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What is a Patio Pergola?

Diane Goettel
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,850
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A patio pergola is a structure that is used to cover outdoor leisure areas. In most cases, the structure is made out of wood that is treated so that it can withstand the elements. In order to keep a patio pergola in good condition, it may be necessary to retreat the wood from time to time. The structure may be connected to the exterior of a building or it may be freestanding. Freestanding pergolas usually have four columns that support the roof while those that are connected to the exterior of a building may only have two columns.

The roof of a patio pergola usually has an open framework of interlocking pieces. This means that the roof offers a certain amount of shade, but does not entirely block out the sun. Many people who have patio pergolas find that they can successfully grow certain types of plants underneath them, especially if the plants are types that enjoy a moderate amount of sunshine. While most pergolas are made entirely of wood, there are some that have columns made of stone, brick, or concrete. This is usually done so that the structure blends in aesthetically with the adjacent home or building.

The size of a patio pergola varies quite a bit. A modestly-sized pergola could be used to outfit a small urban backyard. On the other hand, a large, almost rambling patio pergola could be used to cover the patio of a restaurant with a large outdoor dining area or an outdoor area on the grounds of a museum. This type of structure, while popular in residential garden designs, is also useful in public spaces and on the grounds of other non-residential properties.

The area under a patio pergola is often used for outdoor leisure and dining. In some of these cases, a patio pergola functions almost like a large umbrella for the furniture underneath. There are also people who use a patio pergola to cover a special feature on their grounds such as a rock garden or a hot tub. In all of these cases, it is common for people to choose materials and patterns that work well both with the building to which the pergola is connected and the aesthetic of the area underneath. White outdoor furniture, for example, might be complemented with a white patio pergola.

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Diane Goettel
By Diane Goettel
"Diane Goettel has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in English from Brooklyn College. Diane lives in Mount Vernon, New York with her husband, Noah. They are the proud parents of a Doberman Pinscher named Spoon. Specialties: book editing, book marketing, book publishing, freelance writing, magazine publishing, magazine writing, copywriting,"

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Discussion Comments
By Ocelot60 — On Nov 19, 2014

@rundocuri- If you don't want to hassle with using stain to refinish your father's patio pergola, you might want to talk to him about paining it instead. I use to have one, and when the wood stain became old and worn, I chose to paint it white instead updating the stain. It looked fresh and stylish when I completed the project.

If you don't like the idea of painting the pergola white, another option is to paint it the same color as the house or as the shutters and trim. This creates a very nice, stylish look for the exterior of any home with a patio pergola.

By Spotiche5 — On Nov 19, 2014

Refinishing and staining a patio pergola is no different that refinishing and staining any other object. If you have used wood stain on a deck or even a piece of furniture, you have the skills you will need to do your father's pergola.

Before you tackle this project, it is important that you remove any old paint or stain. You can do this with a scraper or sander to make sure that the surface is ready for the stain.

When you apply the new wood stain, it is a good idea to wait for a good weather forecast before you tackle that part of the job. Several days of mild temperatures and no rain will ensure that the wood stain will set in place and dry, and look great for years to come.

By Rundocuri — On Nov 18, 2014

I'm wondering if it is difficult to refinish and stain a patio pergola. My father has one, and has been hinting around that he would like to fix it up so that it looks better and lasts longer. I want to help him, but I'm not sure where to start with this project.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
"Diane Goettel has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in English from Brooklyn College. Diane lives in Mount...
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