Now that you have your perfect stainless steel cable railing system, you may be wondering what other ideas you could add to compliment your beautiful deck! Perhaps a pergola? Pergolas are time-tested freestanding outdoor structures. Today’s pergolas consist of posts supporting a decorative, open-structured roof, with no walls beneath. A pergola can transform your outdoor space into a living area with shade, privacy, and comfort for relaxation and entertaining. Not only will this compliment your deck but it will also blend beautifully with your cable railing system!
The Unlimited Choices for Pergolas
You can choose from a variety of materials to use for your pergola. Some of the most common types are wooden pergolas. Homeowners love wooden pergolas because of their natural look and they are a good option for DIY or custom builds due to the material being easy to work with. They are also flexible in design but it is important to know they can be the least durable and most high-maintenance material. Fiberglass pergolas are another option with a smooth surface and a more polished feel than wood. Fiberglass pergolas tend to be more durable and virtually maintenance-free compared to wooden pergolas. They tend to fit better in modern landscape designs versus traditional ones and can be a more expensive option.
Aluminum pergolas are very similar to fiberglass since they are light, strong, sleek, fit better in modern landscape designs, and require almost no maintenance. They are rust resistant which helps with environmental challenges and typically powder-coated, so paint color won’t chip with wear and tear. Vinyl pergolas are the lower-cost option compared to the other materials we mentioned. The downside is they tend to look lower quality because the surface is visually discernible from wood or fiberglass. They are a low-maintenance and cost-effective option if flexibility in design is not crucial. Vinyl pergolas are typically limited in color, normally you would see them offered in white or light neutral colors. This cannot be ideal if you have a specific vision or design in mind. It is always important to take in every consideration including, flexibility in design, price, and durability when deciding on what material is best for your pergola!
Pergola Ideas For Your Outdoor Space
A pergola can transform any outdoor space into the perfect entertainment space or living area with shade and privacy. There are various ideas on where you can place your pergola or decorations and additional elements that you could add to enhance your pergola! Below we will name our favorite top five ideas on how to use a pergola to enhance your outdoor space.
- Adding a pergola to your deck – Pergolas match perfectly with your deck since most people have outdoor seating and usually spend extended periods of time on their deck already. It also helps provide coverage to give yourself more shade and make your space more comfortable. You can also convert a front or back patio into a porch by adding a pergola overhead. This can create a modern look and match the style of the home exterior perfectly!
- Pergola by the pool – Could there be a better addition to your pool? We all know the sun can be particularly harsh during the summer months. A poolside pergola will have you finding relief on a hot sunny day as you transition from your pool area to relaxing in the cool shade. This also transforms your pool area into a more luxurious vibe.
- Perfect combination of a pergola and a trellis – When you combine a pergola with trellis screens, it will turn your deck into a private retreat. It is the perfect combination with the pergola providing shade while the trellis can block views and sounds from the neighbors. This will transform your outdoor space into a relaxing, private, and comfortable living area!
- Garden pergola designs – Incorporating a pergola within your backyard garden is another great way to enhance your outdoor space! A pergola can become both a destination and a focal point in a garden. This would be a beautiful addition to any home.
- Attaching a pergola to the house – The patio-to-porch effect of an attached pergola is gorgeous in either the front yard or backyard! This is also a creative way to create shade for your deck or patio area just outside your back door.
What Else Can Help Transform Your Pergola
There are many accessories or elements to add to your pergola to enhance your entertainment or outdoor space. For example, you can add signage, greenery, or any decorations that match the design of your outdoor space. Adding fabric or curtains is also a great way to get extra privacy and shade from your pergola. Curtains between pergola posts can be opened or shut as needed. It is also useful for adding protection to decks and other elements from color fading due to environmental conditions.
Homeowners also love the idea of a pergola being used with hanging seating. This is a fun and creative take on fire pit seating, conjuring the carefree vibe of porch swings that makes for an irresistible outdoor living space for friends and family to enjoy! String lights are another creative way to make your pergola more comfortable and unique. Installing string lights around or across the ceiling is typically the most cost-effective option for landscape lighting on a pergola. You can also use deck lights mounted to posts that can shine up or down as an option. Homeowners love the magical effect they have on an outdoor living space and make their entertainment space more inviting!
Atlantis Rail Systems: The Leader in Cable Railing Systems
To learn more about beautiful and practical cable railing systems for your deck, stairs, and balconies, browse the Atlantis Rail Systems website. This Plymouth, MA-based company offers many unique, easy-to-install configurations complete with all necessary hardware to ensure a safe and code-compliant railing system.
For more information on planning cable railings for decks, contact the railing experts at Atlantis Rail Systems at 1-800-541-6829 or by completing the Contact Us Form.
Sources:
https://yardzen.com/yzblog/all-about-pergolas
https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/outdoor/pergola-arbor-trellis/pergola-ideas