WHAT'S BETTER, PERGOLAS OR COVERED PATIOS?
THE BEST OUTDOOR SHADE SOLUTIONS IN DFW
What’s Better, Pergolas or Covered Patios?
There is nothing like spending time outside on a warm summer’s day, but oftentimes, the intense heat is enough to send you and your family inside to seek shelter from the scorching conditions. The summer is one of the best times to enjoy your backyard, patio, or outdoor living space, and installing a shaded structure can help provide an ample amount of shade for portions of your outdoor space.
Compass Outdoor Design is a pergola and patio contractor in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. From covered patio and pergola installation to outdoor living space design, we’ve got your needs covered. Below, we’ll take a look at patios and pergolas, their differences, and how to choose which one is right for you. Contact our outdoor design build firm today!
OUTDOOR SHADE SOLUTIONS: PERGOLAS VS. COVERED PATIOS
When it comes to shade solutions for your outdoor living area, there are two main categories of shaded structures you can choose from: pergolas or covered structures such as a covered patio or deck. While we have covered both of these structures in the past, choosing the best one for your space requires an understanding of the differences between these structures as well as a clear idea of what you envision for your outdoor space, so we decided to share some insight on the two to make planning your new outdoor living addition a little easier.
What’s the Difference Between a Pergola and a Covered Patio?
A patio cover
is essentially an open-air roof extension that allows you to essentially allows you and your guests to spend time in nearly all types of weather. These structures provide plenty of shade to keep you comfortable even during the hottest summer days.
A pergola
is a structure that features lattice beams on its roof that, rather than blocking out sunlight completely, block out a proportion of the sunlight that hits them, although the actual amount of available shade depends heavily on the angle of the sun.
Still wondering what the differences between these two structures are? Continue reading below!
Support
One of the biggest differences between a pergola and a covered patio is the way they are supported. A covered patio is actually installed as an extension of your home. The structure connects directly to an outdoor wall nearest the patio or deck you wish to cover. Pergolas, on the other hand, do not attach to your home. Instead, it is an independently supported structure that can be placed on your patio or anywhere in your yard.
Design
Another key difference between the two structures is the overall look and design. One of the benefits of covered outdoor living spaces or patios is that they are a true extension of your home, and you can really get creative with the materials you choose to incorporate to the structure. Pergolas, in comparison, are built out of wood, vinyl, or another high-quality material and can be tailored to the design of your choosing. Plus, if you are someone with a green thumb, these structures are notorious for being aesthetically pleasing and offer a foundation for climbing plants.
Privacy
Ultimately, the size of your outdoor space will determine the right size pergola for your needs, making it easier to find the perfect option. Generally, the more space you have, the larger the pergola can be. Don’t forget about scale, too — you should choose a pergola that closely matches the size of other buildings and structures in the space. For instance, if you have a small fire pit, you won’t necessarily want a large pergola in the same area. Each structure should be sized to match the scale of other elements to give your yard a more balanced and cohesive look.
Lastly, keep in mind that pergolas work best in flat, open areas. Make sure to measure the area you want to put your pergola to be sure there is sufficient space around it and won’t look crowded or intrusive.
Cost
Because pergolas are simple, individual structures they typically tend to be cheaper than covered patios. Plus, covered patios will take longer to build as they are built as an extension of your home — both the cost and project timeline will be more for a covered patio than a pergola, simply because these structures are larger and provide more protection.
Which Option Is Best For Your Outdoor Living Space?
The right shade structure for your backyard heavily depends on your wants and needs. If shade, comfort, and protection from the elements are your main goals, investing in a covered structure would be the best option. If you have a room that is blasted by the intense heat from the sun, placing the covered structure adjacent to that area can even help with energy costs. You can also incorporate lighting, fans, and furniture which makes the space more comfortable and like a living area.
Pergolas, on the other hand, are much more design conscious. These structures bring beauty to a backyard space and can be customized to fit to perfectly fit your style. When well maintained, their solid structure can bring shade to your outdoor area. You can even attach lighting fixtures to utilize the area at any time of day.
CHOOSE OUR OUTDOOR LIVING DESIGN COMPANY FOR YOUR PERGOLA AND COVERED PATIO TODAY
If you are interested in installing a shaded structure in your Dallas outdoor living space, Compass Outdoor Design has extensive experience building beautiful and solid pergolas and covered patios. Our team of experienced patio designers can work with you to create a detailed vision for your space, guaranteeing your satisfaction when the job is complete. Our talented team loves to help homeowners create the outdoor living space of their dreams. From outdoor kitchens and pools to walkways, balconies, and more, our design build firm can’t wait to help you turn your DFW home into an oasis.
To learn more about our Dallas patio design services, contact us today!
