During the holidays, even pergolas can sparkle with strands of lights, oversized ornaments, wreaths and garland. But throughout the year, the structures can provide shade and add depth to an outdoor area.
Pergolas typically are rectangular or square, made out of wood, cedar, aluminum, steel or vinyl. The designs vary, including traditional, rustic, Craftsman, mission and even Greek- or Roman-style pillars. Landscape designers and pergola companies also can create custom pergolas, to meet certain dimensions or architectural style.
These five examples show the variety of pergolas on the market, if having one is on a holiday wish list.
Arched roof: Some pergola roofs are flat, so an arched roof adds a distinctive element to the structure. The arched roof pergola kit by Yardistry (yardistrystructures.com/dealers_usa.php) is made of cedar finished in gray, with the traditional columns in an X design leading to the rounded roof. It's $1,502 at atgstores.com. The Rio Pergola, made of vinyl by New England Arbors and sold through online retailers such wayfair.com, sears.com, amazon.com and atgstores.com ($2,099), also has a curved top and classic lines and columns.
Canvas cover: When purchasing a pergola, think about where it will be placed in your yard and sun patterns throughout the day. If you anticipate needing more shade, but like the look of a pergola, there are pergolas with different covers. The Eden Malibu Pergola, made by New England Arbors, has a name that evokes a beach feel, and comes with a full canvas cover for shade and ambience. It's made of vinyl and priced for $1,798 at Wayfair.com.
Pergola set: Typically pergolas are used over seating and dining areas, grills and outdoor kitchens, or water features such as hot tubs. Home Depot's options include a set that comes with a pergola, bar with shelves and two cushioned bar stools. The Decker 3-Piece Patio Pergola Bar Set by Hampton Bay is priced at $499.99, homedepot.com.
Automated elements: Sensors and the push of a button can close pergolas to protect outdoor spaces against the sun's rays and rain. The Equinox Louvered Roof system, by Norcross-based Euramax International, transforms from a pergola-style cover to a solid cover. The adjustable solar-powered system can open via a switch or remote control for full sun, partially open for shade and be closed to protect from the elements. The Equinox, made from aluminum, can be free-standing or installed on ground-level or two-floor patios, the company said. equinoxroof.com/dealers/CreativeOutdoorSolutions
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