What is the Purpose of a Pergola?

What is the purpose of a pergola? More than just a pretty face: 

Ever admired the look and feel of a pergola, gracing backyards or patios, casting partial shade? Sure, it’ll make your space more inviting. But beyond their aesthetic appeal... what is the purpose of a pergola? 

The Appeal of the Traditional Pergola: 

At their core, pergolas are open-air structures with a roof formed by beams and rafters. They primarily serve two purposes: 

• Shade creation: The open latticework allows sunlight to filter through, offering a delightful reprieve from the sun's harsh glare while letting you enjoy the warmth and fresh air.  
  Think of it as a *sometimes* happy medium. 
• Defining outdoor spaces: Pergolas act like architectural dividers, transforming your backyard into distinct zones. They can create a dedicated, beautiful space for dining, lounging, or even a pleasant walkway. 

The Not-So-Sunny Side: 

While traditional pergolas offer undeniable charm, they come with a few drawbacks: 

• Limited weather protection: Rain and snow can easily penetrate the open roof, limiting their usability in many weather conditions. 
• Fixed shade intensity: The constant level of shade might not be ideal for everyone. Sure, sometimes you crave sun. Other times, a stronger shield from the sun's rays is desired. 

Enter the Adjustable Pergola: The Best of Both Worlds 

So you love the idea of a pergola, from its uses to its vibe, but it’s just not practical enough. If that's the case, an adjustable pergola might be your thing. These innovative structures boast a louvered roof that allows you to... 

• Enjoy your space in all weather: a louvered pergola has slats that can open and close, so you can adjust the amount of shade you desire. Bask in the sunshine when it suits you, or close the roof for protection from the rain, sun, or snow. 
• Extend your outdoor season: So many people put time and effort into creating a great outdoor space, but don’t use it for most of the year. Adjustable pergolas can be all-season, allowing you to use your patio or deck year-round--rain or shine. 
   

So What’s the Catch? 

Some louvered pergolas come in pre-built kits that require you to do-it-yourself. That’s not all bad, but many of these are not as sturdy, or they may not fit your space well since they are mroe of a one-size-fits-all. 
Because of that, we custom build each louvered pergola to accommodate the snow loads and size/shape that you require.  We can customize the look as well, from color to style. Interested in a few examples? Get inspiration here.
 
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.