staining pergolas

Backyard Shade Ideas: Casting the Right Shadows

Since pre-Revolutionary times, Long Island has been a summer playground. Our beautiful shorelines, rivers and lakes and endless summer sun make it a truly enviable locale.

But even those who are sun worshipers require a little shade now and then. And in our own backyards, the key is casting the shade.

There are many forms of shade structures — pavilions, trellises, gazebos to name a few. But today we’re focusing just on a truly popular shade thrower: Pergolas.

What Exactly Defines a Pergola?

“A pergola is constructed with open rafters at the top and is supported by posts,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “It’s usually of simple, durable construction and is free standing.”

Deck and Patio clients also love the pergola’s open design, adds Dave. “Whether it’s made of vinyl, cedar, or fiberglass, etc., the structure allows for refreshing cross currents of air, yet is elegant enough to frame a picture-perfect outdoor sitting/gathering area. Plus, because of their simple design, you can expand them to fit pretty much any size space.”

Consider the following pergola which is also shown above as our feature photo today. It is a nice example of how creative one can get when designing this shade structure.

 

Pergola Shade

Pergola Shade

This Deck and Patio pergola crowns a handsome bar with stone facade with openings for two sheer descent waterfalls. It also defines the space elegantly, and most importantly, it provides lots of shade when positioned well like here. So along with the relaxing sounds of falling water — it’s the perfect shady spot for a summer drink.

 

Outdoor U-Shaped Bar with Pergola:

Outdoor U-Shaped Bar with Pergola:

With striking white columns this Deck and Patio pergola offers architectural drama as well as sufficient shade amid the day’s bright sunshine.

We designed it to provide shade for a dramatic outdoor bar area we designed/built which also claims a swim-up bar with in-pool bar stools. The U shape bar turns into a patio-bar nestled underneath the handsome pergola.

 

Pillared Pergola:

Pillared Pergola:

This pergola was built long and wide to shade a comfortable outdoor sitting area that includes a fire pit. It was positioned adjacent to a dining area shaded by a large umbrella. At the right time of day, the shade cast by the pergola’s rafters looks almost like a carpet — perfect for an outdoor sitting area.

 

Custom Pergolas:

Custom Pergolas:

Stepping out of the pool house we created, a 25-foot-wide shade pergola was built to shade guests from the hot summer sun. Underneath, there is also a stunning bar area, complete with sink and all components necessary to keep everyone supplied with fresh beverages. 

The bar and raised spa are faced with matching cultured stone, which ties the areas together from a design standpoint.

 

To Sum Up: Pergolas (and trellises) make attractive architectural statements. They require less materials than a gazebo (or 4-season room) to construct, and provide limited shade with just support beams and rafters.

Taking the time to grow vines on a trellis/pergola, however, will eventually increase the amount of shade. In the meantime, one can always add a canopy overhead if needed — a good idea if the space underneath is used frequently when the sun is high.

 

By |2022-04-21T14:02:19-05:00April 21st, 2022|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pergola, Trellises|Comments Off on Backyard Shade Ideas: Casting the Right Shadows

Pergola Patios: When Throwing a Little Shade is a Good Thing

Deck and Patio Pergola Patio

Deck and Patio Pergola Patio

Update 3-30-23: Whether at online ‘home design’ or ‘favorite projects’ sites such as Houzz and Pinterest, it’s clear from recent activity that pergola patios remain very popular this year.

Perhaps one reason for this ever-growing popularity is size flexibility. Pergolas come in so many different designs that almost any space can accommodate one. Plus, pergolas are a reasonably-priced way to add shade while making a nice architectural statement. 

“There are so many choices in materials, stains and design, you get some protection from the elements, while still feeling connected to the outside — all in a style perfectly suited to your taste.”

Creating an inviting pergola patio also extends the living space beyond the walls of your home. 

“Deck and Patio can show you many popular options,” adds Dave. “Be it cedar, pressure-treated wood, vinyl, fiberglass, custom or prefabricated. “We do them all.”

One recent Pinterest Pin–from an account with over 30K followers–shared “5 Elements to Create a Cozy Patio” which puts a gorgeous pergola front and center. In reviewing her entire 5 elements, we were heartened to see that Deck and Patio regularly incorporates them in our projects.   

Examples of Deck and Patio pergola patios follow below in our earlier blog.

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It’s not surprising that many find the simplest solution for some outdoor shade is the elegant pergola. “Pergolas are considered decorative or ornamental, so they rarely require permits,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “And their construction is fairly straightforward, especially when using a prefabricated kit.

“While we do build a lot of pavilions and cabanas, etc., just as frequently, clients opt for the less complicated pergola. Occasionally, those that already have a cabana or pavilion want a little extra shade thrown in another outdoor area.”

Deck and Patio Pergola Over a Bar

Deck and Patio Pergola Over a Bar

Deck and Patio has found that clients also love the pergola’s open design. “Whether it’s made of vinyl, cedar, or fiberglass, etc., the structure allows for refreshing cross currents of air, yet is elegant enough to frame a picture-perfect outdoor sitting/gathering area,” adds Stockwell. “Plus, because of their simple design, you can expand them to fit pretty much any size space.”

What Exactly Defines a Pergola?

A pergola is constructed with open rafters at the top and is supported by posts. It’s usually of simple, durable construction and is free standing.

Deck and Patio Pergola Shades Outdoor Kitchen

Deck and Patio Pergola Shades Outdoor Kitchen

“We find the two most popular pergola materials are vinyl and cedar,” says Stockwell. “Vinyl is usually white or cream in tone. Both are resistant to weather, rot and insects, although vinyl is completely immune to such deterioration.”

In the end, some clients prefer the handsome look of wood, and find they don’t mind periodic refinishing, which is necessary with natural wood structures (even cedar will require occasional staining and a sealant, otherwise its color will change over time). While others want a maintenance-free structure and choose vinyl.”

According to Stockwell, when deciding where you will place the pergola, consider where you will want shade most often — e.g., over a new outdoor bar, seating area, or barbecue. Then, so as to capture the right amount of shade from the pergola’s rafters, take note how the sun passes over your yard before deciding where to position it all, and at what angle, etc.

 

 

Pergola/Outdoor Bar with Water Feature:

Pergola/Outdoor Bar with Water Feature:

In addition to defining space elegantly, a pergola provides lots of shade if it is positioned well. Here, it crowns a handsome bar with stone facade with openings for two sheer descent waterfalls.

 

 

Pillared Pergola:

Pillared Pergola:

This pergola was built long and wide to shade a comfortable outdoor sitting area that includes a fire pit. It was positioned adjacent to a dining area shaded by a large umbrella. At the right time of day, the shade cast by the pergola’s rafters looks almost like a carpet — perfect for an outdoor sitting area.

 

 

Outdoor U-Shaped Bar with Pergola:

Outdoor U-Shaped Bar with Pergola:

This dramatic outdoor bar area is also a swim-up bar with in-pool bar stools. Its U shape turns into a patio-bar nestled underneath a handsome pergola. With striking white columns the pergola offers architectural drama as well as sufficient shade amid the day’s bright sunshine.

 

 

Pergola with Vines:

Pergola with Vines:

While creating a patio using permeable Techo-Bloc pavers that capture rainwater for the yard’s water features and landscape irrigation, the clients also wanted a large pergola. In doing all this, we were careful to protect their property’s 30-year-old-grape vine. The finished patio’s peaceful scene gives no hint of the work involved and the underground systems supporting it all.

The expansive pergola adorned with trailing plantings and vines offers lots of shade for outdoor dining. The new seat wall makes it easy for crowd-entertaining, providing extra sitting room within the pergola’s shade.

 

 

 

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