WHETHER ATTACHED to the house or freestanding, covered in vines or clean and modern, a pergola is an architectural feature that provides a welcome sense of enclosure outdoors, carving out an inviting retreat that allows in fresh air, gentle breezes, and dappled sunlight. "A pergola creates a sense of place and sets the stage for relaxing and entertaining,” says TOH landscape contractor Jenn Nawada.
In its most basic form, a pergola consists of posts topped by beams and rafters, with room-sized proportions and a ceiling height of 8 to 12 feet. Set on a deck or patio and connected to the house, it can define a convenient area for alfresco dining or shield an outdoor kitchen from the elements. Anchored in the yard, it can frame a fire-pit seating area, shelter poolside lounge chairs, create a garden destination, or serve as a passageway from one garden room to another.
Whether it's a DIY project or a custom installation, there's a wide variety of materials, styles, and extras to choose from. Here's how to plan a pergola project.
MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS
A pergola will integrate seamlessly into your home if it echoes the architecture of your house. Just pick the look and level of maintenance that's right for you
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