Pergolas for Garden and Cottage: How to Choose?
A large-scale revolution! This is the first thought that comes to mind when looking at the range of pergolas with roof today. Throughout its record, the pergola has undergone a strong transformation. Moreover, these changes are immediately noticeable: from the simplicity and aesthetics of the first pergolas, we have come to modern products’ high technology and practicality. But surprisingly, all options are still in fashion, and you can easily buy a pergola of any type.
However, inexperienced buyers often ask why they should select a pergola instead of a canopy or gazebo. How is a pergola different, and what are its advantages?
The distinction between a pergola and a regular gazebo is that the roof (and even the side walls) can be opened and closed as desired. If you want more sun, remove the roof. If you want to hide from the scorching rays, pull the awning as much as possible.
The distinction between a pergola and an awning is in the supporting frame. Awnings are backed only by supports that are attached to the walls. They usually do not have supports on the opposite side, but pergolas do.
The mechanisms that allow you to open and close the awning may differ. But in general, all these distinctions are quite conditional and relative. Because, as has already been said, pergolas, awnings, and any other pavilions can have numerous features and configurations.
Pergolas for the garden and cottage
Any type of pergola with roof can easily be used at the cottage. Here, everything depends on your preferences. But in this case, we mean exactly those structures with which it all began. After all, at first, pergolas were operated as supports for clambering plants. They entwined the form and created a cozy shaded corner where relaxing on a hot summer day was comfortable.
Something similar can be done these days at your cottage. We recommend buying pergolas made of crude materials, such as wood. Wooden pergolas are great for roses, clematis, grapes, ivy, and other climbing plants. Add flowers in hanging pots to them – and you will have an unusually beautiful recreation area at your dacha. But remember that it will be quite massive, and the degree of shield from the sun will depend on the plants.
Pergolas for a summer terrace in a cafe or restaurant
In this case, functionality comes to the fore rather than beauty. Therefore, beautiful but massive and ineffective inflexible pergolas with roof are rarely operated here. More modern and technologically advanced forms are replacing them, the main task of creating coziness and dense shade for visitors sitting on the summer terrace.
For this purpose, establishment owners try to buy pergolas with robust but not bulky supports that will only take up a little space. The roofs for these forms are constructed of long-lasting, moisture-resistant materials.
Such a pergola allows people to spend time outdoors, hiding from the sun or light rain. If side protection is also used (for example, PVC film), then people can relax here even in autumn and winter.