How To Incorporate Arbors and Pergolas Into Your Yard Design

The design of your backyard should reflect your personal style. Most elements also provide practical solutions such as shade, plant support, or foot traffic guidance. Arbor and pergola structures can add both beauty and function to your landscaping choices.

Purposes
An arbor or pergola can be used to direct viewers’ eyes upward. Some homeowners use arbors to provide an arch over a walkway that leads into another part of the yard. Pergolas may be used to support creeping vines or other climbing plants. Particularly popular choices include those such as honeysuckle that give off pleasant floral aromas. Pergolas also provide coverage for your porch or deck, blocking out the harshest of the sun’s rays. Your designer may be able to add additional lighting to your arbor and pergola so that you can better enjoy the space when the sun goes down. These structures can add both visual depth and functional improvement to your landscaping.

Materials
The material you choose for the construction of your pergola or arbor depends not only on your desired aesthetic but also on how long you need it to last. Wood is a common choice because it is beautiful and can be painted or stained to match almost any design. While it is one of the least expensive options, it may need to be replaced sooner, as wood is more susceptible to rot and pests. Vinyl is durable and low maintenance. It is more expensive than wood, but you may find it worth the price difference when you see how long it lasts. Metal is also a good choice, as long as you choose a metal such as aluminum that is both strong and rust-resistant.

No matter which one you choose, adding an arbor and pergola enhances both the form and function of your yard design. Talk to your landscape architect about the options that will work best for your outdoor spaces.