Pergola Styles
The use of pergolas dates back as early as 1400 BC when an Ancient Egyptian High Court Official first installed the structure over his garden’s entryway.
Nowadays, people use pergolas for many different reasons and they’re available in aluminium, vinyl, and fiberglass alongside the traditional wooden designs.
Unlike the original version, modern pergola styles can either have a solid or a slated roof. Both are beautiful in their own way and can function differently, depending on your needs.
Slatted Pergolas
If you want to see the sun peeking through your outdoor pergola structure, you can opt for slatted pergolas.
To ensure the best results, have an experienced contractor assess your backyard space and determine which direction the sun shines in. You also want to make sure the slats are perpendicular to the rays of the sun to provide the most shade.
Place the slats so they orient north to south. As the sun travels throughout the day, the slats will cast wide lines of shade underneath the structure — except around noon when the sun is at its highest and will be directly overhead.
To beautify the overhead slats of your pergola, you can adorn them with hanging plants or vines to add gorgeous greenery and contribute to fresh air. They will also serve as a form of shade during the noon hours!
Solid Pergolas
If you want a full roof for your pergola, you can opt for a solid roof instead.
This type of pergola structure will leave the sides open but the roof completely enclosed so you can enjoy your outdoor living space even when it’s slightly drizzling outside.
This will also provide you maximum shade from the sunlight if you’re prone to sunburn. The roof can be made from wood, vinyl, alumawood, and many other materials.
For added nighttime functionality, you can also install beautiful lighting fixtures on your solid pergola roof and finally throw that gorgeous dinner party you’ve always wanted in your own backyard.
Pitched Pergolas
If you want to expand your living space but don’t want the hassle and the expensive cost of having to add an additional room to your home, the pitched pergola is perfect for you.
This type of pergola attaches its roof to an already-standing section of your house (for example, your roof or wall) and slopes downward.
This can serve as an extension to your home, not unlike an open-walled room. You can install a sliding door underneath so people inside your house will be able to see what’s going on outside, and vice versa.
During parties or gatherings, you can open those sliding doors wide so the party inside your home can spread outdoors.
Gabled Pergolas
Gables offer a rustic, homey feel that instantly lifts the spirit by transforming standard gardens and living spaces into scenes straight out of a storybook.
A pergola with a gabled roof provides the same aesthetic benefits. As opposed to having a flat roof, gabled pergolas have a slanted roof that is triangular in structure. This also gives the look of a taller pergola and plenty of space under your roof.
They are also better during the wet months as gravity ensures that rainwater just falls off to the side because of its simple design.
