31 Aug
Deciding Between Various Types of Pergola Kits
A pergola is an outdoor structure which is made to provide support for plants that climb, as well as creating a cool shaded area that can be used for relaxation and recreation. You can sometimes see them in patios, over porches and many times along sidewalks and gardens with long walkways. They can be purchased in pergola kits that come prefabricated or you can have them custom built by a contractor.
There are several different styles and a lot of designs available but trying to decide which one is best can be a bit overwhelming. Hopefully some of the tips we cover here will make your decision much easier. The materials that pergolas, kits, and even design plans call for can vary greatly and each one has its own characteristics that can either be good or bad depending on the climate where you live.
Wood is the most popular choice of material and cedar pergola kits are excellent because cedar is naturally resistant to insect infestations, rotting and decaying. In selecting a wooden pergola, you don’t want to choose wood materials that contain treatment chemicals which can be harmful to climbing plants. You definitely want to be sure to use fasteners that are made of stainless steel because they will be more resistant to rust.
Aluminum is another excellent choice because metal materials are also very durable. In fact, aluminum is by far the best choice of metal because it is lightweight and at the same time sturdy and durable. Be sure to use aluminum that has a hardness rating of anywhere between T-4 and T-6 with T6 being the hardest and the strongest. An aluminum pergola kit also comes with the advantage of not rusting much like the stainless steel materials discussed above.
If neither of these choices appeals to you then maybe you should consider using vinyl materials for your pergola. Vinyl pergola kits are also lightweight and they have excellent weather resistance and durability characteristics. Be sure that any vinyl products you choose contain an outdoor ultraviolet rating that can stand up to continuous sunlight. Most vinyl kits will be treated with an ultraviolet inhibitor to stop the sun from discoloring the material.
Finally, after you make your selection of materials, you then have to decide on a design or style. This decision is completely up to you. You can choose a rustic look, traditional English garden look, or perhaps a Japanese garden décor. Once you have selected your material and your style preference, you simply need to have someone install your pergola for you or you can do it yourself, either way you can look forward to many hours of enjoyment and added value to your home by installing this timeless addition.
Related posts:
