Ah, Colorado! Known for its stunning vistas, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking outdoor scenes. For those lucky enough to call it home, creating an outdoor living space to soak up these views is often a top priority. Building a pergola is an excellent way to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to your home. We hope this guide helps you understand a little bit more on how you can customize your pergola.
Step 1: Decide on Your Design
Pergolas come in a variety of styles and designs. From modern sleek lines to classic Mediterranean or rustic styles, choose a design that complements your home's architecture and suits your personal taste. Take into account the size of your yard and the view you wish to enjoy from your pergola.
- Attached Pergola: Pergolas can be attached directly to a house or other structure, creating a covered area directly adjacent to the building. This type of pergola is often used to create a transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and is commonly placed over patios or decks.
- Free Standing Pergola: On the other hand, freestanding pergolas are not attached to any building and stand independently. These pergolas are typically anchored to the ground with concrete footings to ensure stability. Freestanding pergolas can be placed anywhere in your yard, providing flexibility in landscape design. They can be used to create a focal point in the garden, offer a covered seating area, or even frame a beautiful view.
Step 2: Ask Yourself If You want to Cover Your Pergola
We've partnered with CoverYourPergola.com, industry leaders in pergola weatherproofing solutions. Their innovative multi wall polycarbonate kit allows you to enjoy your outdoor space come rain or shine, or even hail! This state-of-the-art covering protects your pergola structure from weather damage, while also keeping you and your family safe from the elements.
You can now savor your morning coffee, throw afternoon barbecues, or enjoy your evening read under your pergola without worrying about Colorado's unpredictable weather. With Freedom Contractors and CoverYourPergola.com, we've got you, and your pergola, covered, LITERALLY.
*Image from our partner CoverYourPergola.com
Step 3: Choose Your Materials
A key decision in your pergola project is selecting the right materials. The two most common materials used for pergolas are wood and vinyl.
- Wood: Cedar and redwood are popular choices in Colorado due to their resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation. They also stand up well to the varying weather conditions experienced throughout the state. Wood provides a natural, rustic look but will require regular maintenance to preserve its color and protect it from the elements.
- Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas are virtually maintenance-free, resist rotting and cracking, and will not fade over time. They provide a more modern appearance and are generally easier to install.
Consider also using galvanized steel or aluminum reinforcements for added structural strength, especially if your area experiences strong winds or heavy snowfall. At Freedom Contractors, we only specialize in wooden pergola structures.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once your pergola is built, consider adding features to enhance its usability and aesthetic appeal. This could include outdoor lights for evening use, a retractable canopy for shade on sunny Colorado days, climbing plants for added privacy, or an outdoor fireplace for those cool mountain evenings.
Building a pergola in Colorado requires thoughtful design, appropriate material selection, and careful installation. But with these considerations in mind, you can create a beautiful, functional outdoor living space to enjoy the Colorado scenery. With your own pergola, every day can feel like a mountain getaway without leaving your backyard. Happy building!
