The beautiful weather that is the norm in the South Florida area makes the idea of having a pergola extremely attractive.
Having one not only allows you to spend much more time outdoors but will create a space where you can enjoy entertaining friends and family.
A well-built pergola will offer just the right amount of shade to make even the warmest afternoon quite enjoyable.
And if you need additional shade, you can add a retractable cover that will protect you from those unexpected summer showers.
Moreover, nowadays, thanks to the fantastic range of custom pergolas out there, designing the pergola of your dreams has never been easier.
Once you have made up your mind that what you need to enhance your backyard is a pergola, you may want to do some research as to what materials are used for building one these days and which would better serve your needs. Here are some options:
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Vinyl
If your top priority is a pergola that calls for very little maintenance, you should consider one made of vinyl.
Your only limitation is the fact that vinyl is not easy to paint, so make sure to select a color that will make you happy for a long time.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Although pressure-treated wood offers you an accessible option when it comes to materials for your pergola, you should keep in mind that this type of wood can crack and warp over time.
It does, however, offer a very reasonable lifespan. If you select this material, you should know that it is easy to paint or stain.
Fiberglass
If you have a nice budget, fiberglass (learn more) is the way to go. Although this material is certainly the most expensive, it does offer you considerable benefits.
First of all, since it is such a strong material, it allows you to have greater distances without posts (it could be up to 20 feet), making for a cleaner look for your pergola and greater capacity.
Also, fiberglass not only holds paint quite well but can be painted any color you want and it will last longer than on wood.
Fiberglass’s lightweight allows for construction without the need for deep footers and is a great solution when you want to add the pergola to a deck or an existing patio.
Cedar Wood
The cedar wood used for pergolas is usually Western Red Cedar. It goes well with this type of project because it naturally resists insects and always looks beautiful.
Also, you have the option of leaving it untreated and letting it slowly turn an elegant silver-gray color, or you can decide to either seal it or paint it.
As far as budget, a cedar pergola will cost more than one made from pressure-treated wood, but it will give you a far longer lifespan.
The Magic of a Pergola Can Be Yours
Having a pergola in your backyard will surely provide extra living space.
To make it even more enjoyable, check with your professional remodeling contractors if it is also possible to include a chandelier, a ceiling fan, small speakers, decorative strings of light, or anything else that your imagination might come up with.
No matter how large or small your budget is, with the wide variety of options available today, a pergola will offer you and your family a true outdoor oasis that will provide countless hours of enjoyment for many years to come.