A pergola, also called a trellis, is an architectural feature that can be placed in your backyard, garden, or patio for decorative privacy and shade. Pergolas are a popular addition to any yard; they can be used to create an open roof that provides some shade and privacy, while still allowing sun to shine through. Patio pergolas and deck pergolas are popular to cover your outdoor dining area or living area, while a garden pergola can be decoratively placed to add a quiet retreat to your own backyard. Pergolas can be freestanding and placed in the open in any garden, yard, or patios and pergolas can also be connected to buildings, called an attached pergola.

Freestanding pergolas should be anchored to a deck or in the garden to keep the outdoor pergola structure stable. Attached pergolas can be attached to the side of the house or you can also have a trellis connecting two sides of the house to create an area similar to a porch. There are many types of pergola designs and plans that can be used and looking at pergola photos can give you an idea of what type of pergula will look best in your yard. Having an outdoor pergola leaves you and your dining space subject to inclement weather. While most pergolas have open roofs to allow sunlight in, other types of pergola roofing options are available. To prevent rain from ruining your sunny outdoor experience, you can purchase pergola covers that can be attached to your trellis easily.

Waterproof pergola covers can be purchased which will protect you and your dining space from being soaked by the rain. Other pergola roofing options include canopies and shades that can retract at the push of a button to cover your pergola from rain or harsh sun rays. Pergolas and gazebos are very similar in their shape, design, and purpose, however the main difference between gazebos and pergolas is that gazebos have covered roofs while pergolas have open roofs to allow sun through. Flowers and vines can be decoratively planted and placed on top of your trellis to provide some shaded cover without completely blocking out the rays of sunshine. The decorative addition of flowers and vines can camouflage a garden pergola so that the design flows better in the garden.

Not only will the flowers and vines provide some shade for your garden or deck pergola, it will also add some color to make this outdoor living space more decorative and festive. A pergola or trellis is a great way to create a new living or dining area outside. Outdoor pergolas be uncovered to have a great place to relax and enjoy the rays of sun, or they can be covered by shades or canopies to enjoy the warm of the outdoors without the harsh sun rays. Pergola canopies can also protect you and your dining space from inclement weather such as rain. A pergola canopy can be hidden while it is sunny and retracted at the push of a button when rain clouds appear. Regardless of the type of pergola or trellis you choose, it will add a comfortable and decorative outdoor living space to your home and yard.