Pergola Design - What You Should Take Into Consideration

Pergolas are great additions to a patio or garden because they provide shade and structure which can support hanging plants or climbing vines to add beauty and function to your outdoor space. If you consider yourself to be pretty handy, you may want to save some money by building it yourself, but first you will need a good pergola design. Here are a few things to think about before you choose the right pergola design for your landscaping needs.

The first consideration when choosing a design is the material you will be using. Wood, aluminum, and vinyl, are the most commonly used materials, and there some pros and cons to using each. Wood is a popular choice due to its cheap cost and versatility. Some woods are more durable than others, so if you decide to use wood, make sure to do some research on different kinds of woods.

Vinyl and aluminum are going to last longer than wood with less maintenance. If using vinyl, make sure you look for one that is UV resistant because the sun can cause fading to the color.
Aluminum is a smart choice for several reasons. It is lightweight but still strong, durable, weather resistant, and impervious to insect infestation. Watch out for a good hardness rating when choosing aluminum. You will not wanting anything less than T-4, T-5, or T-6, with T-6 being the strongest.

After you have picked the right material for your needs, the next thing to consider is the style of the design. Classic pergolas have straight lines with a craftsman style. If you have a traditional home or garden, this style will blend in nicely. If you have a more modern home, you can check out other styles such as an Asian-inspired pergola or a Tuscan or Mediterranean style.

Whatever style you choose, you may want to purchase an aluminum pergola kit to make things easier. Kits come with all the materials you need plus detailed instructions. The best part is that it is all delivered straight to your door. This will save you a lot of time and hassle if you do not have a truck to pick up materials yourself.