Pergolas - Then and Now
How far we have come since the first pergola design.
Pergolas, traditionally made of wood, were initially used in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. They provided shade, a climbing space for plants, and an appealing visual that blended nature and design. The first pergolas were built from wood as this was a readily available resource that was easy to work with. They were used to support vines and fruit trees which also created shaded walkways. Pergolas were popular features in luxurious gardens as they not only added shade but also an elegance to the space.
As with everything nowadays given the advances in technology, pergolas too have undergone a significant upgrade in both construction and design. Modern materials such as steel and aluminum gained great popularity in the construction given its durability, low maintenance, and sleek appearance. Unlike wood, aluminum doesn’t rot, warp, or require regular coatings of paint to keep it looking new. Neither does it rust, requiring little maintenance outside of the occasional cleaning, and making it resilient to the elements, including rain, snow, and intense sun.
Aside from the upgrade in construction, pergolas now have several added features. One of our favorites being adjustable louvres. The slatted roofs can be adjusted to allow more or less sunlight into your space, depending on your preference, time of year, or time of day. This can adjust the lighting and airflow and may be done manually or by remote control depending on your chosen pergola. There are even models that allow you to control this on your smartphone! Talk about an advancement!
Adjustable louvres are just one of the advanced features today’s pergolas possess. You can upgrade your outdoor room with LED lighting, ceiling fans, heating systems, and electrical outlets for all your outdoor electricity needs. Are you in a place where the insect population is high at certain times or the year? You can even add retractable screens to your pergolas creating a completely contained outdoor room that still allows for that fresh breeze!
Are you looking to expand your homes living space? Pergola’s are a great place to start!
