Outdoor Living: Pergolas

Continuing with our outdoor living theme this month, we’re diving into pergolas! What are they, why might you want one, and what can you do with one? As it turns out, there are many benefits to having a pergola, and Alpine Gardens has a lot of experience designing and building them!

What are pergolas?

Pergolas are simple outdoor structures that offer definition, privacy, and shelter to your landscape. It is often an open structure, held up by posts and beams. It can be made out of different materials including wood or metal and can vary in cost and size. While they have open sides and a lattice top, pergolas can offer more privacy, if desired, with the addition of screens, drapes, or plants.

The biggest difference between a pergola and a gazebo is that gazebos have solid roofs and are often more octagonal in shape. Gazebos are often more expensive to install, too. If you are indecisive about choosing a gazebo or pergola, ask our design experts about what they think would work best for your home, budget, and purposes.

Why do I need a pergola?

The functional benefits of a pergola are numerous. Pergolas create a designated space for outdoor living. Many of our clients use them for entertainment and relaxation. They become an area that shields you (and your guests) from the hot Colorado sun. If you choose to add screens on one side, you can also be sheltered from the harsh front range winds. Pergolas extend the time that you are able to spend out of doors, enhancing your outdoor living experience.

Aesthetically, pergolas add a lot to a landscape as well. They add definition and structure to a landscape. Pergolas can be built using all different materials, meaning they can match your home’s style and your tastes, blend well with the rest of your landscape design, and add beauty. A finished landscape can increase your home’s value by up to 20%.

What pergola options are there?

There are endless options when it comes to pergolas. No matter your budget, style, or preferences, Alpine Gardens can design a pergola for you! Pergolas can be made of wood, vinyl, metal, or other materials. The roof can be constructed of lattice or just crossbeams, sometimes called purlins. Some clients prefer one side to be closed in, others like to install screens that they can open and close, or drapes to add some privacy. Drapes and screens can conveniently be adjusted based on the weather and time of day. Pergolas can be an extension of your home, as covering a portion of a deck or patio, or they can be free-standing in the yard near a firepit or outdoor kitchen. Not all pergolas are square, either. They can be rounded or rectangular as well, depending on your preferences. It’s not uncommon to see decorative accents added to a pergola such as steel brackets or lighting. We encourage you to browse our gallery to get more ideas and see the truly endless options.

Pergola Options at Alpine Gardens:

  • Location: Extension on the home or free-standing
  • Material: wood, vinyl, metal, or more
  • Privacy: screens, drapes, lattice work, climbing plants
  • Shape: Rounded, rectangular, or square
  • Roof: crossbeams or lattice
  • Budget: Starting at $4,000 but typically range from $25-$50 per square foot
  • The limit is your imagination! Talk to us about your pergola ideas.

If you’re considering adding a pergola to enhance your outdoor living space, please call Alpine Gardens at 970-226-2296. We’d love to discuss options and possibly create some designs for you!