The choice of pergola is not simple and is made at random. If you are wondering how to choose a pergola, you need to take into account several criteria in order to find the model best suited to your exterior and your needs. Do you want to create a shaded space for your summer meals, a relaxation area or simply add an aesthetic touch to your garden or terrace? By clearly defining the use and desired style, you will be able to more easily direct your choice towards the ideal pergola!
The different types of pergolas
The pergola is essentially a small outdoor wooden construction generally used to support climbing plants and to create a shaded area.
Today it adorns the facades or terraces of houses and becomes a space to be enjoyed outdoors by hosting garden furniture or garden tables. Discover the different types to help you choose the pergola.
THE PERGOLA IN THE BACK
This pergola is positioned against a wall of the house, which allows the facade to be used as a partial support of its structure. This configuration is particularly appreciated for «dressing up» facades and transforming a simple terrace into a real outdoor living space.
Ideal use: Creates a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors to accommodate an adjacent terrace or large balcony.
THE SELF-SUPPORTING PERGOLA
It stands out for its completely independent structure, mounted on four or more uprights depending on the size. Unlike the wall-mounted model, it does not require any wall fixing, which offers a great advantage in terms of installation freedom.
You can install it wherever you prefer: on a terrace, but above all in the middle of a lawn or at the edge of a swimming pool to create a real island of freshness.
Ideal use: Offers total freedom to create a delimited space in the heart of your garden or on the edge of a swimming pool.
THE REMOVABLE PERGOLA
It is appreciated for its great flexibility and lightness, directly related to removable pergolas. Unlike fixed structures, this temporary pergola is often installed and removed based on your needs.
For tighter budgets or temporary needs, it allows you to enjoy a shaded space without committing to permanent installation work
Ideal use: perfect for temporary receptions or seasonal events.
The different materials
To provide you with a wide range of choices and choose the pergola according to your needs, manufacturers offer styles through various materials.
Aluminium : light and resistant at the same time, the aluminum pergola is a pergola that offers great resistance. It does not rust and requires no maintenance. The aluminum pergola has a modern design for a contemporary exterior.
Wrought iron: matches a classic exterior. Since iron is a material that rusts, you should avoid an iron pergola in regions near the coast. It must benefit from regular anti-corrosion maintenance. From an economic point of view, like the aluminum pergola, its price remains high.
Wooden: charming and welcoming, the wooden pergola is resistant and robust. It is ideal for traditional exteriors. For great longevity it must be preserved from humidity and insect attacks. In a living and more convenient material, its cost will depend on the type of wood: pine, fir or exotic.
A PVC : if the PVC pergola offers an advantage from an economic point of view, on the other hand its durability remains its main weak point. It is estimated that a PVC pergola has a lifespan of approximately 5 years.
>>Discover our article: What if we fell in love with a beautiful garden pergola?
Which roof for the pergola?
The roof will also be a criterion to take into consideration when choosing a pergola. And for good reason, it brings an aesthetic and practical or even functional touch to the entire pergola.
Polycarbonate cover: solid depending on its thickness, the polycarbonate roof combines with an aluminum structure for a modern and refined effect.
Choose a retractable, UV-treated roof for greater comfort.
The canvas roof : not recommended in very windy regions, the cover is very convenient, and can be waterproof, water-repellent and anti-UV treated. Furthermore, it can be rolled up and down to adapt to the amount of sunlight on the terrace.
The slatted roof: the most functional solution, but also the most expensive. If you opt for a roof with adjustable slats, you will be able to orient the slats according to the sun. This way you control the desired sunlight and ventilation.
The green roof: for a very natural effect you can opt for a green roof. This option is particularly attractive to buyers of wooden pergolas. Plant climbing plants such as wisteria or jasmine to obtain a flowery and fragrant effect.
Important point for the roof of the pergola. For a long-lasting terrace construction, we recommend choosing a retractable roof. For the winter you can retract it and let the light in.
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