What are the Pros and Cons of Having a Pergola?
Looking to makeover or upgrade your backyard? Pergola would be the right choice for you to give your space aesthetics & a compelling garden feel. Pergola installation is exponentially grown over the past couple of years. No matter what their construction, outdoor pergolas are very beautiful structures to make the best use of on your property.
While it offers some benefits, there are also downsides to this home backyard structure. If you’re thinking of constructing or buying one, consider reading this article to know the pros and cons of having a pergola.
Here are five Pros and Cons of Pergolas for your backyard:
Pros of Installing Pergola
Pergolas are the perfect option for creating shade in your garden. But what are the Pros and Cons of Pergolas? this question always arises.
- Pergolas aren’t Super Expensive
A pergola is a great way to improve the curb appeal of your property at cost-effective prices. The average cost of a pergola can go expensive as well as budget-friendly depending on the flexibility of your budget and several different factors such as style, size, and material of the pergola.
- Pergolas are easy to DIY
You can also DIY your pergolas if you’re having a project. Resources like HGTV or Popular Mechanics will give you a list of materials you need and offer step-by-step instructions. Building a pergola could cost you much higher than hiring a professional to build it for you. Obviously, building your own comes with the great benefit that it is designed uniquely to suit your home and taste.
- Pergolas are made with very durable wood
There are several types of wood a pergola can be made from such as Ipe (which works perfectly on the coasts since it can last through wetter and saltier conditions), redwood (known to the last longer), cedar (known for aroma as well as high durability). Cedar can withstand air moisture and repels insects and termites, and provides pressure-treated wood which might not be as beautiful as ipe, redwood, or cedar but has long-lasting insect-repellent properties.
- Pergolas create outdoor living areas
If you want to change your outdoors into a compelling living area, pergolas can be your best bet. It allows you to make great outdoor entertaining and dining since it provides a structure of shade and scenery.
- Pergola can be combined with fabric for more weather protection
To protect your pergola from outside elements while enjoying your breakfast outside or hosting a family BBQ, it’s best to customize the structure by adding a roof or fabric but also providing you with more shade. Another option to achieve that is by installing a retractable canopy. This can protect you from the sun as well as the rain.
Cons of Owning a Pergola
Here are the cons of owning a pergola for your home:
- Pergolas Needs Maintenance
Pergolas need consistent maintenance to ensure it is cleaned and repainted over time if you want them long-lasting. The good condition through maintenance also depends on the type of wood your pergola is made from. The living environment also matters when it comes to well-maintained pergolas. If you live in moist air, the pergola is more likely to get mildew. Mildew must be treated before it destroys your pergola. Thus, it’s best to prevent mildew by using a mixture of bleach and water the moment you see any signs of it.
Wood also needs to be touched up by filling in the scratches or dips with wood or metal putty. Make sure to keep wood and paint splinters away from peeling off. You also want to watch out for wood and paint splinters. In order to protect against any injuries, sand the columns down every once in a while. If the pergola has foliage on its canopy, keep it well-trimmed regularly to make sure the pergola isn’t being weighed down.
- A fading looks over time
If your pergola structure is made from cedar wood, the chances are the color of the wood will fade away from light red-brown to a silvery grey, which is a natural occurrence. For preserving the original cedar shade, you can seal it up. First, start off with cleaning the wood followed by applying wood stain and then the sealant.
It’s best to apply a new coat of wood stain every year to keep up the appearance. If your living climate is a bit unfavorable for a pergola, you’ll probably need to spend more time maintaining your pergola, especially when the wood is less durable. Another better option is to opt for a metal pergola.
- Beware of termites
While pergolas are made of certain types of wood like cedar or pressure-treated pine that naturally repel termites, there are still chances of your pergola getting infested with them. The regular treatment of wood using the repellent can help in preventing the takeover of termites. Maintenance is the key to keeping up the good condition of your pergola.
- Little or no value addition to your property
Pergolas may add little or no value to your property. While few sites claim that a pergola can increase your home’s value, there are also chances that it may not add any value depending on the location of the seller.
If you’re looking for a new and exciting look for your garden, pergolas are a great option. However, there are Pros and Cons of Pergolas to consider before making the decision.
FAQs
1. Can pergolas block the sun?
Pergolas and louvered roof systems are also called sun-blocking systems which are useful for both sun, rain, and other weather conditions. The louvered slats on a pergola are designed to let in sunlight when open and to provide shade or block the rain when closed.
2. What is a Pergola and what it is made of?
A pergola is an outdoor backyard structure consisting of columns supported by a roofing grid of beams and rafters. This roofing grid can be left open or covered so as to create an area sheltered from the outside elements.
3. Why would you want a pergola?
A pergola provides a way to outdoor living by creating a well-structured & sheltered space so that you can spend your peaceful time outside. A pergola can cast enough light shade to make even a warm afternoon enjoyable or if you still need additional protection, you can install a retractable shade cover for more shade.