Pergola image taken from Wikipedia

Pergola image taken from Wikipedia

Pergolas are almost as much fun to say as they are to have in your yard. To put it simply, a pergola is a garden feature forming a shaded area using pillars that support cross beams and a sturdy open lattice. The lattice is not always present, and anything can be used as a top to provide shade.

A pergola is a much sought after element for many Arizona landscapes, where shade in your yard is at a premium. The shade can be used to provide a play area for kids or if part of your garden requires more shade than the rest. Once you do have one installed, they can be decorated with vines or any number of plants to give an almost unlimited number of looks.

Most commonly, pergolas are built from red cedar, but any weather resistant wood will work and they are also commonly painted or stained for an extra level of protection from the elements. This is essential in Arizona, as we may not have the rainfall, but the extreme sun can be just as damaging when it comes to unprotected wood structures.

The pergola is so popular when it comes to landscaping, since it is such a versatile structure. A landscape contractor may use it as a focal point for an entire backyard design, or a homeowner may build their own to use as shade for a small porch swing. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. As far as complexity goes, pergolas can range from a weekend project for most homeowners to large scale landscape contractor jobs. Drop us a line in the comments or on our home page with questions about pergolas or if you would like an estimate on any sized project.