Pergolas have swiftly risen in popularity over the past few years. The demand for these additions continues to rise and for all the right reasons. Pergolas not only add to the visual appeal of the house and help increase its retail value but also provide a sort of privacy from the main house. Plus, pergolas can be used for a variety of reasons such as spending some personal time unwinding or hosting friends or family members every weekend. But when it comes consulting pergola contractors and picking the right type, homeowners often come across several options that lead to confusion. If you are someone who is finding it difficult to choose between an attached and freestanding pergola, you have ended up at the right place. Let’s take a closer look at the two and see which will suit you the best.

What Is An Attached Pergola?

Before we get into discussing attached and freestanding pergolas, it is important for you to become familiar with the basic differences between the two. An attached pergola as the term suggests is a pergola that is attached to the exterior of the house.

Since it is attached to another structure, it has relatively fewer posts as compared to freestanding pergolas. For instance, if a freestanding pergola has four posts, an attached pergola is going to have just two. There are several reasons why homeowners prefer attached pergolas as it shares multiple advantages.

To begin with, attached pergolas offer a seamless transition from the outdoor to the indoor space. You might have come across additions that appear set off from the main building and struggle to blend in with the surroundings.

But with an attached pergola, you can think of it as an extension of the main building. Plus, an attached pergola is a lot stronger since it is connected to the main structure. This means the pergolas can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Finally, attached pergolas tend to offer shade for decks and patios. So, if you like to relax and have a cup of coffee on your deck or terrace on a daily basis, an attached pergola is going to help protect you from the rain and sunlight while you take your daily sips.

What Is A Freestanding Pergola?

A freestanding pergola doesn’t need to be attached to any structure. When building these pergolas, posts are used to support them. This allows the pergola to be installed almost everywhere on the property. Since it uses posts, freestanding pergolas are relatively more versatile and flexible when it comes to placement.

For instance, they can be used for swimming pools, decks, terraces, outdoor kitchens, etc. Another noteworthy benefit of freestanding backyard pergolas is the design potential. Considering they are not attached to the house, you can probably come up with any design.

Attached pergolas on the other hand are a bit constricted since the design relies on the dimensions and design of the house as well. This is why some homeowners are not able to come up with their dream pergolas. On the other hand, freestanding pergolas can also be a bit pricier depending on the posts required and the amount of labor that goes into installing them.

However, it needs to be made sure the posts are strong enough to withstand external factors and extreme weather conditions. If your region experiences thunderstorms, tycoons, and other weather conditions, you need to ensure the pergola is strong enough.

How To Select The Right Type Of Pergola?

Now that you are familiar with attached and freestanding pergolas or gazebos, it is time for you to shift your attention toward how to select the right kind. The first thing you need to do when shopping for a pergola is define your needs and preferences.

As mentioned earlier, you will come across a variety of options. Not every option is going to be perfect for you and your house. So, defining your preferences will help you narrow down the options. This will help you save both time and effort.

Once you have done that, you will need to inspect the house and look for a space to install the pergola. If the dimensions and design of the house is such that you are confused, you should consult an expert pergola or gazebo builder Port Jefferson. You might think that an attached pergola might work but the local building roles might not permit you.

Next, you need to decide on the material. Pergolas are available in different types such as wood, metal vinyl, etc. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Plus, there is a huge difference in price and maintenance as well.

For that, you will need to define your budget as well. Some pergolas are not expensive to install but can be difficult to maintain. So, if you need to make your decision based on the amount of time, effort, and money you are willing to put into having the perfect pergola.

Can I Install A Pergola Myself?

Installing a pergola is fairly simple if you have the tools and experience. If it’s your first time doing it, you should wear protective equipment and ask a friend or family member to give you a helping hand. Plus, it can be a bit difficult in the start as you will need to be careful about the placement of the posts and pergolas itself.

Furthermore, it is highly likely that you end up injuring yourself as well. So, it would be wise to hire a professional. There is no doubt that professional installation is expensive but it is always worth the investment. When it comes to installing a pergola, it is not about the major but the minor things.

You can easily miss out on those and compromise the structural strength. This can cause the pergola to topple over when people are under it causing injuries and also damage to the furniture.

Professionals on the other hand hardly miss out on important details as they carry skills and experience of building pergolas, gazebos, and other outdoor structures. Moreover, they also guarantee their jobs and ensure they will repair or replace if anything goes wrong within the offered time span.

Do Pergolas Require Maintenance?

Yes, pergolas need to be looked after if you wish to keep them looking brand new. Almost all types of pergolas need inspections and cleaning every once in a while. But some pergolas made from wood and vinyl need special attention even though they are treated.

Fortunately, maintaining a pergola is not that difficult and you do not have to rely on an expert each time. You can simply grab a cleaning agent and a cloth to make sure they are free of dust and dirt. However, if the pergola tends to be cracked or damaged, you will need to consult an expert for repairs or replacements.

Conclusion

Choosing a pergola location and style can become if you define your requirements. Sometimes, the process may become overwhelming but do not hesitate to consult custom pergola builders Long Island. Always take your time and balance the advantages and disadvantages. This keeps you safe from making a decision that will haunt you later on.