Types of Pergolas

Strictly speaking a pergola is a wooden upright garden structure without a roof feature, traditionally used to provide a shaded walkway, passageway, or seating area in a garden. They usually have trained flowering vine plants growing up and along the structure to create beautiful overhead sun protection but enabled the sun to shine through in the winter. More recently some pergolas started being offered with a variety of roofs.

There are many styles, uses and pergola types. Browsing through the several kinds of pergolas and their uses can help decide which pergola would be the best for each home and decorative needs. Types of pergolas based on material include ‒ wood pergola, vinyl pergola, aluminium pergola, and steel pergola, among others. The most durable pergola material would be aluminium. It has the best price to performance ratio when you're trying to build pergolas that last a lifetime. Aluminium is highly weather resistant makes it the most durable material compared to wood.

Freestanding

Of the types of pergolas, freestanding pergolas are the most common. These pergolas are often in backyards, on patios, and in yards of residential properties.

Shaded

Shaded pergolas are also incredibly common on residential properties and an excellent alternative to open roof designs.

Attached

Some residential properties may have an attached pergola over a patio. It may be attached to the home but remain supported by two pillars that match the pergola and home design on the other end of the patio and pergola. These pergolas may have more than two pillars if the pergola is long and covers a larger-than-typical patio.

Modular/louvered pergola

Also called louvered pergolas, this type of pergola has moveable rafters that are adjustable to avoid sunlight, let in air, and keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather. Some modular pergolas have automatic systems in which electrical components can enable you to change the direction of the rafters with a remote or button.

Floating or Awning pergola

Commonly located outside of businesses or commercial entrances, floating, or awning, pergolas can make a compelling addition to your property. Floating or awning pergolas provide shade and leave the space underneath ideal for gatherings and outdoor area furniture, which benefits residential properties.