Pergola Builder

Pergola Service in Louisville, KY

More than any other amenity, homeowners today are looking for comfortable outdoor living.

A pergola, previously called a patio roof, features four columns and a lattice of beams, rafters, or stringers. Most commonly used for shade, they can also provide a beautiful dining or outdoor living space.

Difference Between Pergola, Gazebo, Arbor, Trellis, Pavilion

Any type of outdoor structure adds beauty to your backyard and can add seating, shade, or defined areas. There are five main types of outdoor structures:

• Gazebo: A gazebo is defined by its solid roof. It sometimes has a built-in floor but can also be built on a concrete pad. The shape of a gazebo is undeniable, it’s a beautiful octagon or circle, with open sides, and makes a beautiful centerpiece for your backyard.
• Arbor: An arbor is an archway that is often placed at the beginning or end of a walkway. The sides form a lattice and look beautiful with climbing plants or vines. Arbors are popular for gardens, backyards, paths, and wedding venues.
• Trellis: A trellis is basically the flat side of an arbor. It is a large, open framework lattice that supports climbing plants. A trellis is often used as a divider wall in your outdoor space or as purely decorative.
• Pavilion: A pavilion is a mixture between a pergola and a gazebo. It has a fully covered roof but is often larger than a gazebo and is either square or rectangular. They are often connected to a deck or concrete base and are commonly used for outdoor seating or an eating area.
• Pergola: A pergola is defined as a lattice-style roof. It can be large or small and is generally used to provide shade in an open area. It is supported by posts on all four ends with open sides and can be built in a variety of styles.

Types of Pergola Styles and Designs

There are several different styles and designs of pergolas depending on the look and functionality you are seeking.

• Freestanding Style: This type of pergola stands independent of other structures and isn’t attached to a roof, siding, or fence line. You can place a freestanding style anywhere and each column must be properly anchored. This works great for outdoor living, food prep areas, cocktail bars, or outdoor play areas.
• Attached Pergola Design: An attached pergola is supported on one or more sides by an existing structure, like the home. They provide a smooth transition from indoor to outdoor living and act as an extension of the existing roof line to give a covered patio or deck area.
• Wall-Mounted Design: A wall-mounted pergola or eyebrow pergola is much smaller than a standard pergola and typically designed to provide shade over a walkway or window. They are attached to the side of an existing structure with no columns or pillars.
• Screened Pergola Design: If you’d like additional shade or privacy, you can use a screened pergola design, which uses screens on one or more sides to block out surrounding elements.
• Architectural Screened Pergola Design: An architectural screen, like a trellis, can be added on one or more sides of any pergola to provide additional privacy and a unique design element.
• Pergola Curtains: Adding pergola curtains is a popular option to increase shade and privacy, while also adding an element of soft texture. Curtains are flexible and simple to install. Because you can choose the color, fabric, and pattern, curtains give a beautiful and custom look.
• Modern Pergola Design: A modern style typically uses a box frame with clean and simple lines. Beams typically have square corners, clean lines, and blunt ends.
• Traditional Pergola Design: Traditional design typically includes a more decorative style with scrolled ends and columns that are either round or square.
• Contemporary Pergola Design: The contemporary design includes a lot of unique elements like arches, tops, curves, and I-beams. They are typically more decorative in nature than a modern or traditional pergola. 
• L Shaped Pergola: An L-shaped pergola has columns that are L-shaped instead of solid square or round columns. This added an extra design touch and an industrial style.

Types of Material Used for Pergola

You can use metal, aluminum, vinyl, or PVC materials to build a pergola, but the most popular option is wood. These are the types of wood we use for pergolas in Louisville, KY:

Pressure-treated pine: Pressure Treated (PT) Pine is a popular option for pergolas because it is a lower up-front installation cost than other materials. It does require cleaning and a good weather sealant every few years.

Redwood: Beautiful redwood is a soft and durable lumber that ages nicely. It is resistant to rot but still requires a sealer if housed in humid areas.

Ipe: This South American hardwood is naturally bug, rot, and fire resistant, making it the perfect material for an outdoor structure.

Cedar: Cedar is a very popular choice because of its versatility. It can be sanded, stained, or painted. It is extremely durable and tends to last longer than other woods. A cedar pergola can last for 15-20 years depending on maintenance.

Your pergola should match your home or any existing structures. Choose wood and stain that will complement your home and add interest, protection, and value to your outdoor landscape.