Pergola in the garden: The benefits & how to install it?
A pergola in your garden is back in style. As spring and summer approach, it's wonderful to enjoy the sun in your own garden, and with a pergola, it's even cozier! With the different types of pergolas available now, you are sure to find something that perfectly matches your style. Not completely convinced yet? No worries! In this blog, we share the benefits of a pergola and give you ideas to brighten up your garden with it. Get inspired!
Summary
- A pergola and a patio cover are not the same.
- Pergolas provide protection against the sun and offer more privacy in your garden.
- You don't need a permit to place a pergola in your backyard.
- You can finish your pergola with a shade sail or let it grow with climbing plants.
What exactly is a pergola?
A pergola is a fun addition to your garden, which is both decorative and functional. It is an open structure made up of vertical posts connected by horizontal beams.
You can even let climbing plants such as vines, roses, and grapevines grow on your pergola. These plants provide natural protection against the scorching sun and strong winds.
What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?
People often think that a pergola is the same as a patio cover, but that’s not entirely correct. There are actually some differences between both constructions.
A pergola:
- Is made of beams and posts.
- Has an open structure, including at the top.
- The roof of a pergola can be closed off with awnings, shade sails, or climbing plants.
A patio cover:
- Has a closed roof and often cannot be opened.
- Is less suitable for plants.
- Is often used as an extension of the house.
The benefits of a pergola
A pergola is an ideal addition to your garden. Below you will find all the benefits of having a pergola in your garden:
Protection from the sun
The terrace pergola is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while being protected from the sun. By adding awnings, a shade sail, or climbing plants such as grapevines or flowering vines, you can not only create cooler shade but also a beautiful green environment in the garden. You can also use electric awnings that you can easily control with your phone.
For installing a shade sail, you don't have to worry - the sturdy posts of the pergola ensure that the sail stays securely in place, even in windy weather.
Privacy in the garden
A pergola on your terrace can give you more privacy. It is an open structure with vertical posts and crossbeams, usually covered with climbing plants or fabrics. The pergola creates a cozy atmosphere and also provides protection against prying neighbors. They can't easily look into your terrace anymore. Because a pergola often remains partially open, you still have sufficient daylight. As a result, it feels less like being locked in than under a cover.
Cozy lounge area
A pergola contributes to the ambiance in your garden. By cleverly arranging your pergola, you can create a cozy lounge area. Think of comfortable furniture, an outdoor rug, and cheerful cushions. And what about a charming string of lights or candles? With natural materials like wood and plants, you can make the environment even more attractive. By choosing colors that match your pergola well, you create a place where people love to gather!
Support for climbing plants
A pergola is ideal for climbing plants. This structure gives the plants support to grow upwards, creating a green and lush effect.
Examples of suitable climbing plants for a pergola include:
- Wisteria (Wisteria)
- Grapes (Vitis)
- Clematis
- Climbing roses
These plants grow well on the vertical support of the pergola and provide a nice shaded spot in the garden.
Fits in any garden
Steel pergolas are becoming increasingly popular. People like steel pergolas because they are sturdy and fit well in various gardens. Steel can withstand all kinds of weather, so it is also a good and durable choice for outdoors.
Additionally, steel has a modern appearance and is available in various colors. At MySteel, you can get steel pergolas in corten steel and 204 powder-coated colors. This way, you can always choose a color that fits well with your garden. Discover more about our models in the paragraph Pergolas from MySteel in different colors.
How to best place and anchor a pergola?
Securing a pergola can sometimes be tricky, but with these simple steps, you can enjoy a sturdy pergola without any issues:
- First, choose a suitable location and ensure that the ground is stable.
- Dig holes at the locations where the posts will go and set the concrete footings in these holes. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and at the same height.
- Firmly secure the posts to the concrete footings and check with a level to see if they are straight.
- Then, attach the beams to the posts. If you are making a corner setup or rectangle, use the provided coupling plates between the posts and beams.
- Finally, check once more if the posts are straight and adjust the concrete footings if necessary.
How deep should you set a pergola in the ground?
It's important that the pergola is securely anchored in the ground. Therefore, make sure that the posts are at least 60 centimeters deep in the ground. This way, you can be sure that the pergola stands firmly.
How high can a pergola be in the backyard?
Pergolas are classified under garden furniture according to the law. Therefore, you do not need a permit to place a pergola. However, there are some rules you should keep in mind:
- The pergola must not be taller than 2.5 meters.
- The pergola must be placed in the backyard on your own property/lot. You do not need to maintain a certain distance from the neighbors.
You do not need permission from third parties to place a pergola.
The right finishing
After you have safely installed the pergola, it's time to think about covering. Below we provide two possible solutions:
Harmonic sail or shade sail
You can choose between a harmonic sail or a loose shade sail to finish your pergola. Although both systems look alike, they have some differences:
A harmonic sail
- Can be opened or closed with pulleys to create the desired amount of shade.
- Requires a structure with fixed points to attach.
A harmonic sail can be ordered ready-made, including a hanging system.
A shade sail
- Provides constant shade, without the possibility for adjustment.
- Is usually easier to install and remove, as you don’t need a complex structure.
For a loose shade sail, you can order hanging materials separately, such as hooks, springs, and sliders.
The right climbing plants and trees
If you want the pergola to be covered with climbing plants, you should place a latticework on the sides. For a pergola with (roof) plane trees or other shaped trees, you can create a lattice yourself from thin slats or use ready-made options made from spruce or hardwood, including mesh panels made of concrete mesh.
Pergolas from MySteel
In short, a steel pergola is not only functional but also creates a cozy atmosphere in your garden. Whether you're looking for more privacy, need protection from the sun, or just looking for a place to relax, the steel pergola from MySteel offers the solution. This pergola is sturdy, looks modern, and fits perfectly in any garden. Moreover, you can easily install it yourself. Visit the MySteel webshop now to discover the range of steel pergolas and give your garden or terrace a new look.
Different types of materials and colors
At MySteel, you can choose from two different types of materials:
- Corten steel pergola
- Powder-coated steel pergola: This version is available in 204 different colors, including sand look, corten look, bronze look, copper look, and gold look. You can also choose any other RAL color.
We have straight, square, and corner setup pergolas. Additionally, all our pergolas are available with or without concrete footings. Accessories such as harmonic or shade sails cannot be purchased at MySteel.
If you have any questions, the staff of our customer service is ready to help you. They are happy to provide advice so you can make the right choice for your garden.
Conclusion
By carefully choosing where to place your pergola, which materials to use, and how to finish it, the pergola truly becomes a beautiful addition to your garden. It is an easy way to spruce up your garden and is also practical. There are many different types of pergolas available, so there is always one that matches your taste. Get inspired by the possibilities and soon enjoy a beautiful steel pergola in your garden!
