What is a Pergola Used For?

Some believe the purpose of a pergola is nothing more than to add some aesthetic appeal to an outdoor space. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, these do elevate the appearance of your backyard, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

So, what is a pergola used for? We’ll take a close look at all the reasons you might want to install one of these structures yourself – from protection from the sun to creating an outdoor living space with a BBQ, furniture, and maybe even a TV, support for climbing plants, and more.

Once you have a better understanding of the pergola purpose you’ll see why these are becoming more and more popular. You can take the next step towards bringing your backyard vision to life here at Viking Fence.

As the #1 choice for a pergola in Dallas, Viking Fence is eager to help you create your own custom work of art and get it installed so you can start experiencing the benefits firsthand. Reach out today to learn more!

What is a Pergola?

First, what is a pergola? This outdoor structure combines functionality with style, using vertical posts that support crossbeams and an open, latticed roof.

The primary purpose of a pergola is really just to define an outdoor space without fully enclosing it. This way, you can still enjoy the outdoors without having to get blasted by the sun. You’ll find pergolas used on patios, gardens, and walkways.

We see the terms arbor vs pergola used interchangeably, but we want to be clear in stating these are very different structures, although they do share a few similarities. Arbors are much smaller and serve as more of an entryway than an actual place to relax and unwind.

Similarly, some people confuse gazebos and pergolas as the same. Again, while they do have some similarities, they’re vastly different. A gazebo has a solid roof with walls, whereas a pergola has neither.

That being said, what is a pergola used for?

So, what is the point of a pergola? Beyond serving as a stunning architectural feature that can be viewed as the centerpiece of your yard, the pergola purpose is practical. These transform your outdoor living experience for the better, and we’ll explain how below.

Shade and Shelter

The primary purpose of a pergola is to offer shade and shelter from the elements outdoors. While the roof of a pergola tends to be open, it can be outfitted with slats, fabric, or vines to create a cooler, shaded area.

This makes pergolas perfect for shielding you from harsh sunlight while still enjoying the fresh air. In some cases, they can even protect you from the rain!

Whether you’re lounging with a book, entertaining guests, or dining outdoors, a pergola offers just enough shade to keep you comfortable without completely blocking out natural light. It offers the best of both worlds – everything you love about being outside without the heat and sunlight in your eyes!

Outdoor Living Spaces

One of the most common uses for a pergola is to create a more defined living space outdoors, whether it’s a simple patio with a couple of chairs or a more sophisticated setup with an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, and perhaps even a television.

You can essentially turn your patio, deck, or garden into an extension of your home by installing a pergola over it. This creates the perfect environment for dining, relaxing, or socializing with friends and family.

Add outdoor furniture, string lights, or even an outdoor kitchen, and you’ve got yourself a versatile space that can be used year-round.

Aesthetic Enhancement

Sure, part of what draws homeowners towards a pergola is the aesthetic side of things. It’s clear to see why – they’re absolutely stunning structures.

The clean lines and elegant design create a sense of depth and structure that can transform the appearance of your outdoor space. Whether you opt for a modern minimalist style or a more traditional, rustic look, a pergola blends seamlessly with any landscape design.

Plus, you can customize the pergola with various materials, finishes, sizes, and designs to suit your personal taste and the property’s architecture. We’ll talk about how to build a pergola that aligns with your desires later on.

Support for Climbing Plants

There’s one final pergola purpose you may not have thought of – they serve as the ideal framework for climbing plants like ivy, wisteria, or roses.

These plants can weave through the beams of the pergola as they grow to create a lush, green canopy that offers even more shade and beauty. This not only boosts the aesthetic appeal of your space even further but also creates a natural, eco-friendly retreat.

Eventually, you’ll come to share the space with birds and other wildlife that use the structure as their own little sanctuary, too. This is truly the best way to merge the interior with the exterior.

Is it Worth Building a Pergola?

With a better understanding of the pergola purpose you’re probably starting to see why more and more homeowners are finding space in their yards for one of these structures.

But the pergola cost can be a bit tough to stomach – is it worth paying thousands of dollars to bring these benefits into your backyard? We think so! In fact, it could pay for itself one day if you decide to sell your home.

This addition to your yard could boost your curb appeal. The enhanced architectural character could make your home more attractive to buyers, helping you command a higher selling price one day.

But even if you never sell your home it’s well worth investing in a pergola if you find yourself wanting to spend more time outdoors. You can transform underused areas of your yard into functional spaces you can enjoy year-round.

Whether it’s creating an outdoor dining area, a cozy lounge space, or even a peaceful reading nook, a pergola empowers you to spend more time outside in comfort. So, let’s talk about how you can make your pergola vision a reality below!

Tips on Bringing the Benefits of a Pergola to Your Property

Our advice is to find a company you trust to help you customize the design and handle the installation of your pergola. Sure, you can take the DIY route, but the whole purpose of a pergola is to elevate your outdoor space and it’s really not worth taking any chances.

Viking Fence is the #1 choice in the great state of Texas, and if you’re debating building your own pergola, we encourage you to get in touch with us today so we can talk next steps. Here’s a basic overview of the process.

Choosing the Right Location

If you don’t have a place in mind for your pergola already, that’s where we suggest you start. This will influence the size you’re able to install and the overall design.

You can’t go wrong with areas that naturally attract foot traffic or where you spend the most time outdoors, such as near a garden, pool, or patio. You should also think about the sun’s position throughout the day and whether you want more shade or sunlight.

There are pros and cons to placing it closer to and further from your home. The closer it is the more convenient it is to use, whereas the further away it is, the more of a private sanctuary it becomes.

Customizing Your Pergola Design

Part of what makes pergolas such a great addition to any property is that they can be customized to meet the specific needs of your setting – both in terms of size and design.

We suggest reading our pergola size guide if you haven’t already, as this will help you figure out the optimal dimensions. From there, it’s just a matter of tailoring the appearance to your home’s aesthetic and your personal taste.

From classic wooden beams to sleek, modern metal frames, there’s a pergola design for every type of home. You can also choose the finish, roof style, and additional features like integrated lighting, retractable covers, or even hanging plants to suit your needs. The possibilities are endless!

Integrating Landscaping and Greenery

We mentioned earlier one of the primary purposes of a pergola is to support greenery. This is why we recommend planting climbing vines or flowers like wisteria, jasmine, or roses. These can create a natural canopy over time, providing extra shade and a lush, green look.

You might also think about strategically placing the pergola to complement existing trees, shrubs, or garden beds. The goal is to have it blend seamlessly into your outdoor environment while still making a statement.

Maximizing Functionality

After the pergola is built the work isn’t quite finished. You still need to add features that maximize functionality, like outdoor furniture, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens. These will transform the pergola into a more functional living space.

You can take things a step further with built-in seating, overhead fans, or string lighting to further enhance comfort and practicality. The goal is to be able to use your pergola day or night year-round.

Maintenance and Care

If you design a pergola smartly, you can minimize maintenance and make your life a whole lot easier. We suggest materials like cedar or metal which are more resistant to the elements.

You can also protect your pergola with stains or sealants to form a shield against moisture and UV damage. Even still, it’s important to give your pergola a routine cleaning every so often to keep it looking stunning and functioning well for years.

Take the Next Step With Viking Fence Today!

The perfect time to get started building a pergola is now. Viking Fence is here to help you bring your vision to life as the #1 contractor in Texas.

We have more than 50 years of experience helping Texas residents and businesses build stunning outdoor structures and are eager to help you do the same. While we’ll do all the heavy lifting, you’re in control of the design from start to finish.

So, get in touch with our team today and take the next step towards experiencing the purpose of a pergola firsthand!

Closing Thoughts on the Purpose of a Pergola

So, what is a pergola used for? We hope this pergola purpose guide has left you with a clear grasp of why these structures are such a profound addition to any property.

It provides shade, supports greenery, creates a defined outdoor space to relax in, and can potentially increase your property value. All of this while serving as a centerpiece for your yard.

Choosing the right design and location are key to maximizing all the benefits these structures have to offer. We can help you with at least one of those things. Reach out to Viking Fence today and learn more about our pergola building process and why we’re the #1 choice in Texas!