Is Pergola with Roof or Not - Pergola Ideas 2023
A pergola with roof is one of the many decorative yet practical structures you can add to your outdoor space. Sometimes they are confused with arbors, gazebos or trellises, which is not surprising as they are somewhat related to one another. But pergolas are a unique structure on their own, made of columns supporting rafters or beams that make up the roofing grid.
A Brief History of the Pergola
Originating from the Latin pergula, meaning projecting eave, pergolas are exactly that – they are eaves of the roof that extend all the way to a wall structure, creating a shaded area in the yard and effectively increasing your living space beyond the confines of the main house.
The first known use of a pergola was way back in 1400 BC, and is said to have been part of the home of a known official of the Egyptian High Court. It eventually became quite popular among privileged Egyptians as a means of protection against the harsh desert sun.
In the 17th century at around the time of the Great Italian Renaissance, the pergola became a trend among affluent Romans. Their versions were typically made with stone pillars and were meant mostly for the cultivation of grape vines for the purpose of winemaking.
Pergolas in the Modern Age
Trends come and go, and the pergolas are no exception. After taking a backseat for the last couple of centuries, we can now see a resurgence of these outdoor structures. Instead of traditional brick or stone, contemporary pergolas are typically made from durable, low-maintenance, and relatively more affordable materials such as fiberglass, vinyl, and wood. Wooden pergolas are especially popular these days, making appearances all over Europe and a few other parts of the world.
Today, if you are considering installing a patio pergola or a pergola roof in any other part of your yard, you will find that there is a wealth of designs to choose from. In fact, further in this article, we will give you some wonderful modern pergola ideas that you can take inspiration from. In the meantime, let’s talk about the different types of pergolas so you can figure out which one is best for your space.
Two Main Types of Pergolas
Pergolas can come in a variety of forms or styles but all of them will fall into either of two main types – the roofed pergola and the open pergola. Both have their benefits and drawbacks so in choosing which one to install, it is vital that you weigh the options carefully.
Pergolas can come in a variety of forms or styles but all of them will fall into either of two main types – the roofed pergola and the open pergola. Both have their benefits and drawbacks so in choosing which one to install, it is vital that you weigh the options carefully.
Pergola with No Roof
The basic structure of a pergola includes just the columns and the beams or rafters that make up the roof grid. If you are planning to put the structure up in the middle of your yard for the purpose of creating a gorgeous focal point or to house plants and vines, then you can skip the pergola cover.
Opting for an open pergola will allow for better air circulation and let in more sunlight, which is both great for your plants. Also, if you have amazing weather where you live, the open roof design will let you enjoy the natural surroundings a lot more.
Pergola with Roof
The design of a pergola makes it easy to install a roof or cover, and there are plenty of reasons why you might want to do this. Mostly, it is for the added protection against natural elements. This is particularly important if you are going to put furniture in a space that needs protection from rain and excessive sun exposure.
A pergola roof can also give you some amount of privacy, not to mention shade during particularly hot afternoons. Also, a roof can increase the market value of your property should you decide to sell in the future.
Best Types of Roofs for Pergolas
There is no doubt that wooden pergolas are the most preferred design these days because they give the perfect balance of durability and aesthetics. When it comes to roof material, however, there are a lot of great options that you can choose from.
Wood
For a pergola that is primarily meant to be an extension of your living room or patio, wood makes an excellent choice when it comes to roofing material. It can be expensive but it does pay for itself over time, as long as you give it adequate maintenance.
Polycarbonate
This is one of the more contemporary roofing materials for pergolas and they are available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses. The clear variety is one of the most popular though because it lets you enjoy natural lighting while still giving a high level of protection.
Fabric
Some advantages of a fabric roof are that it is cheap, it comes in just about any color or pattern you can think of, and can be replaced easily. The downside is that they are not well-suited for rainy or snowy weather.
Retractable Roof
This option gives you the best of both worlds because you can easily cover or uncover your pergola, depending on your mood or need.
Polycarbonate
This is one of the more contemporary roofing materials for pergolas and they are available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses. The clear variety is one of the most popular though because it lets you enjoy natural lighting while still giving a high level of protection.
Fabric
Some advantages of a fabric roof are that it is cheap, it comes in just about any color or pattern you can think of, and can be replaced easily. The downside is that they are not well-suited for rainy or snowy weather.
Retractable Roof
This option gives you the best of both worlds because you can easily cover or uncover your pergola, depending on your mood or need.
Wood
For a pergola that is primarily meant to be an extension of your living room or patio, wood makes an excellent choice when it comes to roofing material. It can be expensive but it does pay for itself over time, as long as you give it adequate maintenance.
If you are interested in setting up a wooden pergola, the Statek Wood team can help. We have been a trusted manufacturer and installer of wooden pergolas and carports in Estonia for 10 years now. Call us today to find out more!