If you have been brainstorming ways to give your backyard a makeover, a pergola is one of the ways to give your space that pretty garden magazine feel. And they are pretty trendy too. If you have not come across one, a pergola is an exterior structure that offers sun protection without sacrificing open and airy feeling. It’s held up by columns and it can be free-standing or attached to your home. If you look for high quality pergolas getting constructed or buying, you should know the pros and cons of pergolas Sydney.
Pros
Pergolas Are Not Super Expensive – A pergola can be a cost-effective way to give your property a more unique and personal look. The average cost of a pergola is around $ 3600 but you can get yours as low as $750. The fixture is retractable, as it’s made of steel. If you have a more flexible budget you can look into pergolas which will run around $ 1200 but are made from real cedar and are much more durable.
Pergolas Are Easy to DIY – You can DIY your own pergola if you are up for a project. You will get a list of materials needed and step-by-step instructions that will help you build a pergola yourself. Building a pergola yourself costs $3500 while hiring a professional to build it will cost around $500 more. The benefits of building your own is that it is uniquely suited to your home and taste.
Pergolas Are Made With Very Durable Wood – Pergolas can be made from several types of wood – Ipe, redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated wood.
You Can Attach Fabric To A Pergola – If you want your pergola to protect you from elements while you are enjoying your breakfast outside and hosting a family Barbeque, you can customize the structure to get more shade either by creating a roof instead of beams or attaching a fabric. You can also install a retractable canopy. This protects you from the sun as well as the rain.
Cons
Pergolas Require Maintenance – It depends on the type of wood, pergolas need to be treated, cleaned, and repainted over time, if you want to keep them from getting weathered. If you live in an area where the air is most, you need to watch out for mildew . Mildew can easily destroy your pergola, which is why you want to use a mixture of bleach and water the moment you see any signs of mildew. Wood needs to be touched up, it’s normal for columns to get dinged up or have scruffs with time. You can fill in the scratches /dips with wood or metal putty. You have to watch out for wood and paint splinters peeling off. Sanding the columns down once in a while can protect against any injuries. If the pergola is having foliage on its canopy, trim it regularly to make sure it isn’t being weighed down.
Pergolas Might Look Different Over Time – If your structure is made from Cedar, the color of the wood will fade from light Red Brown to a silvery grey which is natural. You may preserve the original cedar shade by sealing it in. Every year you should apply a new coat of wood stain to keep up the appearance.
Beware of Termites – Pergola made of certain types of wood like cedar or pressure-treated pine naturally repel termites. It’s not uncommon to find out that your pergola is infested with them. Regularly treating the wood should prevent termites.
