What Is a Pergola and What Are the Different Types?

Unless you’re a landscaper, you probably think of a pergola as some kind of outdoor structure found in gardens and backyards, but you may not be entirely sure what it is.

A pergola is a popular outdoor feature forming a shaded sitting area. It consists of vertical pillars that support an open roof of beams and rafters. Pergolas are commonly confused with gazebos and pavilions. While all three have some overlapping features, a gazebo has a closed roof with a railing around it, and a pavilion has a closed roof with open sides.

Pergolas come in a variety of styles and designs. If you’re looking to increase your home’s valuation with a beautiful, personalized and shaded outdoor space, consider installing a pergola in the backyard.

Benefits of Installing a Pergola in Your Outdoor Space

A pergola is a beautiful addition to your outdoor space, but you may be wondering about its practical benefits. There are several ways you can use a pergola:

• Outdoor shaded area: You can use your pergola as an outdoor room for cooking, dining and relaxation. Since pergolas have open roofs, you can install a canopy over it to protect you and your furniture from the elements
• Vertical garden: Installing a pergola in your garden will allow you to hang plants and wrap vines around the pillars. Vertical gardening can be especially exciting if your backyard doesn’t have a whole lot of space for plants
• Shaded swimming pool: Installing a bioclimatic pergola over your pool gives sun protection during the hot Phoenix summer

The Most Popular Types of Pergolas

The beauty of installing a pergola in your outdoor space lies in its customizability. You can choose from endless colors, shapes and styles. However, if you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some basic styles to help you envision your future pergola project.

Attached Pergola

Like the name suggests, this type of pergola is attached to the walls of your home. Typically, attached pergolas cover exposed patios and decks, providing shade and privacy.

Self-Standing Pergola

This type of pergola is detached from your home. You can install this type of pergola if you’re looking for an outdoor dining space separate from your home or patio. A self-standing pergola can also be turned into a garden feature or add privacy and shade to a pool area.

Awning Pergola

These pergolas are meant to resemble awnings and can be installed over, patios, doors or windows for additional shade and curb appeal.

Arched Pergola

A pergola with an arched roof can add a lot of charm and sophistication to your outdoor experience. An arched pergola can also give you a sense of openness and space—something you probably won’t be able to achieve with a flat roof.

Enhancing Your Pergola with Accessories

Embellishing your pergola with accessories can further increase its functionality and aesthetics. There are many different items you can add to your pergola depending on the effect you wish to achieve:

• Privacy: If you’re looking for privacy, you can attach curtains or retractable awnings on the sides of your pergola. You can open and close your curtains and screens depending on your mood and preference.
• Shade: As a Phoenix homeowner, you probably want to use your pergola for shade. There are many ways to achieve this: you can put things like a fabric cover, canopy or shade tarp over your pergola to use as sunshade.
• Temperature control: Installing ceiling fans and electric heaters in your pergola will allow you to spend more time outside during the summer and winter months.
• Lighting: If you’re looking to utilize your pergola for evening dinners and parties, you’ll need to equip it with lighting. There are several types of solar and electric lights you can put around your pergola to brighten your outdoor space and create an atmosphere of warmth and elegance.

Create a Phoenix Outdoor Oasis with Arizona Awnings

Whether you’re looking to dine, swim or simply relax in your backyard, Arizona Awnings can help you enhance your outdoor experience. We offer a diverse range of customized window and patio shade solutions as well as stand-alone shade structures to help you enjoy your time outside.

Our awning design experts are ready to turn your perfect backyard vision into reality. Call (602) 252-3430 for a free estimate.