Overhead Shade Structures

Arbors

Pergolas

Trellis's

An outdoor pergola is a nice addition for your garden, patio or outdoor area. Apart from providing some shade or cover, it also has a decorative purpose. Pergolas can be built in various shapes and sizes. This will depend on the main purpose for building it and it will also directly affect the types of material used.

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USING CEDAR FOR YOUR PERGOLA?

A pergola can be made to be freestanding or as part of a wall or roof. Wood can accommodate both such designs. Cedar is one of the most commonly used materials for such a project. The natural look of the wood is often sought after in such a case although some people may prefer to paint it as well. Cedar contains natural oils which makes it more resistant to rot, decay, termites, fungi and insects as well as warping and shrinking. In any case the cedar will then be sealed or stained to provide some extra protection against the adverse weather conditions that it will be exposed to, mostly moisture from rain and dew. It will also reduce the emergence of problems such as chipping and cracking.

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USING METAL?

Building a pergola from metal may not be very popular in the eyes of some people who prefer to have a natural, rustic look. However, others may prefer to go for resistance rather than looks, and in such a case building a pergola from metal is the right option. Needless to be said metal is highly resistant and robust. If the pergola is going to be rather large it may be the most resistant option. The main deterrent of metal is obviously rust; hence appropriate action should be take to protect the metal by galvanizing it and regularly maintaining it with suitable sealers which will prevent rust from emerging. Scrolled metal or metal tubing are usually utilized by welding and bolting them together.

USING PVC?

PVC is also a very good option for building a pergola. Using PVC will provide a resistant material and prevent the problems that metal and wood can cause due to outdoor conditions. It also has the advantage of not requiring much maintenance, if any at all.