Landscaping design is no longer just about planting some pretty flower beds. Rather, a more sophisticated landscaping design incorporates hardscaping elements, too. The landscaping and hardscaping elements should work together to create a pleasing tableau.
A popular hardscaping element is the pergola. As Better Homes and Gardens points out, some benefits of adding pergolas to your landscaping include more design options and even increased functionality. Below are some important considerations for adding the pergola.
1. Pergola Material
Classically, pergolas are constructed out of wood. One option is to choose pressure-treated wood, which has been put into a pressurized chamber with water and preservative agents. The process increases the wood's ability to withstand the elements and insect attacks. Pressurized wood is the less-expensive wood option.
You can also choose cedarwood. The heart of the cedarwood contains an oil that naturally repels insects. What's more, cedar is a hardwood, so the density of the material makes it weather-resistant. You can also choose other hardwoods such as redwood or teak.
Vinyl is a good option for your pergola if you don't want a lot of maintenance. You can choose a prefabricated pergola that resembles wood.
Metal is also a good option for low maintenance. What's more, metal pergolas are exceptionally durable. These pergolas tend to be more modern in style.
2. Pergola Style
Speaking of style, that's another important consideration you'll make about your pergola. Many homeowners favor the classic style with four wooden posts and a slatted roof. They even choose different beam-end options to add style to the structure. The classic pergola works well with most landscaping and hardscaping styles.
A metal pergola also consists of four posts and a slatted roof. However, these pergolas tend to be streamlined. Indeed, you can choose metal pergolas that look downright industrial. This style is best if you favor a minimalist approach to your hardscaping.
Some homeowners favor rustic pergolas. These structures almost look like they're falling down because they're made of tied-together branches. You can also choose a distressed metal pergola that looks like it's survived years in the elements.
3. Pergola Placement
A common option for pergola placement is over a dining area. The pergola provides some protection from the sun while still letting you dine al fresco.
As noted, you want your pergola to interact with your landscaping cohesively. To that end, many homeowners choose pergolas that they can then train plants over. They also plant at the base of the pergola.
You may also choose to place the pergola as a transition between spaces. For example, you can place a small pergola along your garden pathway to signal that the guest is about to enter an area of pretty landscaping.
Integrate your hardscaping and landscaping by adding a pergola to your yard. For more information about hardscaping, contact a company like White Oak Land Management.
Share11 October 2019
When my husband and I bought our house years ago, we thought it would be our "starter" home and we would move in a few years. We soon had two children, and we then decided against moving since we live in a great school district and we love our neighbors. However, I was growing very tired of the appearance of our home. We painted it a different color, and it still seemed like the "same old house" that we were tired of. We finally deciding that maybe good landscaping would "do the trick" and make our home more enjoyable to use again. We were right, and I now love our home! I now love spending time in our yard and just enjoying the scenery. I have such a passion for landscaping now I decided to create a blog about it. I plan to share many landscaping tips, so come back!
