Are you looking for a pergola for your garden? Don’t you know the material you should choose or the style that will best suit your home? This guide aims to clarify these doubts and others about the different types of garden pergolas.
With the arrival of good weather we want to enjoy our garden. However, it is essential to have a shaded area that protects us from excess sun. Pergolas, gazebos or pedestal tables are the most suitable solution, at Pergomadera you will find different models that will help you protect your skin and furniture from the effects of UV rays.
Wooden or metal garden pergolas?
The first question that comes to mind when choosing a pergola for our garden is the type of material. Today it is possible to find structures made of materials as varied as wood, metal, cement, glass, etc. Yes ok, the most common are wooden and metal pergolasFor this reason I will focus on them.
wooden pergolas
In the market you can find two types of wood for the construction of pergolas and it is important to know how to differentiate them:
- Sawn timber: Sawn wood comes from whole pieces obtained directly from the tree. It is an economical wood but not recommended for wooden structures that are going to support a lot of weight for the following reason: this wood may contain internal structural faults such as knots, rot, etc. These hidden flaws make it less resistant when it comes to bearing weight.
- glued laminated timber: It is the most used in Spain. It is characterized in that the beams are made by joining planks generated in specialized factories and under quality control. This feature prevents internal structural failures.
metal pergolas
- Steel: they are solid and robust but less resistant to bad weather, losing their qualities in very humid areas. They can be made imitating wood.
- Aluminum: they are light, resistant and require little maintenance. On the other hand, they usually have a higher price. They can be decorated with synthetic rattan.
Rustic or modern garden pergolas?
Among the different styles of garden pergolas, the most common are modern or rustic models. It is also possible to find classic, tropical, oriental, colonial style pergolas…, so it will be very easy to coordinate it with the exterior decoration of your home.
modern style pergolas
The modern style is mainly characterized by its finishes of straight and minimalist lines with right angle terminations, giving it an avant-garde appearance.
In some cases, the crossbeams are placed opposite each other on the load-bearing beams. On the other hand, they are usually white, black or metallic.
rustic style pergolas
Rustic style pergolas usually use wide wooden columns with beveled finishes (normally at 45ยบ). A natural finish is sought that highlights the beauty of wood, for this reason they combine perfectly with country houses.
Fixed or independent pergola
Garden pergolas can go attached to the facade of the house or be independent.
Fixed pergola attached to the facade
Fixed pergolas are built to be an extension of the facade of the house. They are ideal for terraces and porches. In addition, they can be built with a sloping or straight roof and made of different materials (awning, textile, vines, etc.).
freestanding pergola
Contrary to what you might think at first, not all independent pergolas can be moved to change their location at any time. They have the advantage that you can place them in any corner of the terrace or garden, without having to be fixed to the structure of the house.
What type of pergola do I choose?
- In principle, wooden pergolas require more maintenance than metal ones. In this link you will find a guide on different finishes for wood, in order to choose the most suitable one.
- Sawn lumber is more attractive than glued laminated lumber, but the latter is much more structurally sound. For this reason, I would personally only choose sawn wood for small pergolas that do not have to support a lot of weight.
- Considering the pros and cons of steel and aluminum, I would only recommend the former in areas where it doesn’t get too much rain.
- The style of the pergola will largely depend on the finish of the facade. Rustic-style pergolas combine perfectly with homes with wooden or stone facades. On the other hand, modern pergolas are more suitable for contemporary and brick finishes.
- When choosing between a fixed or independent pergola, the space we have available will mainly influence. If we have a large garden, we can choose the best location for our pergola. Otherwise, the pergola will be attached to the facade of the house.
I hope that all these tips have been useful to you when choosing between the types of garden pergolas that best suit your home. If you liked this post, you can see more practical guides, tips and DIY projects at .
Images via Via Pergomadera
