pergolas have lattice roofs and are often installed over grass or independent flooring. Pergolas, with their open roof design, offer partial shade rather than complete shade, and do not provide shelter from all weather elements.

Do Pergolas Provide Shade?

If you want them to. There are many types of pergolas and while most have a lattice structure on top, pergolas can be built with fewer openings or a solid top. Pergolas are designed to add shade and provide versatile shade options, including partial shade depending on the roof design. Sunlight exposure affects both the comfort and maintenance of pergolas, so features like retractable canopies can be added to control sun and shade, offering adjustable shade options.

Pergolas topped with lattice structures are built that way to allow climbing and vining plants to eventually wrap around the top, creating natural shade. Hanging plants, such as roses, wisteria, honeysuckle, or grape vines, can also be draped through the beams or posts to enhance the beauty and shade provided by a pergola. The more vines, the more shade. Pergolas provide dappled sunlight and protection from direct sun rays, making outdoor spaces more comfortable. Pergolas won’t provide the same shade as a more rigid topped structure like gazebos but unlike gazebos, pergolas blend into a garden instead of standing out.

Do I need a Permit to Build a Pergola?

It depends. Not all jurisdictions require building permits for pergola installation while others may only require permitting based on certain sizes or job valuations. Don’t risk having to tear down your unpermitted pergola, hitting a critical utility, or risk a civil fine, check with your local building jurisdiction before you begin installation. The installation process is crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of a pergola, and professional installation is recommended for best results. DIY pergola kits are also available and can save on labor costs, but may limit customization options compared to custom-built pergolas.

Your local building department will guide you through the permitting process to be sure you’re doing everything safely and up to code. If you use a professional to install a pergola, they will pull a building permit on your behalf. If you’re building a pergola in Castle Rock, you can pull the permit yourself. However, letting your landscaping construction company pull the permit protects you in the event that problems with construction arise.

How Much Value Does a Pergola Add?

The value of a pergola depends on homeowners, but any pergola will add value to your overall property. The average cost for a pergola is about $4,000, while a custom pergola with labor and materials included averages around $3,500, and you can build a DIY option for about $1,000. Pergolas are a more affordable option compared to other outdoor structures, and they enhance the aesthetic appeal and create a focal point in landscaping. They transform backyard spaces and outdoor areas into pleasant, hospitable gathering spots for barbecues, quiet moments alone, or other activities, making your outdoor living space more functional and inviting. It’s best not to think of pergolas in terms of concrete dollar values, but the aesthetic quality and overall appeal they provide. As we mentioned above, Colorado homeowners love their outdoor spaces, and any garden or backyard with a more finished quality (a beautiful pergola) will be more appealing. Colorado is one of the US states where outdoor spaces add the most value to home values.

Using a Professional to Install Your Pergola

Some homeowners can build pergolas on their own, but unless you have the right tools and knowledge you should utilize a professional to install your pergola. Customizable options for pergolas allow homeowners to choose colors and styles that reflect their personal style and complement their home’s architecture. The decision between wood and vinyl pergolas involves many personal factors, such as maintenance, durability, and appearance. A professional landscape company, like JS Enterprises, can help you choose the right colors and materials, pull any necessary permits, and install a gorgeous pergola that meets building code and matches your surroundings. With proper maintenance, pergolas can provide a lifetime of use.

Building a Pergola for Your Garden

Now that we’ve established the answer to “what is a pergola,” if you’re ready to give yourself a relaxing space to enjoy your garden, pergolas are an easy bet. Pergolas can be made from various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, each offering distinct style and durability. Wood pergolas provide a classic, natural look but require regular maintenance, such as sealing, staining, or painting, to prevent rot and insect damage, while a vinyl pergola offers less maintenance and greater weather resistance. Aluminum pergolas are highly durable, resistant to corrosion, rot, and insect damage, and require only occasional cleaning with soap and water, making them a low-maintenance option. Regularly clearing debris from the top of your pergola helps maintain its condition and prolongs its lifespan. Pergolas are affordable, quick for professionals to install, and add a ton of character in short time. Call your JS Enterprises to get the pergola and custom landscaping process started today.