Backyard improvements are typically a fun process for most homeowners since it allows them to let their imagination run wild and come up with new and interesting backyard designs. Redoing a backyard can involve everything from small changes to massive alterations of the whole yard, depending on your intentions and budget.
With that being said, installing a new pergola is one of the easiest and aesthetically impactful changes you can make, and more importantly- it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. There are numerous benefits to having a pergola in your garden or backyard, and we are going to cover some of the most notable ones so that you can get a better idea of why it’s essential to have a pergola installed in the space where you relax and hang out with your loved ones.
Pergola – The Basics
Before we focus on the benefits of having a pergola, it’s probably a good idea to mention what it looks like structurally and cover the general basics. A pergola is a structure that resembles a gazebo but with a few key differences. The vast majority of pergolas feature posts that firmly hold the overhead slats in place and structurally sound. The great thing about these posts is that they can cover a large chunk of space easily, without interfering with other objects in your garden or yard.
Pergola installation is one of the best decisions you will make if you’re looking to redo your yard and turn it into your little corner of heaven.
Advantages of Having a Pergola in Your Backyard
Now that we’ve covered the basics of pergolas, here are some notable advantages you can expect if you opt to install one in your garden:
- A Cool Place to Hang Out
The first advantage is probably among the main reasons as to why people install a pergola in their yard – it’s an excellent getaway corner after an exhausting day at the office. Put a nice table and chairs underneath the slats, decorate the space with some flowers, pots, or anything you feel will improve your experience, and spend your afternoons in the garden. A pergola can be a great little safe space in your yard, and it’s up to you to decorate it to match your personality.
- Great for Growing Vines
Before you decide to grow some vines on your pergola, it’s important to note that not all vines are the same. What you want to grow is fast-growing vines as opposed to any type you can find. Fast-growing vines are known for, as the name suggests, growing at a fast pace, meaning you can expect a fully-covered pergola in no time. Some vines grow up to a foot per day, so a 10-foot pergola is going to be covered in vines in about two weeks. For best results, look into white potato vines, clematis, climbing roses, jasmine, and golden hops.
- Dining Space
Pergolas are a great thing for both homes and restaurants. All you have to do is hang some lights or lanterns on the overhead slats, create a romantic, relaxing atmosphere, and that’s it! Why would you waste a beautiful summer night by eating your dinner inside when you can have the time of your life and hang out with your loved ones under the stars? Get creative, decorate your pergola the way you want, and rest assured it will be one of your favorite corners of your home.
- Building an Entertainment HQ
While enjoying a nice cup of ice coffee on a hot summer day is definitely something you should strive for, you should also think about building an entertainment HQ under your pergola. Whether you’re into playing video games, listening to vintage music, or perhaps party with your friends until the sunrise, doing it under a pergola might be a great choice.
Add some speakers, consoles, and a nice flat TV under your pergola, and we promise you’ll never look for any alternatives.
- Introduce Contrast and Vivid Colors
One of the best things you can do with a pergola is to introduce vivid colors and contrast into the equation. This is an excellent idea because it doesn’t require you to buy any electronic equipment or furniture. All you have to do is come up with cool color combinations and paint your pergola, so it stands out as the focal point of your yard or garden.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, vinyl would be your safest bet. On the other hand, if you’re looking for integrity and high customization options, a wooden pergola is the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pergola
Now that we’ve covered some of the most essential advantages of having a pergola in your yard, it’s time to focus on some frequently asked questions that might help you find some answers.
- How to Install a Pergola?
There are numerous DIY video instructions all over the internet that will help you install a pergola on your own. The basic idea behind it is to dedicate space, dig holes for posts, set the posts, and install beams and rafters. Now, while all of this sounds pretty simple and easy, there is much more to it than meets the eye. If you have no experience in building such projects, we would strongly recommend you to hire a team of professionals for pergola installation in South Florida.
On the other hand, if you’re not keen on paying for installation services, make sure you’re diligent and precise in the building of your pergola. Otherwise, you’ll do more harm than good.
- How Much Does it Cost?
It’s hard to offer a precise answer to this question since it all depends on the size of the project, materials used, and a bunch of other factors. For the sake of keeping the calculations simple and straightforward, the average price of installing a pergola is somewhere in the neighborhood of about $3000. Bear in mind; this is a rough estimation based on averages, meaning it’s just an approximation rather than a solid price.
- Should I Hire Professionals?
While this is entirely up to you and your budget, we would strongly recommend you to hire a team of professionals and let them handle the project. If you have some experience with building things, then go ahead and give it a try, but if you don’t – it’s much better to just let the experts handle it.
What did you do with your pergola? Did you use any of our ideas? Let us know by leaving a comment! If you’d like to read more about garden decorations, pavers, and remodeling – don’t hesitate to read some of our other articles!
