What Is the Point of a Pergola? Deciding if This Outdoor Feature Is Right for Your Space

The breeze blows gently while the scents of barbecue and freshly cut grass hang in the air. The sounds of children playing pleasantly interject the drone of buzzing insects and singing birds. You’re firmly planted in a cushioned chair as you witness the sun cast long shadows from the columns and beams of your pergola. 

Is this scene pulled directly from a curated advertisement, or is this the potential reality of having a pergola in your backyard?

In this article, we will explore why a pergola should be your newest backyard addition. Keep reading as we deconstruct the definition, function, cost, and aesthetic of pergolas. 

Table of Contents

• What Is a Pergola?
• What Is the Point of Having a Pergola?
• Do Pergolas Actually Provide Shade?
• 4 Additional Benefits of Having a Pergola
• Other Frequently Asked Questions About Pergolas
• Let Three Rivers Custom Decks Design the Outdoor Space of Your Dreams

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an ornamental structure made of parallel columns that support an open roof or a grid of beams, rafters, trellis, or latticework. The term “pergola” is derived from the Latin word “pergula,” which means “projecting eave.” 

The earliest known garden plan that incorporated a pergola-type structure dates back to 1400 BC, when it was designed to adorn the entryway of a garden belonging to an Egyptian high court official of Thebes. 

After that, pergolas were spotted throughout the ancient West and East, and then the term “pergola” was officially coined in 1645 by John Evelyn. Since then, pergolas have graced the ages with their practicality and aesthetic. 

From being decorative garden architecture to serving as a trellis for harvestable vegetation, the factors involving the beauty and function of pergolas may have changed over the years, but one thing remains true — a pergola is an excellent addition to any backyard, patio, or deck. 

Different types of pergolas include:

• Freestanding
• Attached
• Arched
• Louvered
• Awning

Pergolas may be made out of various materials, including:

• Wood
• Concrete or stone
• Fiberglass
• Steel
• Aluminum
• Vinyl

Whatever material you choose to build your pergola, Three Rivers Custom Decks will help you envision and execute the highest-quality finished product. 

We have extensive experience designing pergolas to enhance decks, patios, and other outdoor spaces. View our gallery for inspiration today. 

What Is the Point of Having a Pergola?

We know that pergolas are peak garden aesthetics, but what is the point of a pergola?

Typically, pergolas can accent or define a particular space to give it identity within a design. They may be used to decorate:

• Gardens
• Pool areas
• Seating areas
• Decks
• Patios
• Other backyard spaces

Pergolas also provide partial shade and are generally waterproof, so that you can enjoy your backyard space rain or shine. 

While they may not provide the same protection from the elements as their enclosed cousin, the gazebo pergolas are a proprietary blend of indoors meets outdoors. The space radiates the subconscious comfort of the “inside” while allowing a few rays of sun to peek through or a breeze to freely blow by. 

 

 

Do Pergolas Actually Provide Shade?

Since pergolas have a slated, partially open roof, the shade they provide can range from minimal to plenty. It all depends on the design. Pergolas offer a versatile array of design options to minimize or maximize their shade-producing abilities.

If you are concerned about protection from the sun but love the look of a pergola, you may opt to: 

• Install a retractable awning 
• Build your pergola with wider roof beams
• Attach fabric sails or curtains on the top or sides
• Use plants and greenery to provide extra shade and aesthetic

Three Rivers Custom Decks will go above and beyond to help you design and build a deck that meets your shading needs and expectations. 

From cultivating a design that provides maximum shade to installing features to help keep your space cool and trendy, our design experts will work with you to make your dreams a reality. 

4 Additional Benefits of Having a Pergola

While shade and protection are valuable features of outdoor overhead structures, pergolas didn’t impact and influence ancient and modern architecture on their utility alone. 

Let’s explore why you should consider adding a pergola to your new, existing, or potential deck, patio, and outdoor space. 

#1: Pergolas Create a Cozy Point of Interest in Your Outdoor Area

Imagine sitting under your pergola in the morning with your coffee while the early sun warms the dewy, cool air. Or in the evening, when you relax under your pergola with a cold drink in hand, watching the setting sun cast striped shadows on you and the ground. 

These images are so easily conjured because pergolas create cozy points of interest no matter the time of day or area. 

You can even customize your pergola to align with your intentions for it. Want a place to grill and eat with the family when the weather is nice? Add some chairs, a table, and a grill. Want somewhere to lounge next to the pool? Deck your pergola out with privacy curtains and lawn chairs. 

#2: Pergolas Can Beautify Your Yard

Pergolas add a touch of luxury while creating a dynamic environment for other landscaping and architectural elements. They set the mood, create a romantic and elegant atmosphere, and are inherently inviting. 

Are you planning to enjoy a nice vintage bottle while sitting under your pergola? Enhance the experience by growing grape vines along its trellis. Looking to add shape to your deck and landscaping? Implement a pergola to add impact. 

With so many design features and functions, beautifying your yard is simple when you choose to install a pergola. 

#3: Pergolas Can Add Value to Your Home

According to home and garden experts, refining your backyard space with landscaping and ornate structures may increase your home value by up to 10%. 

And if you have no intention of selling your home or profiting off of your new pergola, the value it adds in time well-spent outdoors provides non-monetary value that can be enjoyed for years to come. 

#4: Pergolas Can Be an Affordable Addition

While pergolas exude luxury, their cost may be somewhat affordable depending on the size, materials used, and type. According to industry insights, this backyard addition could cost as little as $1,000 to as much as $16,000.

Who you choose to help install your pergola may also impact its cost and quality. 

At Three Rivers Custom Decks, we believe in offering high-quality outdoor structures at a great value. With our services, you get what you pay for — unparalleled craftsmanship and an exemplary final product that is in line with your budget and tastes. 

Contact Three Rivers Custom Decks to discuss design options and pricing. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Pergolas

Can You Grow Plants and Vines on Pergolas?

While plants and vines add another level of aesthetic and additional shade, they may need to be continuously maintained. Unmanaged greenery and vines may threaten to destroy pergolas over time. 

As long as you keep up with the plant growth, your pergola could host a variety of climbing, flowering foliage, such as:

• Honeysuckle
• Passion flowers
• Potato vine
• Grapevines
• Clematis
• Climbing and rambling roses
• Wisteria
• And more

How Much Maintenance Do Pergolas Require?

Depending on the type of materials used, the maintenance needs of your pergola may vary. 

Wooden pergolas may need extra maintenance, such as routine staining, waterproofing, and cleaning to reduce rotting, warping, sagging, or fading. You may also need to replace rotting boards or loose hardware to ensure the safety and longevity of your pergola. 

If this sounds like too much work for you, an aluminum or vinyl pergola may better suit your needs. 

Who Can I Trust To Build a Pergola and Other Outdoor Areas for My Home?

If you’re in the Portland area, trust no other contractor but Three Rivers Custom Decks to deliver a custom-designed pergola. Our comprehensive design and build process leaves no detail unexplored and no time wasted. 

Here’s what to expect when you choose to work with Three Rivers Custom Decks:

1. During the initial consultation and design, we encourage clients to unload their ideas, needs, and alfresco fantasies. Bring your Pinterest boards, photos, and any other materials that may help us conceptualize your dream design. Our experts will act as a backboard for your ideas while offering suggestions and answering questions.
2. After your design has been realized, we will provide you with an initial plan complete with pricing and drawings.
3. We will adjust the initial draw-up based on your feedback and final input.
4. You sit back in anticipation while we quickly get to work erecting your pergola and any other requested features. 
5. Once we’ve finished your pergola and primed it for its unveiling, we’ll walk you through the project while discussing warranties and final payments. 

It sounds that easy because Three Rivers Custom Decks makes it so. From our no-stress, fun initial design phase to seamless execution, we make backyard builds enjoyable and exciting. 

Let Three Rivers Custom Decks Design the Outdoor Space of Your Dreams

For over 25 years, Three Rivers Custom Decks has been bestowing outdoor excellence onto the homes and businesses of Portland. 

We ensure that only the highest quality of work, materials, and skill will be involved in your pergola or outdoor architecture project. No design is too simple or complicated for the efficient and proficient experts at Three Rivers Custom Decks. 

If you’d like to become one of our many satisfied clients, request a quote or consultation today.