Custom-Designed Pergolas
Pergolas are a great, inexpensive way to extend your outdoor living space. They not only provide cover from the hot Florida sun, but also serve as an ideal place for flowering vine plants to grow. The term “pergola” was taken from the Latin word “pergula,” meaning a projective eave. Historically, pergolas linked pavilions or extended from a building’s door to an open garden feature such as an isolated terrace or pool. Today, many are freestanding structures providing shelter and shade to a length of walkway or patio area. Modern pergola designs tend to favor wood and aluminum and are thus affordable and gaining popularity amongst hardscape and landscape enthusiasts. Aside from the structure’s material, there are many other things to consider when designing your pergola such as lighting, fans, speakers, adding gas for an outdoor kitchen or fire feature and much much more.
Wood vs. aluminum: There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the material for your new pergola. Aluminum is typically more inexpensive than wood, it’s easy to maintain and pest proof. On the other hand, people choose wood because it’s ability to blend into the natural landscape while maintaining strength and durability.
Lighting: Once you’ve chosen the perfect pergola, it’s time to make it a true outdoor space by adding custom lighting. Try rope lights along the top to add ambience, wall mounted fixtures on the columns for direct lighting or overhead hanging lights to illuminate the entire space.
Fans: Are those Northeast Florida days getting too steamy to enjoy your outdoor space? Mount overhead fans to create constant air circulation. Take it a step further and install fans with lights for nighttime entertaining. You can even include an outdoor misting system for those really hot days!
Speakers: What’s a party without music? Make your pergola a complete outside room by adding all-weather speakers. As with any electrical work, make sure to consult a professional.
Gas hookup: Add a gas hookup to your pergola for a beautiful fire feature such as a fire bowl, fire put or fireplace or include a stunning outdoor kitchen complete with a grill island and wet bar.