Get design ideas for backyard shade structures
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Pergolas and other shade structures are the perfect way of enjoying the outdoors even when the conditions outside are less than appealing. In the heat of summer, you can relax and entertain outdoors without being overwhelmed by the beating sun. Shade structures also extend the season through fall and winter. If your structure is built with a solid roof or even insulated sides, you can enjoy a peaceful winter morning sipping tea, untouched by rain or snow.
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Types of shade structure
Pergolas are a freestanding structure usually placed within the landscape. They can cover a pathway and define the walking space, or can cover a patio or entertaining space outdoors. A pergola usually has open sides, and either a slatted or solid roof.
Patio covers are similar to pergolas, except they are attached to the house. This can be an advantage, because the patio cover can use the home for support and thus may cost less to build than a freestanding structure.
Gazebos are an eight-sided structure with a solid roof, most commonly used in traditional garden styles like English or French. Gazebos have gotten a bad name since so many of them have been built from cheap kits and placed poorly within the landscape, yet they can be an attractive addition if the style of the surrounding landscape works with the structure.
Shade sails are a modern way of gaining relief from the sun. Fabric is stretched across specially-engineered poles to accent and cover a seating area or patio. Shade sails look great with the straight lines and simple geometry seen on contemporary homes, and do double duty as a decorative and artistic part of the landscape.
Screened porches are built directly onto your house, usually off the back door for easy access. Instead of glass windows, they have large screens that protect from insects. Screened porches are great for dining, since you get the experience of being outdoors without having yellow jackets landing on your burger.
Sunrooms are also built directly onto the home. Because a sunroom can be fully-insulated and built with dual-pane windows, it’s a four-season structure that acts as an addition to your home. They’re fully weatherproof, so you can watch birds and wildlife in comfort, even in winter. A sunroom is really only different from the rest of your house in that it has so many windows to enhance your experience of the outdoors.
In this section, you’ll find professional tips to help you decide which types of structure you want, get design inspiration, and learn what pitfalls to avoid in installing the different kinds of shade structures.
Get these tips
In this section, you'll find tips from landscaping professionals and pergola installers on:
- The difference between open and solid patio covers and how to decide which type is right for your needs.
- How to size a pergola so it's proportionate to the elements around it as well as the house.
- The materials, styles and decorative options for backyard pergolas.
- Where to find pergola plans and custom pergola kits made of vinyl or wood.
- The top 10 vines for adding shade, color and fragrance to covered patios.
- Ideas for modern patio covers that offer a minimalist look with clean lines.
- The options for wood pergolas, including the most popular wood types, using kits with the wood and hardware included, and custom-built wood patio covers.
- The benefits, options and cost ranges for aluminum patio covers.
- The benefits of vinyl patio covers, including resistance to insect damage and weathering and easy maintenance.
- How to add shade to your backyard using fabric sails, which are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
- Reducing your electricity costs by installing solar panels on the roof of your patio cover to harvest the energy of the sun.
- Lighting options for covered patios, from recessed can lights to simple rope lighting.
- How to make a covered patio more comfortable by installing ceiling fans, water misters and outdoor heaters.
RELATED: Redwood Pergolas Bring Intimacy to Large Backyard
FAQs
Patio Covers typically provide you with 100% shade protection while pergolas have an open top that provides you with partial shade. Both are great additions to enhance any outdoor living space and our project consultants can help guide you to fit your specific needs and how we can make them best fit your space.
What is a pergola with a roof called? ›
Pergolas with a cover are often referred to as pavilions. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed, stationary cover that generally completely covers the pergola.
What is the use of pergola in landscaping? ›
By providing shade, pergolas can make outdoor spaces more comfortable and usable, particularly during the hot summer months. Add Visual Interest: Pergolas can add visual interest to an outdoor space by creating a vertical element that contrasts with the horizontal lines of the surrounding landscape.
What is better than a pergola? ›
A gazebo or pergola is the perfect addition to your garden if you want to increase shade and create an outdoor lounging area. The main difference between a gazebo and a pergola is that gazebos provide more protection from the rain and require more space, whereas pergolas come in more flexible sizes.
Is a pergola cheaper than a covered patio? ›
Pergolas are generally less expensive than patio covers, as they require fewer materials and labour to install. However, the cost will ultimately depend on the size, materials, and complexity of the structure. Patio covers tend to be more expensive than pergolas, as they require more materials and labour to install.
What is the point of a pergola without roof? ›
A pergola without a roof helps define a space and create a focal point in your garden, without creating a fully enclosed area.
What is the best type of roof for a pergola? ›
One of the best pergola roofing materials is aluminum or metal. These sustainable roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their greater strength and longevity than other materials. They are durable and weatherproof and will not require frequent maintenance. Plus, they offer a variety of colors and finishes.
What are the disadvantages of a pergola? ›
CON: Pergolas provide little protection from weather.
Outdoor furniture under a pergola is susceptible to sun damage, and the pergola structure itself can fade over time and take a beating during storms and harsh winters. Bad weather will most likely limit the amount of time you're able to use a pergola.
What is it called when you have a covered patio? ›
Patio Covers
The term patio cover is often used interchangeably with pavilion and pergola; however, the main difference is that they are attached to the home rather than being a freestanding structure. They are used to cover a patio or deck, and can have either a partially open or completely solid roof.
Where should a pergola be placed on a patio? ›
In most cases, you want to orient your pergola to target the mid-to-late day sun, as this is when you're most likely to need shade. A contemporary aluminium pergola is a great option for houses with bifold doors, reducing light and glare into the home as well as temperature during the hotter summer months.
Frankly, you can put anything you'd like under a pergola—rugs, chairs, tables, toys, exercise equipment, and more—the list is endless.
Does pergola increase home value? ›
While there are many caveats, in short, the answer is yes. A pergola has the potential to add value to your home, with many estimates putting the return on investment at somewhere around 50% to 80%. That makes pergolas one of the more valuable additions homeowners can put on their homes.
Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one? ›
Is it Cheaper to Build A Pergola Yourself? Yes… but almost everything you build for yourself will be cheaper than buying it from someplace.
How long will pergola last? ›
Since they are made of wood, which is vulnerable to both rot and mold, you'll need to re-stain any wood pergola every year to keep it at bay. How much maintenance you do determines how long your pergola will last. If you stain it every year, you can expect it to give you 10 to 12 years of performance.
What is the cover over a patio called? ›
The term patio cover is often used interchangeably with pavilion and pergola; however, the main difference is that they are attached to the home rather than being a freestanding structure. They are used to cover a patio or deck, and can have either a partially open or completely solid roof.
What is a free standing patio cover called? ›
A freestanding covered patio is called a pergola. Unlike gazebos, which are round or octagon-shaped garden structures, pergolas are structures with a square or rectangular shape.
Which is better a pergola or an awning? ›
Awnings are sturdy and built to stand up to sunlight. They provide shade for your guests who want to get out of the heat, and you can retract the awning easily when you no longer need it. A pergola, on the other hand, is a fixed structure, and removing its cover can be cumbersome.
