2 Ways To Perfect Your New Pergola
Posted on: 25 November 2018
Whether constructed over a deck or patio, a pergola can be a great addition to your backyard space. Not only does it add texture and definition, but a pergola also adds appeal and value to your home. In addition, certain updates to your pergola can improve the look, function, and value of your outdoor living space even further. If you have a pergola or are considering installing a pergola, here are a few simple ways to enhance this addition even further.
1. Lighting
Most homes have some lights in their outdoor living space. These lights may be installed on the back of your home's exterior, by the front door or in your backyard. While they are helpful, these lights are not directly focused on your actual outdoor living space. Therefore, incorporating lighting into your pergola's design is smart.
There are many ways to illuminate your outdoor living space using your pergola. You can arrange string lights across the top of your pergola, or you can install actual light fixtures for even more illumination. For example, a light fixture with ceiling fan installed in the center of your pergola's ceiling provides lighting and air flow. Or, you can install a chandelier that offers a decorative look while providing your outdoor space with lighting.
2. Shade
Your outdoor living space will be exposed to a good amount of sun and heat, especially during the warmer seasons. This sun and heat can be problematic for a few reasons. It can decrease your desire to be outdoors, but it can also be dangerous since heavy exposure to the sun's UV rays leads to skin cancer. While surprising to learn, the sun can heat up your deck and patio surface as well. Sitting on the deck, patio, or outdoor furniture can burn your skin. The sun can even heat up a cedar wood deck to temperatures up to 170 degrees.
Thankfully, a pergola can be used as a way to shade your outdoor living space. UV-resistant shades can be added to the ceiling of your pergola. These shades can be left open at night when you want to enjoy the starry sky and then closed during the day to block the sun's harmful rays and heat.
Another way to create shade using your pergola is with plants. Clematis vines and wisteria are both great options to plant around your outdoor living space. Train these plants to grow up and over your pergola to shade your outdoor living area in a beautiful way. For more information, contact a company like Aluminum Builders Home Center today.
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