I hear the question asked a lot, “What is the purpose of a pergola?!” Typically followed by supporting comments of “Pergolas don’t provide shade!” “Pergolas don’t provide shelter!” “Pergolas won’t keep you dry!” “Why would anyone want a pergola?” It seems like a whole host of angriness towards a pretty cool structure. So, let’s talk about the pergola pros and cons!
At the most basic level a pergola can be described as an open-sided structure that is made up of posts or columns that support the open roof structure of rafters and beams. Now, there are many different types of pergolas out there but generally speaking, a pergola is an open-air structure. Their primary purpose is to define outdoor spaces, create visual interest and, and depending on the pergola, add shade to an area.
Pergolas are typically known to be made from wood, vinyl, metal, fiberglass or a combination of materials.
This vinyl pergola kit creates an outdoor dining area on the deck.
The nice thing about a pergola is that they can be attached to a structure or be free standing which gives it a lot of flexibility on location. You can put a pergola up on a deck, on your patio, out in a garden area, next to the pool, or put a pergola over an outdoor restaurant/dining area, etc.
Because a pergola is often made of just posts, beams and rafters, they make a great DIY project. Pergolas are relatively simple to build, don’t require as many materials as other outdoor structural elements, yet still add a big visual impact to a backyard or outdoor space.
Then, what are the disadvantages of having a pergola? Let’s start with the above comments. “Pergolas don’t provide shade.” The answer here is yes and no. Some pergolas provide shade, other pergolas do not. Many traditional pergolas only offer squared-off open rafters or a lattice style roof top. And those pergolas often do NOT offer much in the way of shade. The closer together the rafters or lattice are, the more shade that is created, but yes, those pergolas are more for decorative purposes.
Now those open rafter or grid style pergolas can be made to create shade when adding climbing plants or an additional pergola cover, so you do have options even if you own a pergola already that does not provide shade.
Another disadvantage of a pergola can be maintenance and lifespan. In wood pergolas, yearly maintenance to keep them from rotting, warping, sagging and fading is needed and for some people the extra work is not worth it. Cedar pergolas or redwood pergolas offer better weather and insect resistance than with other woods such as pine. But with any wood pergola, you need to sand and stain every couple of years. Also needing to replace any rotting boards or loose hardware to increase the longevity. You don’t have to choose a wood pergola though, options like aluminum or vinyl are materials that are going to far outlast any wood structure. You can even find a lifetime warranty on the right pergolas!
The roof structure on this traditional wood pergola was rotting away. The beams were still in good condition with some upkeep and maintenance, so the homeowner replaced the roof with a no maintenence vinyl pergola roof with angled slats.
For many, it’s purely aesthetic. A pergola can add grandeur to a simple backyard. It creates a purposeful space that is appealing to the eye, a focal point for your backyard and adds architectural interest to an otherwise open flat space. Pergolas are often used to create a specified area for a specific feature. For example, you may find a pergola that creates an outdoor room for something like an outdoor dining area or outdoor kitchen. It can create a welcoming space for entertaining day or night, or to just to curl up with a good book.
Since pergolas are not one size fits all, you can find additional benefits of a pergola based on the type of pergola you get for your home. Shade, shelter and comfort are all options with a pergola when you know what to look for!
A less expensive, very traditional open rafter pergola is not going to be good for shade, but there are going to be plenty of pergola options that are good for shade!
Look for a pergola with angled purlins / angled louvres. Being at an angle and/or closer together than just an open rafter design, does actually create shade during the day!
The shade created from this pergola allows you to enjoy the outdoors without the direct heat and sun beating down on you.
Some pergolas even have automated features such as retractable roofs and rotating louvres to control the light coming in. Letting you choose more or less shade during the day as needed.
Yes, while a typical pergola is an open structure. That doesn’t mean you can’t take the extra steps to create privacy as well as shelter from the elements!
Add privacy panels, such as these for seclusion or to serve as a wind break.
A less permanent solution would be to add curtains around your pergola structure that are easy to open and close when needed.
The top of your pergola doesn’t have to remain open! You can even cover the top of a pergola with something like a polycarbonate roof panel. A solid panel like this will keep light filtering in as it would normally but shield you from any rain so you can enjoy your pergola more!
So what are the main benefits of a pergola?
So next time someone starts to give pergolas a bad rap, you can give them a list of reasons why pergolas are so great! They may not be for every space or every homeowner, but they do have their perks and are enjoyed by people all over the world. Want to start a pergola search for your home? Start with our custom pergola builder.
Videos showing our installation process, from beginning to end.
How the blueprints for our pergolas get made.
We have people available to talk to you within 24 hours during our business hours.
Over the years, it's common to find some questions that come up again and again. Scroll through the question and answer bank on the right, and if your questions aren't answered by the end, you can get in touch using the phone number below!
What questions can we assist you with? Call us at (563) 345-6745 or click the button below.
The dimensions of a Heartland Pergola refer to the width and depth of the pergola's roof. The pergola roof will include the beams and rafters, and on a traditional style pergola, will extend past the posts of your pergola.
For an example, a 14' x 14' pergola means that the overhead roof dimensions are 14' x 14'.
To figure out post spacing you will want to look at the specific CAD drawing for the pergola size you are looking for. Noting that a typical traditional style pergola will be built with the posts inset one foot from the end of your beams. Modern pergolas will NOT have an overhang.
Tip while planning - if your patio space is 14' x 14', most homeowners will opt to go a size larger on a Traditional Style Pergola so that the overhang of the pergola roof extends past the edge of your patio, rather than stopping even with it. A 14' x 14' patio would benefit from installing a 16' x 16' pergola (or greater) for optimum sun coverage.
We have the best of both worlds!
Aluminum base structure for extreme durability and strength paired with a vinyl exterior that makes your pergola maintenance super easy!
Many vinyl pergolas on the market are going to have no reinforcement or internal reinforcement by wood. Over time, that wood will rot, warp and sag. The aluminum inserts of Heartland Pergolas ensure that is never an issue for your pergola. It's a solid structure, easy to maintain and will last you for decades! We are so confidant in that fact that we offer a Lifetime Warranty.
You can purchase any of our pergola kits or eyebrow pergolas online through our website or order by calling in (563-345-6745) and talking to our sales team. If you are ordering a pergola with customizations outside of our pergola design tool, custom sizes or configurations, you will want to purchase by speaking with our team over the phone/email.
Upon ordering, either via our website or through our sales staff you will receive a docusign document emailed to you detailing all your options and pergola specs to sign off on before we send your pergola to fabrication.
Due to the custom nature of our product, we cannot accept returns. All pergola kits are made to order specifically for your space and requirements. We recommend you work directly with our team to discuss all potential site, climate, and installation requirements before you make your purchase to ensure that you get exactly the materials that you need.
We want you to be happy with your purchase, if there is a problem just reach out and we will work with you to make it right.
It doesn’t happen often but if you do find something missing or damaged, we will replace it immediately.
For all orders in the continental US, shipping is already included!
If you live outside of the continental US and would like a quote on shipping, please contact Elizabeth for a shipping quote!
Each kit will come with the corresponding instruction manual for that pergola. It will list step-by-step how to install, what tools are needed and show diagrams for the installation. You will also get your related CAD drawing for your pergola as well.
You are welcome to download the digital version of our instruction manuals ahead of time if you want to take a look at the process first!
We also have installation videos available 24/7 playable from YouTube Play List. Our Video Installation series will break down each step into a short video so you can see exactly how each step is completed.
VINYL AND ALUMINUM STRUCTURES LIMITED WARRANTY
Subject to the conditions and limitations listed herein, Heartland Pergolas warrants its vinyl structures to be free from defective workmanship and materials and, when subject to normal and proper use, against surface peeling, rot, structural damage from termites, splitting, flaking, rusting, and blistering, abnormal weathering or abnormal discoloration.
We have many customers who go the DIY route to install their pergola! If you have some basic building experience and knowledge with some simple tools, you can build a pergola.
We provide you with written installation instructions, video tutorials online, and the best customer service you can get!
You can watch our videos ahead of time to see if you feel comfortable working with the tools and materials needed to build your pergola. Our Installation Videos are divided up into short step-by-step clips that are to the point and show you exactly how each part is completed.
General guidelines for DIYers:
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