Summer is here...a time of year when it is hot and beautiful and late afternoon drinks and Barbecues on the back patio are frequent. While we may seek some shade on warm days, we don’t always want to block out the sun entirely during winter months, thereby darkening the attached home.

Enter the Pergola....                                                                                                                    

A pergola can be the perfect way to not only frame your outdoor space and create privacy, but also to provide solace from hot summer sun while letting dappled light through. They also make a great framework from which to hang baskets, grow clematis, grapes, or even hang an outdoor fan.

While pergola construction can be as elaborate and intricate as one desires, the current trend is toward simple, clean lines without the routed and bevelled edges.

Many of the more expensive ones I see today are aluminum and feature an outdoor fireplace at one end, but the best part about the pergola is that it doesn’t need to cost a fortune! Some of the best examples I’ve seen are simply stained or painted 2”x8” cedar spanning a 2 ply beam. Not a lot of skill required even for a weekend warrior if you wanted to tackle it yourself.

One of the examples depicted here show a horizontal spaced slat detail at one end creating an enclosure, while allowing breeze through as well as light. A personal favourite of mine for sure.  

Whatever your skill level or budget, I believe a pergola is a great way to add enjoyment to your outdoor space and value to your home. 

Now go enjoy that patio!