What is the Purpose of a Pergola and Why are Pergolas so Popular?

You’re ready to make some changes to the backyard landscaping. One of the things you want to do is add an outdoor space that’s shaded and provides a nice place to sit and enjoy the grounds.

Some friends suggest adding a gazebo, while others think a pergola would work nicely.

Before deciding, it pays to learn more about pergolas, how they can be used, and why they are so popular today.

What Exactly is a Pergola? What is its Purpose?

A pergola is an open structure consisting of parallel poles or pillars supporting a roof made using cross-beams. Some designs include a lattice as part of the roof structure.

The purpose of a pergola is to provide an open feel while also creating the perfect semi-shady spot for relaxing and aesthetics. A popular use of a pergola is to arrange a series of hanging baskets of plants or run ivy or other woody vines up and over the structure.

Pergolas can also serve another purpose such as sitting areas, passages to other garden areas, or a shaded place to walk.

How are Pergolas Different From a Gazebo?

There are three main differences between pergolas and gazebos. One has to do with the shape. A pergola is typically square or rectangular. By contrast, the typical gazebo is either round or shaped like an octagon.

The roofs of the two structures are also different. A gazebo will have an enclosed shelter, while the pergola sports a top like an open grid. In a sense, the pergola doesn’t have a proper roof, just a series of cross-beams that may or may not be filled in somewhat with the use of lattice panels.

A third difference is how gazebos and pergolas are used in landscaping. Most people think of gazebos as structures that stand away from the house and focus on the grounds. Pergolas may be constructed at one end of a patio or a deck.

They can also be used to create a vine-covered passage leading to some other element of the landscape, including a gazebo.

Are There Different Pergola Styles or Purposes?

The basic pergola design lends itself well to various types of customization. One approach is to leave the structure completely open. However, it’s easy enough to dress this design for special occasions using more extended sections of cloth across one side, along each pillar, or to hang gracefully between the cross-beams.

The open design also works well when the plan is to train ivy to run up the pillars and eventually fill in a lot of the space in between the cross beams.

Louvers are another way to add more spice to the pergola design. This works exceptionally well with a rectangular shape since it’s possible to mount the louvered doors in shutter fashion along the longer sides.

Doing so makes it easy to partially open or close the sides if you like. This design works incredibly well if you want to control the breeze entering the structure or set up a candlelight dinner and still have a little privacy.

No rule says a pergola has to include a flat roof. So, for example, you could use metal posts or vinyl pillars to support a sloping grid for the roof.

It’s possible to include softer rather than hard lines overhead, something that may work perfectly with the style of your home.

What Makes a Pergola So Popular?

Pergolas are popular around the world. One of the reasons is that they are so versatile in terms of purpose. It’s easy enough to dress the space for special occasions like holiday parties. They are also ideal for having some type of private celebration, like a wedding anniversary for two.

The relatively easy construction also makes a pergola a popular way to create an outdoor living space. Pergola frameworks are even available in kits today.

It’s possible to use a kit and have the structure finished in as little as a day. That means you can begin enjoying the space almost immediately.

As a design element to the landscaping, pergolas are versatile enough to fit into just about any plan. Take cues from the style of your home, and it will look as if the pergola was part of the original landscaping plan.

Once it’s up, you can use it as the perfect place to relax after work, catch a breeze during the day, or just have some quiet time. Along with being your own private sanctuary, using the space to display your favorite potted and hanging plants is a great approach.

Are There Advantages to Adding a Pergola to Your Deck, Backyard, or Landscape?

Many of the benefits of pergolas have to do with adding function to your landscape. They certainly create spaces that you can use for sitting comfortably outdoors. In terms of appearance, they provide a finished look to the space as well as visual interest.

If you are renting or you don’t want a permanent pergola, there are pre-fabricated options available.

Another significant advantage with pergolas is the impact on your property values. The right type of pergola will increase the market value of the property.

That may not be important right now, but it will make a difference in the price you can get if you decide to sell at some point.

Never overlook the benefit of having a private space outdoors. You can easily design a pergola using lattice panels or louvered doors to allow you the best of both worlds. Open the panels or doors when you want to have more of an open feel. When you are in the mood for privacy but still want to be outdoors, close them.

You can’t go wrong by adding a pergola to your landscaping. Whether you have a large expanse of backyard or want to dress in a smaller area, it’s easy to scale a pergola to an outdoor living space, so it’s a perfect fit.