Tis the season of home projects! If you have been bouncing ideas around on how to improve your home and outdoor spaces, a pergola may be the answer. With the wide variety of outdoor construction projects available, you may be debating the pros and cons of having one. Today, we address both sides of the coin to give you a comprehensive understanding of how a pergola will affect your home life.
What is a Pergola?
In case you are new to hardscaping, a pergola is an outdoor structure, held up by columns, that is either freestanding or attached to a home. The purpose of a pergola is to provide an outdoor living space that is protected from the sun without giving up a strong connection to the elements.
Pros of Installing a Pergola
Expanded Living Space
One of the top reasons why homeowners choose to add a pergola to their outdoor design is because it expands your livable space. In a day and age where many families are spending more time at home due to remote work, online school, and in-home activities, a house can feel smaller and smaller with the more time you spend in it.
Adding a pergola can create a new room at a fraction of the cost of a home addition. Whether you want to add an outdoor kitchen, social area, personal gym, play space, or any other myriad of ideas, you are increasing the square footage of your usable space.
Weather Protection
When you live in a beautiful place, like here in the Tri-Cities, where we get over 300 days of sunshine annually, you want to enjoy your environment for the majority of the year. Unfortunately, harsh sunlight, rain, and even snow can dampen your outdoor time and send you scurrying back inside!
When you install a pergola, you can choose between a wider lattice to let in more of the natural elements or a more tightly woven lattice for added protection. Additionally, there are options for retractable canopies so that you can change your preferences day to day, depending on the weather. So, no more barbecuing in the rain for you!
Customizable
As a homeowner, you crave the ability to make your space your own. With pergolas, a wide range of choices let your creative juices flow. You can create a beautiful aesthetic that matches your home and unique preferences.
For example, Patio Covers Unlimited’s pergolas are available in several sizes, shapes, and finishes. Plus, they can be adapted to create any desirable combination of shade and sunlight. Therefore, you can design the exact pergola to suit your needs.
Affordable
Expanding your home is a significant construction project that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars just for a few extra feet of space. Wouldn’t you rather create an outdoor living space for a fraction of the cost? One of the top benefits of installing a pergola is the fact that it is affordable and convenient.
Plus, hiring a professional installation service to take care of it for you isn’t as costly as you might think. While you may spend a few hundred more dollars than trying out a cheesy DIY kit, you can rest assured that it was built safely and will look amazing. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the time and investment in tools you would have to complete to make it yourself.
Cons of a Pergola
Maintenance
Most pergolas are made of wood, which requires regular maintenance, including cleaning, sealing, and staining. Additionally, as the wood is exposed to the elements, the color will fade, which is a natural but sometimes annoying occurrence.
Fortunately, when you get a pergola with Patio Cover Unlimited, you won’t have this problem! Our pergolas are constructed out of high-grade aluminum, embossed with a wood grain texture, resulting in the look of natural wood without the upkeep!
Deterioration
In addition to needing regular maintenance, traditional wooden pergolas can deteriorate over time. Due to weather, pests, and other external factors, the wood can become damaged over the years and adopt a tattered appearance.
Again, this is where Patio Cover Unlimited’s pergolas rise above traditional standards. Our aluminum covers are highly durable. They will not crack, warp, split, chip, or peel, nor will they chalk or fade under constant UV and wind exposure. Plus, termites certainly won’t want to take a bite out of these.
It’s Not for Everyone
As with any home project, you can never assume that everyone is going to like it. For some homeowners, it may provide a significant return on investment when they eventually sell, but for others, it may not. It greatly depends on the buyer, the location, and the quality of the installation.
Therefore, we recommend focusing on your needs, preferences, and style when installing a pergola. Treat it as an investment in your now, rather than your future, so that you can enjoy it for years to come.
Get Started with Your Pergola Today
Do the pros of having a pergola in your outdoor design outweigh the c ons? If so, save yourself time, money, and hassle by hiring a professional to install your pergola. Patio Covers Unlimited has helped countless homeowners in the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, Yakima, and surrounding areas enhance their home, backyard, and outdoor living space.
To get started with your pergola today, give us a call or fill out our contact page. We can’t wait to hear from you and start making your backyard design dreams come true.
Is a pergola the wrong choice for you, but do you still want to build an outdoor structure? No problem! Patio Covers Unlimited also offers solid patio covers, screen rooms, and various other services to provide the perfect outdoor space for you and yours.
