Aussies are known the world over for our outdoor lifestyle. Warmsummer nights spent outside can be made even better with a pergola, verandah or patio. When it comes to relaxing at home with your family, setting up the right space can make your outdoor living even more comfortable.
A pergola, verandah, and patio all provide an outdoor area to relax or entertain friends, while also improving your home’s sustainability and value. However, they each offer unique variations. Let’s take a quick look at the differences and then explore why a pergola might be the right choice for your home.
What is a pergola?
Pergola, verandah, patio. The words are often used interchangeably but before you add one to your home, you should understand the difference.
A pergola is a freestanding, outdoor structure that often has a cross beam roof and is not fully enclosed. It’s a versatile design that may incorporate elements of your garden’s foliage into the structure – such as vines or hanging plants.
A verandah is an outdoor structure that is attached to the ground level of your home and is covered with a roof. A verandah may be found at the front, rear, or sides of a house and can extend your home, offering you a place to transition from the inside to outside.
A patio is a paved outdoor area used for dining or recreation. A patio is usually positioned at the back of the house and may have a roof or not be enclosed at all.
How a pergola can improve your home
Whether you enjoy gathering the family together for a summer barbecue or relaxing with a good book in the shade on a lazy Sunday afternoon, a pergola can help take your outdoor living to the next level. Here are a few reasons you might like to add a pergola to your home:
- A beautiful outdoor space for your friends and family. A shaded comfortable space means more time outside and less time inside using your air con (and driving up your energy bills).
- Fully customisable. From potted plants, to fairy lights, to outdoor swings, today’s pergola designs are vast and varied, so you can customise your pergola to your unique style.
- Shade and cooling. extra shade next to your home can keep your home cooler and help to reduce energy costs by blocking the sun during hot summer months. Bonus tip - add shelter for your air conditioner unit, a pergola can be designed around your external air con unit, helping to keep it in the shade which can make it more energy efficient.
- Privacy. Pergolas provide the perfect space for both privacy and comfort in your own backyard.
- Increase your home’s value.As well as extending your comfortable living space, a pergola for outdoor living and dining can make your home more attractive, if or when you decide to sell it.
- Using recyclable or reusable products. You can choose sustainable products for your pergola to minimise its environmental impact.
Types of sustainable products for pergolas
When it comes to building your pergola, you can improve its sustainability by using eco-friendly products. Here are some sustainable options.
- Ethically sourced wood: You can do your part for the environment by sourcing timber for your pergola that has been ethically logged. Ask your local timber supplier if their wood is logged under the Australian Forestry standards, or search Responsible Wood’s database for certified wood products and suppliers.
- Reclaimed wood: A great design choice that doubles as a sustainable-win, reclaimed wood is wood that has been upcycled from old buildings or structures like ships and wine casts. Reclaimed wood has a unique, rustic feel to it. It also saves new trees from being cut down.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is an eco-friendly option that’s extremely durable, flexible and water resistant. It’s naturally sourced and grows very fast, which does well for the planet.
- Recycled plastic: As a smart alternative to wood, recycled plastic lumber is made from recycled plastic. A long lasting, mould resistant, durable option to secure your pergola.
- Aluminium: Aluminium is a great sustainable option when building your pergola because it can be recycled time and time again, without losing its properties. .
Why not add solar panels?
To make the most of your pergola, our hot tip is to consider adding solar panels. After all, it’s just like added roof space, and can be a great options for space if you want extra panels or your roof isn’t ideal.
Solar panels can be incorporated into the design of your pergola to provide renewable energy for your outdoor space. Imagine gazing up at those festoon lights knowing that you’re reducing your carbon footprint and save money on energy costs. It’ll make spending time outdoors even sweeter.
If you’re thinking of adding a pergola to your home, discover how Brighte financing can help.