Homeowners are creating beautiful, stunning and highly functional outdoor spaces for their homes. Everything from elaborate outdoor kitchens, a pool & hot tub oasis, entertaining deck and patio spaces, to outdoor fireplaces and cozy screen porches. Being at home and outdoors isn't just a trend, it's a way to extend the living spaces of your home, enjoy nature, soak in that natural vitamin D and provide space to entertain in. While some try to DIY a little at a time, others are investing in the right products and trusted companies to create these beautiful spaces with anticipation of enjoying them for decades to come. We love being part of beautiful plans but we still come across some amazing design plans with a major flaw that leaves us a bit perplexed!
We see beautiful deck builds by talented and smart craftsmen. They sell high end, durable and low maintenance products like Timbertech or Trex. Decking that carries warranties up to 30, 40, 50 years. These decks are built to last and endure all that mother nature has to throw at them.
...But then they throw a wood pergola up on top…It just doesn’t make sense!
Exquisite patios in high end stone with well thought out designs and entertaining spaces are designed every day by highly reputable hardscape contractors. Their beautiful outdoor spaces are meant to be enjoyed for 25-50 years!
...But then they throw a wood pergola up…it always leaves me cringing just a bit.
Crews are building these outdoor masterpieces backed by long standing warranties and selling dreams of a one and done outdoor oasis. So why not make sure that ALL parts of your work fit into that dream?
I get it, wood is beautiful – earthy, grounding, rustic and checks all of the Joanna Gaines Modern-Farmhouse design visions … for about 5-10 years.
I will give you kudos for offering a shade structure into your outdoor design - you are already ahead of the game by making the space usable for hot sunny locations or seasons. That shade is so important for creating a space that people want to spend time in day and night!
But long term solutions do exist for outdoor shade structures that can match your quality decking, railings, stone and patio materials. When planning an outdoor environment, creating a cohesive design that will age together well just makes sense!
Tough durable aluminum is lightweight enough to be used on decks as well as patios but has incredible strength with no warping, sagging, rotting, or rust. Premium vinyl is durable and easy to clean yet provides a finished look to your structure.
High quality, durable pergolas like Heartland Pergolas have a lifetime limited warranty so rest assured that all parts of your outdoor designs are going to hold up strong and beautiful for decades to come. No call backs, no replacements!
When it’s time to create a complete backyard design for yourself or your client’s backyard, choose products that not only complement each other in style, but longevity as well!
Q: What kind of shade structure will last the longest on a backyard landscape design?
A: You want a shade structure that is made from long lasting materials like aluminum or vinyl. Make sure that to choose a high quality aluminum or vinyl as different degrees of materials can vastly change the longevity and stability of your structure.
Q: Is a wood pergola a good shade option for my landscape design?
A: Wood, while initially appealing, typically won't hold up near as long as shade structures and pergolas made from other materials. With a wood pergola you have to be vigilant on maintenance - regular sanding and staining as well as replacing any pieces of the structure that start to warp or deteriorate. You also have to watch out for pests/insect infestations which can weaken your structure prematurely.
Q: Do pergolas provide shade for outdoor spaces?
A: Shade pergolas are a great choice for outdoor shade structures. While many pergolas serve to provide a nice aesthetic or gain their shade from climbing plants, many pergolas exist today that create actual shade, making them a valuable component of any functional outdoor space. The shade allows many people and families to still gather outdoors when the temperatures soar, and the sun is shining. From pergolas that have closable louvers to angled purlins that block the sun - you can find high quality options available that compliment and elevate your outdoor space.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for please give us a quick call at 563-345-6745 or use our chat box in the bottom left corner of your screen!
