Pergolas. What are they? Are there diverse types of pergola? What are they used for? What materials are used for pergolas? Are they available as customised kits? How much will they cost?

Over recent years pergolas have become more popular as ornamental additions to the home. As they are free standing ornamental structures with covered roofs supported by 4 column pillars you can use them for shade from the summer heat, sleeping quarters, study area, entertaining guests. Most pergolas are constructed in spacious back gardens. Many pergolas are attached to the outside of the home. Some pergolas can be marquee sized when they are located in mansions.

Ever more custom pergola design kits are now available. Each design kit has style, size, shape and decor variations which permit you to make measurements in your back garden where to fit your pergola, choose the best fitting style, select the right size, select roof shapes besides selecting from many interior decor colours. Most of this can now be done online by selecting from pergola design galleries before purchasing chosen kits.

Since pergolas have self-assembly instructions they come in the form of kits. Also known as sun trellises, pergolas have many practical and social uses. Pergolas either have arched or flattened or crescent shaped styles of roofing. There are pergolas available with detachable latticeworkb roofs. Building materials for pergolas determine the cost of the pergola. Aluminium, fibreglass, plastic, vinyl, timber, cedar are widely used to build pergolas.

Not every pergola design kit will be expensive. Nowadays there are free pergola design kits available with clear and concise instructions online. If you into building your own home extensions you can assemble the materials for less than £100 in total. However, if you choose specialist builders to construct and install your pergola they may well charge you five times as much as buying materials and following the kit instructions.

By opting for fibreglass or plastic materials when you design your pergola you will have heat retention properties besides being lightweight, comfortable pergolas with modern looks rather than traditional timberframes. Any aluminium pergola will also be light in weight and durable. Both fibreglass and aluminium pergolas are widely popular. From the design and style and build perspective, they are much more straightforward to construct for the beginner.

On the other hand, if you want to design and build yourself a pergola which will last you for 30 years then high quality durable timber or cedarwood or redwood or teak pergolas are the answer. As pergolas can be made to order by custom installation companies many of us choose this option.

Only by careful research of the many designs available and the many materials available can you find the pergola which fits your requirements. Once you have chosen your matching design you have to follow the instructions carefully. Allthough it is indeed a labour of love, the rewards are worth it. Building your pergola requires perseverance and planning.