A study reveals that people who spend 2-3 hours a week outdoors have 20% more satisfaction in their lives than people who don’t spend time outdoors.
Pergolas are a beautiful and functional piece of decor that comfortably connects indoors and outdoors. Be it a home in Canada’s coldest regions or on the breezy coastline, a pergola is a sure way to add a bit of class and comfort to your home.
The best part about pergolas is that you can build them however a way that suits your style, and the colours of the house, and tackle weather conditions. So which makes more sense, buying or building DIY pergolas? In this article, we will find an answer to this.
You may be interested: Pergola Ideas
Planning Your Pergola
Before exploring the material and diving straight ahead into construction, planning is crucial.
Some factors that you need to consider while drawing out a plan to build a pergola:
- What will you be using the pergola the most for?
- Do you want a backyard, rooftop, or garden pergola?
- How big or small, in contrast to your space, should the pergola be?
- How do you want to cover the roof of a pergola?
- What is the weather condition like in your area, and what material will be most suitable for pergola construction?
After researching and planning out these factors, you can go ahead and start choosing the material for your pergola
Choosing Your Materials
When it comes to materials, Canadians have several options depending upon the climatic conditions and parts of the country they are living in. However, the choice boils down to durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
What material is best for building a pergola?
Wood is a popular choice for pergola for its natural look, easy to assemble nature and ease of availability, But wooden pergola has its own set of challenges and requires regular maintenance to withstand the Canadian weather. It’s an excellent choice for DIY pergola to create a cosy, natural-feeling space in smaller garden areas.
However, for those seeking durability, minimal maintenance, and aesthetics, aluminium pergolas are unmatched. These aluminium frames are best suited for all kinds of weather like dry winter winds, salty coastline breeze and humid country air.
With the sturdy nature of aluminium, you have endless opportunities to choose the size and place of the pergola without the fear of it collapsing or giving away to harsh winds. The sleek look also offers many design opportunities that can fit perfectly in both modern houses and classic vintage spaces.
Good to Know: Types of Pergola
It is cheaper to build a pergola or buy one?
The short answer is: It is cheaper to buy one!
While aluminium pergolas have a high up-front cost, they are more long-lasting and have low maintenance, making them a cheaper option.
Lay Down The Foundation
Now that you have planned and chosen the material, the next step is to start building it. While wood is suitable for a DIY pergola, it is, nevertheless, important to lay down strong foundations so your pergola won’t collapse after some time.
To avoid this accidental collapse, Aluminium pergolas should be a go-to. The strong material coupled with strong securing posts in concrete ensures that your pergola stands the test of time.
To properly lay the foundation of your pergola, it is best to call a professional.
Adding Your Personal Finishing Touches
Transforming your pergola into an extension of your personal style and comfort preferences is not just about choosing the right material; it’s also about accessorising and customising it. These personal touches not only increase the usability of your outdoor space but also contribute to its ambiance.
Here’s how you can personalise your space or business like a cafe, restaurant, etc to make it truly yours.
Curtains
Adding sheer curtains to your pergola is a cost-effective and beautiful way to take your pergola from basic to bougie. You can choose sheer curtains for parties and use a weather-resistant fabric for regular use that doesn’t fade with time. They are a great way to add privacy and a soft, romantic touch to your pergola.
Lighting
The right lighting can turn your pergola into a romantic and magical space. Solar-powered string lights and some hanging lamps on the roof of the pergola can make a lot of difference to your otherwise basic pergola.
Sound Systems
Imagine this: you’re sitting under your pergola in the evening, and soft, mellow music is playing through the sides and roof of your pergola. How soothing would that be? According to a study titled “Effects of nature sounds on the attention and physiological and psychological relaxation,” hearing forest sounds calms the brain and autonomic nervous system activity.
You can integrate a hidden sound system into your pergola so you can enjoy music and movies without the sight of big speakers.
Build A Long-lasting and beautiful Pergola in Canada
Pergola definition is a beautiful feature to your outdoor space, but keep in mind that they are an investment and need maintenance. Since they’ll be sitting outdoors, you want your pergola to be low-maintenance so it doesn’t rust and doesn’t need regular upkeep.
Is it easy to build a pergola?
In terms of wood, yes. While wood is an excellent choice for do-it-yourself pergola, it is not the most ideal in terms of durability. To tackle the varying weather conditions of Canada, the smart option is to choose a material like aluminium that is sturdy, stylish, and low maintenance.
These aluminium structures are designed to last, resisting rust, decay, and the harsh UV rays of summer. Plus, their modern design adds a contemporary flair to any outdoor space, with the added benefit of customizable options for colour, size.
Pergola Art combines the practical knowledge of the field and the client’s preferences to create the pergola of your dreams. Our team has worked with a number of clients from all across Canada and has created some beautiful pergolas for modern, vintage, and minimal themes.
We, as a pergola manufacturer in Canada, work together to create a functional and beautiful piece of art that is more than just a structure.
