Are you a homeowner who wants to add a pergola to your outdoor space but isn’t sure how to pair it with your existing or future outdoor features? Pergolas are versatile shade structures that can be integrated into an outdoor space in various ways to enhance the area’s functionality and improve its aesthetic appeal. Today, we are continuing our article series on integrating pergola installation with your home and garden by focusing on pairing pergolas with screen rooms, retractable awnings, fire pits, hot tubs, pools, and more.
Curious about the first article? Read more on Integrating Your Pergola with Garden Landscaping today!
Integrating Pergolas with Other Outdoor Features
#1: Pairing Pergolas with Screen Rooms
Screen rooms are a favorite among homeowners because they add plentiful shade and privacy to an outdoor space while keeping bugs and debris out. Fortunately, there are two ways to pair pergolas with screen rooms.
The first is to combine the two. If you have an attached or freestanding pergola, you can add static or mechanical screens to enclose the space. However, it is vital to note that you need to have a solid roof—not latticed—to make it fully enclosed. This is a great way to take advantage of the benefits a screen provides without incurring the costs of a full-on screen room.
The second option is to create a transition between a screen room and an added pergola. Often, the screen room is fully enclosed with a solid cover roof. By adding a transition, such as a screen door or roll-up screen wall, to one side of a screen room, you can easily transition into the pergola space. This adds extra square footage to the protected space but allows for multi-functional use.
#2: Using Retractable Awnings with Pergolas
Using retractable awnings with pergolas is a way to get the best of both worlds – sun and shade! It allows you to access more shade when the sun is blazing hot without the full commitment of adding a louvered roof or waiting for a trellis plant to grow all the way across.
When adding a retractable awning to a pergola, an expansive piece of weather-proofed cloth is attached to the frame. When you want shade, you pull the fabric across the top of the pergola or use an automated system to do it for you.
#3: Adding a Fire Pit
One of our favorite magical moments we create for our clients is a fire pit within their pergola. They love curling up in the sanctuary of their pergolas, string lights twinkling and stars shining overhead, with the heat of the fire pit providing warmth as they share beautiful moments with loved ones.
While it may seem counter-intuitive, you can place a fire pit underneath a pergola, just with a few stipulations. Our high-grade aluminum, embossed with a wood grain texture, is not flammable, making it the perfect material to pair with a fire pit. With the right height and decoration consideration, you can design your fire pit to be the focal point of your pergola in a safe and functional way.
#4: Incorporating a Hot Tub
Speaking of magical moments, hot tubs provide another ideal relaxation opportunity for homeowners. Placing a pergola, especially with a fitted deck around it, underneath a pergola gives homeowners the chance for ultimate privacy.
By adding curtains around the pergola, they never have to worry about noisy neighbors sneaking a peek. Instead, they can enclose themselves as needed while still getting to enjoy the beautiful sky above and the feeling of the air around them.
#5: Enhancing with a Pool
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, enhancing a pool with a pergola is an excellent choice to maximize usability and aesthetic appeal. There are a number of ways to go about this, but here are our favorites:
Poolside Shade Pergola: You can complete a pergola installation on the pool’s edge to create a shading lounge area for swimmers to rest out of the sun.
Pergola with Poolside Bar/Kitchen: You can build a poolside bar or kitchen under a poolside pergola to provide snacks and drinks while keeping wet swimmers from going into the house.
Swim-Up Pergola: You can extend a pergola over a swim-up bar or shallow area within the pool, so you don’t have to leave the water to get drinks.
Multi-Level Pergola Design: You can craft a pergola installation that steps down to different levels, following the contours of the pool and deck. This provides various entertainment zones around the pool.
Bonus Pro Tip: Adding Accessories
No matter which other outdoor features you decide to pair with your pergola installation, all of the options can benefit from added accessories to boost functionality, comfort, and enjoyment of the space. Here is a list of our favorite accessories to incorporate:
Decorative and Functional Lighting: String lights add a magical touch to pergolas, while LED path lights provide functionality when moving around an outdoor space.
Ceiling Fans: During hot summers, ceiling fans help keep your space a little cooler so you can enjoy it more.
Climbing Plants: Climbing vines and flowers add natural shade, a delightful scent, and a beautiful touch to any outdoor structure combination.
Retractable Shade: Whether utilizing an awning, screen, or curtains, retractable shade methods provide protection from the sun and added privacy.
Adding these or other accessories to your pairings allows you to create a cohesive outdoor design that transitions beautifully between each element. Not only will it tie everything together for a beautiful aesthetic, but the added functionality will provide endless benefits to your loved ones while increasing your home’s curb appeal and value.
Pergola Installation with Patio Covers Unlimited NW
If you want to create a cohesive outdoor design that blends numerous outdoor features, we are here to help! Discover how to integrate pergolas with other outdoor features for a stunning backyard retreat. Call Patio Covers Unlimited NW now for a consultation.
PLUS! Remember to stay tuned for the next article in our series on integrating pergola installation with your home and garden!
