Whether it’s dominating the view or simply serving a functional purpose, to provide shade when needed, a pergola can greatly enhance the outdoor living experience in Medfield or Needham, MA. As you consider your ideas for must-haves in your landscape, here are ideas to get your imagination going when it comes to adding a pergola in your landscape.
What Is a Pergola?
Generally, a pergola is an outdoor structure that has a few columns supporting beams and rafters in a grid formation. If you’ve ever seen a carport in lieu of a garage, the structure is technically a utilitarian pergola. A pergola built for your backyard would have much more style, however, and would be designed to give mild shelter from the sun’s heat without blocking out the sunshine completely.
Your options for a pergola include materials, colors, design style, placement in your landscape, and what your primary use for the pergola will be. You may want added shade for a pergola over your outdoor kitchen or an inviting place to relax at the end of a warm day. A pergola is not only visually interesting—it can serve several purposes as well.
A Simplified Appearance
Here’s one of the first considerations when contemplating a pergola: It doesn’t have to be ornate or complicated, with a conglomeration of hanging chandeliers and Edison lights. Your pergola might simply be a suspended overhang or be large enough to provide shelter over a picnic table. What’s important is your idea of utility and style
An Attached Pergola
Essentially, an attached pergola extends outward from the back door of your home. It provides mild protection from the elements while letting in the outdoors. It’s primary benefit is to provide you with dappled shade while still being able to enjoy the breeze. A fully covered pergola could provide you with even more protection from the weather and give you somewhere to retreat if it starts sprinkling.
Alternatives to the Traditional Pergola
Some options for a pergola may include the ability to adjust the slats’ angles either manually or through an automated system. That would give you the ultimate flexibility for full, dappled, or shut-out sunlight. You may even be able to sit on your back patio safe from the rain, yet still be able to enjoy the view of nature. You may also find during the landscape design process that a pavilion would more closely match your lifestyle, if you would rather always have protection from the elements.
The Curtained Pergola
You might go a little “old school” as well. Pergola curtains can be bound around supporting struts to open up the space, or released to provide shelter all the way around. Keep in mind, you may need between four and eight curtains to do this right.
You can use curtains on a rod which can be drawn out, or curtains that extend halfway across the space and can be secured around the struts; you might even have curtains that can be withdrawn or deployed like venetian blinds, if that suits you. The final decision about how your pergola should look comes down to aesthetics and personal preferences.
Related: WAYS TO INCORPORATE A PERGOLA INTO YOUR NEW PATIO INSTALLATION IN THE DOVER, MA AREAS