5 Tips to Help You Choose The Perfect Pergola For Your Garden

As homeowners, we invest time, money, and love in creating the perfect interior design. Similarly, if your property has a private garden, there is no better feeling than being able to transform it into your own personal oasis.

One of the ways that we can define the use and create a space that can be used all year round is by adding a wooden pergola. This is a familiar idea, pergolas can be traced to the ancient Egyptians who built the structures to provide shade from the relentless heat, which is exactly what we still do today.

Below are some key takeaways from this article:

• Increase your property value with the addition of a custom wooden pergola.
• Tailor your pergola to suit your specific property, lifestyle, and budget.
• Extend the life of your pergola with proper maintenance and fire retardant treatment.
• Choose from various roofing options to create your desired style and provide shade.

There are no fixed rules about the design or size of a pergola. They come in all sizes, styles and shapes and can be fitted out and decorated for anything from a kitchen, outdoor dining or even a chill-out area. Also, as you are technically creating an extra room or space thanks to the structure of the pergola, this extra space can increase the value of your property.

If you have the space, there is nothing quite so inviting as the addition of a wooden pergola offering shade in the summer and providing a cozy shelter when the nights draw in. The type of wooden structure you choose is completely up to you, as it is possible to tailor-make a pergola to suit your specific property, lifestyle, and budget.

Here are some helpful hints on choosing the right pergola to suit your space.

1. What is the purpose of your pergola?

Once you’ve made the decision to install a beautiful wooden pergola, the next step is to drill down exactly what you want to use it for. Maybe you want to create a dedicated outdoor kitchen and dining room, a relaxed lounge area with sofas, a bar and chill-out area, or a covered outdoor BBQ kitchen. This step is crucial. In addition to considering the size, style, and design, you must consider the position and possible access to utilities. If you are going to be cooking, you’ll want to be hooked up to water and electricity or possibly gas. If you plan to use the structure in the winter, you’ll probably want some heating, fire, lighting, and a ceiling fan when warm. All of these need to be considered.

2. Budget

The price of your pergola can vary widely depending upon the size, design, and materials used for pillars. There are many variables to consider, such as whether any work needs to be done before construction begins. Are you considering a stand-alone structure or a lean-to attached to your home? There is also the question of the type of wood and materials used for the roof. For example, will it have thatch roofing?

The purpose of the pergola will also have a large bearing on the cost, such as utility connections, appliances, and furnishings. As experienced craftspeople and installers, Cape Reed can help you with all of these questions and guide you on the budget for the type of structure you are considering.

3. Space, size, and style

The design and shape of your wooden pergola will be informed by its purpose, it will also be integral in creating the character of the space. You may be drawn to the rustic-style wooden gazebo with thatch roofing, or a large contemporary-style pale wooden pergola would be more in keeping with your home.

The size and shape will be largely influenced by the space available, location, and purpose. If you want a large dining room that can accommodate a large table, then you’ll need to consider this when designing the pergola. You can also have fun choosing the flat, pitched, or curved roof style. Choose your desired style if the design is practical and appeals to your sensibilities.

4. Materials: wood and natural reed?

It is possible to buy flat aluminium pergolas or to build them out of bricks. However, most professionally designed and built pergolas are made of wood. This is because wood is one of nature’s most beautiful materials and is sustainable, versatile, strong and durable. If a pergola is properly maintained and treated with flame retardant products, it cannot last a lifetime.

All of Cape Reed’s pergolas are constructed using high-quality eco-friendly wood for the frames, and there are mGoany options for providing that all-important shade, from draped fabrics to natural reed thatch roofing. It is also possible to choose a synthetic thatch. You can read about the differences in our blog, “Thatch Roofing: Which is Better, natural or synthetic reed?”.

Building in wood also provides scope for putting your stamp on the look and feel of the pergola. You can discuss this with your designer whether you prefer a solid rustic dark stained wooden frame or a more contemporary whitewashed boho feel.

5. Furniture & decoration

Once the size, shape and style of the pergola have been established, you can start thinking creatively about the decoration and furnishings. This space will be your personal oasis, so at this stage you can let your creativity run wild. You can decorate the structure with fairy lights, commission bespoke Tuscan-style wooden furniture, create a relaxing boho haven, or preferring a pared-back minimalist space. The choice is yours. The ideal design is a space that can be dressed up or down according to mood or season, so you can enjoy your garden, entertain or unwind, rain or shine.

In a warmer climate like Spain, decorating the exterior with vines, colorful bougainvillea, or similar climbing plants creates color and a fragrant retreat.

As an established provider of exterior architecture and luxury outdoor entertainment areas, Cape Reed’s team of project managers, carpenters, and thatchers can advise you on every aspect of your pergola’s design, installation, and decoration.

If you would like more information about Cape Reed’s pergolas, gazebos, wooden pavilions, or any other types of wooden structure, contact Cape Reed SL at +34 951 77 54 95, email europe@capereed.com or visit the website https://www.backoffice.capereed.es.

FAQs

How do I choose the right size pergola?
As a rule of thumb, choosing your free-standing pergola size is recommended by first deciding how many people you want to sit under it comfortably. 

What can I place under a pergola?
To be straightforward, you can place everything you want under a pergola—rugs, seats, tables, toys, exercise equipment, and so on.

Where is the best place to put a pergola in the garden?
A pergola is best placed where there is a requirement for shade. A little shade is always helpful on those exceptionally hot and sunny days