The Pros and Cons of Pergolas

How Much Does a Pergola Cost in 2023?

Pergolas: yay or nay? These pros and cons can help you decide.

Pergolas are lovely outdoor features. They are stately and monumental, perfect for providing shade by your pool or over your walkway. Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence builds vinyl pergolas that are built to last; in fact, we fabricate our own vinyl on our site in Gambrills, MD. The question is, is a pergola right for your property? Check out the pros and cons of pergolas!

Pros of Pergolas

Provide Some Shade

Pergolas provide some shade, even though they have slats for roofing and not solid timber and shingles. In summer, they provide shade throughout the day but still let plenty of sunshine through. It’s the best of both worlds.

Make a Statement

Pergolas make a statement, no matter what form they come in. They can cover walkways, backyard entrances, or portions of decks and patios. They can stand alone, be attached to a house, or bridge between two buildings. 

Create a Retreat

Pergolas are great for creating elegant retreats. They are just substantial and enough to give some shade without looking heavy. People use them to shelter poolside retreats, outdoor dining, outdoor seating, and hot tubs. 

Do It Affordably

Pergolas are relatively affordable and easy to install. For the most accurate idea of what to expect, contact your local pergola contractor for an estimate. The national average is just over $4,000.

Cons of Pergolas

No Roof

If you want a roof overhead when it rains, a pergola isn’t a great choice unless you put clear plastic panels over the slats. Otherwise, expect your outdoor furniture and rug to be sopping wet when it rains.

May Not Be Appropriate for Your Space

A pergola might just not meet your needs as well as another option. If you’re looking for a more enclosed outdoor living space with shelter, a screened porch, a pavilion, or a gazebo might be better.

No Protection from Bugs and Harsh Temperatures

Pergolas are not screened in and can’t be, given they have no roofs. A pergola cannot protect you from the cold, the heat, or the mosquitoes. At most, you can add outdoor curtains, panel roofing, and a fire pit.

Pergolas Need Maintenance

Having an outdoor feature means it will be another thing to maintain. That being said, vinyl pergolas are easier to maintain than wood ones; all they need is an occasional wash.

Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!

Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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