Is a Pergola Right for My Home?

The overall look a pergola can bring to a house can be quite stunning. Not only do pergolas look good, but they also extend livable living space and connect the indoors with the outdoors. There are plenty of pergola designs homeowners can choose from, but how do they know if a pergola is right for them and their home? Consider these things when debating whether or not to build a pergola for your home. 

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure that consists of columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters. A pergola roofing grid can be left open or covered, and the pergola can be freestanding or attached to a house. However, when a pergola is attached to a house, it usually features two or more posts along the end that juts out, while the other end anchors directly to the home. 

Purpose of a Pergola

Historically, pergolas have been built as a standalone feature that incorporated climbing vines. They provided a cool and comfortable place for people to walk and sit outside. Nowadays, pergolas are used in many different applications. Pergolas are often used as a place to sit down, relax, barbeque, or hang around a campfire. Because pergolas provide just enough shade to be comfortable and look good while doing it, people love to incorporate this kind of structure into their backyards.

Pergolas Add Value to the Home

Homeowners looking to sell or to add value to their homes are encouraged to build a pergola. They’re a quick and inexpensive way to add value to virtually any home. That’s because they look good, extend living space, and create a place for people to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Pergolas are also valuable for homeowners who enjoy entertaining since they can create an environment conducive to a place that is comfortable and fun. 

Detached or Attached?

Before building a pergola, homeowners first need to consider whether they want it attached or detached from the home. There are benefits to both.

Detached

Detached pergolas allow homeowners to build add-on covers to outdoor space anywhere in the yard. The detached pergola will serve as a means to add protection to an outdoor living space while creating a unique focal point and transforming the space. They also offer greater design flexibility. However, freestanding pergolas offer less protection from inclement weather and present additional challenges in incorporating pergola accessories such as electrical accessories and other utilities. 

Attached

Attached pergolas are great for homeowners who want a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. They’re more structurally secure than freestanding pergolas and can seamlessly integrate into the design of your home. Homeowners can also add weather protection to attached pergolas by adding curtains and including heaters underneath the structure. 

Learn More with North American Deck and Patio

Want to know more about whether a pergola is right for your home? Talk to the experts at North American Deck and Patio. We’ll carefully examine your backyard, listen to your design ideas, and develop a plan that best suits you and your home’s requirements. 

Contact us today to get started with a FREE estimate. 

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross