Deck is indeed a good place to enjoy outdoor life, have you also encountered such a trouble: too sunny in summer, rainy days and can not be used, waste of such a good space. In fact, installing a pergola can solve these problems. Sunny days can shade the sun, rainy days can block the rain, so the terrace can be used all year round, quite convenient. Next, we will share with you the specific program to add a pergola

Adding a structure such as an aluminum pergola to provide shade and block precipitation can maximize the amount of time you spend on your deck and ensure that you are always comfortable.

Existing structures may pose additional limitations when adding this feature to your backyard oasis. If you are considering building a pergola over your existing deck, there are many aspects to consider when creating a plan for your pergola design.

Attached or Freestanding

First of all, do you want to build a freestanding pergola or do you want to build a lean-to pergola?

I would suggest that you might want to get a feel for your backyard for yourself and close your eyes to visualize both options. Combined with the reality of the deck - how big it is, what shape it is, which way it faces - which option do you think is more in line with your expectations?

Both types of pergolas have their own characteristics: attached ones are connected to the house for a stronger sense of wholeness; freestanding ones can be freely designed in size and shape. If you want part of your terrace to remain open, you can choose the right type according to your actual needs.

Consider whether there are any obstructions on the deck, such as a hot tub or grill, that might be affected by the addition of a pergola. Chances are you'll want to cover these things, or you'll need or want to leave them uncovered and at the mercy of the elements.

Partial shade, full shade or retractable shade

Pergola roofs need to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical, and the design of a terrace pergola needs to be both functional and visually appealing.

Does your deck already receive all or part of the sun during most seasons, especially the hot months? Additionally, how will rain interact with these options and is this a priority for you?

Your pergola can provide full or partial shade at all times, or it can be equipped with a retractable awning to provide flexibility for both options. In addition to the look of each pergola, you can choose either based on the amount of sunlight on your deck during the day and (of course) the overall amount of sunlight you wish to block.

Support columns and bases

Since pergolas can be effectively designed without support posts, support posts can be a purely aesthetic option for pergolas.

If you choose a pergola that is attached to the roof, you can opt for a cover that is suspended and supported only by the roof, without the need for support posts. This “floating” aesthetic is both simple and practical, keeping your deck clear and open without the need for vertical support.

Alternatively, if you choose a freestanding or a design that requires support posts, then you will also need to install functional post bases at the bottom to connect the pergola to the existing deck. These bases will bear the weight of the structure and blend in with the deck surface. Unless you take extra steps to hide these bases, you'll want to design them so they can be seen and blend seamlessly with the rest of the pergola's aesthetic design.

When you stand on your back deck and imagine what the pergola will look like, you may see a variety of support pedestals and pillars made of aluminum, stone, wood, or a combination of these materials, or you may see nothing at all. Which material suits your vision for this space? Would you prefer an aluminum pergola or a wood pergola?

Adding walls

Totally optional based on aesthetic and functional preferences, imagine creating a hybrid outdoor-indoor shelter on your deck.

Similar to pergola roofing options, you may consider adding vertical walls or shades to one or more sides of the pergola for additional coverage. Depending on your need or desire for space, this coverage can be full, partial or flexible.

The pergola privacy wall provides extra privacy and the comfort of being outside, turning the deck into your favorite outdoor room!

Visualizing the Space

In-depth study of the terrace pergola program and consultation with professionals will allow you to more clearly grasp the characteristics of the space and individual needs, and ultimately create the ideal new pergola.

Imagine: adding a pergola to your backyard patio so you can better enjoy your outdoor space in both cool and warm seasons. Contact us to customize the best pergola to fit your needs perfectly.