Every backyard needs some kind of permanent shelter structure that enhances outdoor living. The pergola is a perfect addition for a backyard, increasing comfort, providing a center for all gatherings, and building an enchanting presence. Pergolas have been fixtures in Mediterranean landscapes for centuries, but they’re not limited to that geography. When you plan out the next steps in your landscape renovation, see why landscapers in the Reading, PA, area recommend these ideas for a backyard pergola.
Related: 5 Benefits of Pergolas in Your Reading, PA, Landscape Design
An Extension of the Home
As one of the centers of your outdoor living space, the pergola will have some of the same comforts as the home, making it an extension of the home you can use in good weather. For backyards that are limited in space, consider attaching the pergola to the side of the home as a physical extension as well. Use the same wood and paint colors to help blend the styles of the home outside and create continuity.
Privacy Walls
Enabling privacy in your outdoor living space sometimes requires adding a privacy wall to your pergola. Of course the point of a pergola is to provide shade and let the breeze through, but adding a privacy screen on one side will add to the cozy feel. This could be anything from a transparent mesh to a trellis or even a living wall of climbing vines.
Many Uses
The pergola doesn’t need to be limited to your main outdoor living space. A mini pergola that’s wide enough for two people to share a porch swing or hammock can be a delightful getaway tucked in a quiet corner of the backyard or alongside a backyard pond. Add some climbing vines or other flowering plants that will adorn this pergola like a crown. It will certainly create a wow factor as your friends and family take a walk around your backyard.
The backyard pergola is a wonderful place to host an outdoor feast. The table will sit nicely underneath the wooden structure, taking full advantage of the shade that a pergola can provide. The open walls ensure that air flows freely through the structure. Depending on its size, the pergola can provide some much-appreciated cooling to an outdoor kitchen as well as a dining space. You could maximize space by opting for an outdoor kitchen with bar seating.
Or, your pergola could act as an outdoor living room with the addition of some creature comforts.
Adding the element of fire to your outdoor living can make the space much more comfortable for everyone as chilly weather starts to roll in. A fire table is an excellent addition inside a pergola. A fire table features gas or propane-fueled flames that are always controllable with the turn of a dial. The small and consistent flame will help to warm the space and also create a substantial amount of ambient light. Best of all, a fire table doesn’t produce smoke or ash and will not require any regular cleaning.
On a larger scale, an outdoor fireplace can serve double duty as a privacy wall or even as a wind block while adding warmth and light to your pergola.
If you want to use your pergola in inclement weather as well, ask about adding a clear polycarbonate roof to it. This will keep the rain out while still offering plenty of light.
Related: Add Shade to Your Exeter, PA, Landscape with These Pergola Design Ideas
