Your patio space at home should be your oasis, your outside paradise, your spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors— under the subtle shade of a lovely pergola. But how can you go from dreaming about the ultimate pergola to bringing your idea to life? Well, you need two things:
1) Some good design inspiration and;
2) A premium contractor to get the job done.
While you can get online and purchase a ready-to-assemble pergola, why not make it your personal outdoor oasis with the functionality and style you deserve? Check out these awesome pergola ideas on how to boost your outdoor living.
What Is a Functional Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure that can be used in several ways. It offers protection from the sun and rain while also being a beautiful addition to your home. But what makes a pergola functional? To make your pergola both stylish and functional, there are a few key features you could (and should) add:
Retractable Roof
A retractable roof makes your pergola the ideal spot to enjoy everything from super hot, sunny days to a rainy spring day. A retractable roof may also be used often in commercial settings like restaurant patios where visitors can continue their meal despite a rain drizzle when the restaurant closes the pergola roof.
There are both manual and motorized retractable roof options, but the optimal functionality comes from a remote-controlled retractable pergola roof. You never even have to get off your comfortable outdoor furniture to get you and your family some much-needed shade!
Motorized Awnings
If you don’t want a fully retractable pergola roof, you can install a premium pergola with a motorized awning much like this one from StruXure.
The easy-to-switch awning blades can turn closed or open depending on the amount of sun you want or coverage from inclement weather. They’re ideal for the homeowner who wants to quickly adjust the angle as the sun moves across the sky! You can still get that much-needed shade but with increased airflow.
Remote Control Curtains or Shades
In addition to a retractable roof, pergola curtains or shades are another way to increase the functionality of your pergola. They can provide shade and privacy when you need it while adding extra style to your pergola.
Like the retractable roof, there are both manual, and motorized options for pergolas, and they are great for when you want to winterize your pergola in the cooler months and close all the shades to preserve it or turn it into a heated porch in the wintertime. They’re also great for private evenings at home where you want to enjoy the outdoors but without the peeping eyes of your next-door neighbors. We call that a win!
Overhead Heaters
If you live in a climate where it gets chilly at night, consider adding some overhead heaters to your pergola. They’ll take the edge off the chill so you can enjoy your pergola all year long!
Ceiling Fans
Whether you’re trying to cool down on a hot day or circulate heat on a cold one, pergola ceiling fans are a must-have. They’re also great for when you want to enjoy a relaxing evening outside but without all the pesky mosquitoes.
Our Favorite Pergola Ideas to Inspire You
While a functional pergola is ideal and makes your life easier than ever, you also want something that looks and feels as stylish and cool as you are. So we have some top favorite design ideas that will bring your new pergola to the next echelon of comfort and relaxation.
Install an Outdoor TV
Imagine it’s early October, the Green Bay Packers are playing on a Sunday afternoon, there’s a slight chill in the air, and you have your new pergola with overhead heaters, a firepit, and now an outdoor TV to enjoy the game. Your house is for sure to be the go-to spot for game day!
Integrated Lighting Elements
Why mess with extension cords to light up your backyard hangout spot when you can install integrated lighting into your pergola? Hardwiring or installing lighting elements meant for the outdoors directly into your pergola system can be a game-changer.
You can install solar lighting in the backyard and have it light up your pergola when the sun goes down with ease, without ever boosting your energy bills.
A Fire Pit Centerpiece
Overhead heaters not your thing? Why not a gorgeous fire pit in the center of your backyard pergola? While you may not want it too close to the house, integrating a fire pit just underneath the outside edge of your pergola can guarantee warm and cozy nights by the fire, whether or not it rains.
Pair Your Pergola With a Deck
Take your pergola to new heights by installing it on top of a deck. This can especially come in handy if your backyard is sloped and you want to make the most of your outdoor space without all the added hassle.
You can find pergolas that are already designed to be installed on top of a deck, or you can achieve a one-of-a-kind look with a custom pergola and deck combination.
Outdoor BBQ Kitchen
And of course, what would a backyard hang be without grilled meats? If you already have an outdoor kitchen or love to grill up ribs or burgers for you and your friends, integrate it within your pergola covering and create an entire outdoor kitchen custom-fit for your needs!
Make Your Dream a Reality With First American
Why dream it when you can live it?
First American Roofing & Siding also installs decks and pergolas so you can turn your outdoor space into the backyard oasis you’ve been dreaming of. We’ll work with you to create a pergola that’s both stylish and functional because we believe that your outdoor space should be an extension of your indoor one.
Whether you’re looking for a pergola to enhance your existing deck or want something completely new and unique, we can make it happen. Schedule your free estimate today, and let us show you what we can do!
