People are increasingly extending their living spaces into the great outdoors these days. That has given rise to a surge in demand for patios, decks, gazebos, wraparound porches, and other structures. All those home additions can give people more reasons to spend time outside and allow them to spread out beyond their actual houses. They can also breathe new life into outdoor features people may already have in place, like fire pits, outdoor dining areas, hot tubs, pools, and gardens.
Pergolas are also incredibly popular choices for adding functional living space. They offer all the benefits of those previously mentioned structures plus many more. Of course, choosing the right pergola for your property and lifestyle is the key to getting the most out of it. This in-depth buyer’s guide can help you do just that.
Is a Pergola Kit or Building from Scratch the Better Option?
First of all, you’ll need to decide how you want to go about building your pergola. Many people insist that building one from scratch is better because doing so gives you more design freedom and more materials to choose from. That was certainly the case in the past, but the market has changed significantly over the last several years. At this point, you have almost as much freedom and flexibility with a great pergola kit as you would building one from square one.
Today’s pergola kits are available in a range of materials, but one of the best is high-grade aluminum. It can last for decades without succumbing to the elements. It can withstand high winds and other hazards, and it requires little maintenance. Despite its strength and durability, it’s a lightweight material that’s easy to handle.
Kits come premeasured and cut. They also contain all the hardware you’ll need to build your pergola and instructions for doing so. Assembling a kit is much easier than building a pergola from scratch, and it leaves far less room for error. Though an aluminum pergola kit may be more expensive upfront than, say, purchasing lumber and building a wood pergola on your own, you’ll actually save money over time by choosing a kit.
You don’t have to sacrifice flexibility with a kit, either. They’re available in a vast range of sizes, shapes, and styles. You can even have a custom pergola kit designed and delivered to you. Many people shy away from the prospect of having to build their own pergolas. If you’re uncomfortable with the do-it-yourself approach, though, you could buy a kit and hire someone to assemble it for you.
Which Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pergola Kit
Several factors come into play when you’re choosing a pergola kit. Material is one of them. We’ve already touched on that point to an extent. Though high-quality aluminum is recommended, it’s not your only option. Kits are available in wood, vinyl, composite wood, and steel as well.
Wood is less expensive, but it requires more maintenance and doesn’t last as long. Steel pergolas are durable, but they can rust when exposed to moisture. Vinyl doesn’t require maintenance, but it’s expensive, and it may not be as strong as other materials. While composite wood lasts longer than its natural counterpart, it’s not impervious to the elements. Material is only one aspect to think about, though.
Size and Shape
Size and shape are also important factors when choosing a pergola kit. It’s best to choose a pergola that fits nicely into your yard without taking up too much space. Avoiding those that are too small for the space you have is also recommended. If the pergola is too small, it may not meet your needs, and it could detract from the appearance of your home and yard rather than adding to it.
Consider what you’ll be using the pergola for too. If you only want it to give you a private space to relax outdoors, you can go with a smaller model. If you want to use it for entertaining, dining outdoors, and other purposes, you may need a bigger one.
Be sure to account for any other structures or features on your property as well. If, for example, you have a swing, water feature, or garden, you may want to choose a pergola that can fit among those features instead of overcrowding them or forcing you to get rid of them. Depending on the layout of your property, you may be able to choose a rectangular pergola rather than a square one to get more usable space without cramping your yard. Again, customized kits are also an option.
Attached or Freestanding
Another aspect to consider is whether you want a freestanding pergola or one that’s attached to your home. This choice can give you a little more flexibility in terms of size. For instance, if you go with an attached pergola, you may be able to choose a larger model. On the other hand, if you choose a freestanding pergola and space on your property is limited, you may need to pick a smaller model.
Added Features
Added features can make a world of difference in the functionality and versatility of your pergola as well. Pergola kits come with an array of optional extra features from automated retractable awnings, adjustable louvers, and integral smart lighting to built-in seating with hidden storage and beyond. You can also add screens, glass windows, or other features to your pergola to make it your own. Those features can allow you to use your pergola any time of the day or night regardless of the weather. They can even give you year-round use if you like.
Choosing the Perfect Pergola for You
Several considerations enter the mix when choosing a pergola. Numerous pergola designs are also on the market, so you have plenty to choose from. Kits are certainly the simpler, more affordable choice, and they come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, sizes and colors. While making your selection, think about what you’ll be using the pergola for, how much space you have for it, and which shape may work best on your property. Consider the material, whether you want an attached or freestanding version, and which added features would give you the most use and versatility as well.
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