Adding a Pergola over your Deck
Is adding a Pergola over your deck worth the extra expense? We think so. Decks have one of the highest returns on investment percentages of any home improvement project. Because they add usable square footage of “living space” to your home. And if you add a roof to that, the living space becomes even more usable. Pergolas look pretty and they add some shade to your deck. And they can be outfitted with retractable awnings that keep out the rain/sun, side curtains that add shade and privacy, and even ceiling fans and lighting.
Adding a structure such as an aluminium pergola to provide shade and cover from precipitation will allow you to maximise your time on your deck and ensure that you are always comfortable.
Working with an existing structure can cause additional constraints when adding this feature to your backyard oasis. If you are thinking about building a pergola on an existing deck, there are a lot of aspects to consider when making your pergola design plans.
PARTIAL, FULL, OR RETRACTABLE SHADE
Because the roof of the pergola is one of the most aesthetic as well as the most practical aspects to consider when making your list of deck pergola ideas, it is important to consider both the function and visual appeal of your dream pergola.
Does your deck already receive full or partial sunlight during most seasons, particularly the hotter months? Additionally, how will rain interact with each of these options and is that a priority for you?
Your pergola can be designed to offer either full or partial shade at all times or with a retractable awning to give flexibility for both options. In addition to the look of each, you might lean towards one or another based on the amount of sunlight that lands on your deck during the daytime and (of course) the amount that you would like to deter overall.
SUPPORT POSTS AND BASES
Because a pergola can be effectively engineered without them, support posts can be a purely aesthetic choice for your pergola.
If you choose a pergola that is attached to the roof, you may have the option for cover that is suspended and supported by your roof alone, without the need for support posts. This “floating” aesthetic is both minimalistic and very functional, keeping your deck clear and open without the need for vertical supports.
Alternatively, if you choose a freestanding option or a design that needs support posts, then you will also require functional post bases at the bottom that connect the pergola with the existing deck. These bases will hold the weight of the structure and be integrated with the surface of your deck. Unless you take the extra steps to hide these bases, you will want to design them to be seen and to fit in seamlessly with the other aesthetics of your pergola.
Going back to the vision of your pergola as you stand on your back deck, you might visualise a wide variety of support bases and posts made from aluminium, stone, wood, or a combination of these materials–or perhaps you see none at all. What fits your vision for the space? Do you prefer an aluminium or wooden pergola?
VISUALISING THE SPACE
Spending time looking over options for adding a pergola to your deck and speaking with Decking Pro will help you to create a clear vision for your space, your needs, and ultimately your brand-new pergola.
Imagine all the ways that enhancing your backyard deck with the addition of a pergola will increase your ability to enjoy the space throughout the seasons both warm and cold. Can you see it?
Decking Pro can bring your dream deck and vision to life. View our portfolio