When you envision yourself sitting in the warm sun streaming in through a lattice roof, creating a relaxing setting in your own backyard, the pergola comes in mind. Somehow, we are all on a budget, and unfortunately setting one up may take a toll on your finances. And it gets worse when you make poor choices on materials to use for construction.
You want your pergola to stand the test of time and protect you against costly replacement. Now where does that leave us? First, we got a few select materials. We are talking steel, wood, and vinyl. Each has advantages and considerations.
Steel
When it comes to withstanding the elements, steel is in a league of its own. Rain, snow, and blistering sun can hardly faze a powder-coated steel pergola. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, they will last an average of more than 25 years. Unlike wood, it doesn't warp, crack, or give into rot.
The resulting structure will stand for decades, testifying to the unyielding strength of this material. Imagine yourself spending quality time with your family in the shade of a steel pergola for decades; being able to hold summer parties or nighttime star-gazing activities at your house.
Timber
A wood pergola speaks of timeless charm and a natural warmth, literally melting into gardens and outdoor settings. Intricate textures and classic designs create a haven of Tuscan vineyards or a quaint courtyard right in your own backyard. However, on the other hand, it does bring on quite a few problems regarding durability.
While naturally durable wood is also susceptible to damage, so moisture, warping, and insect infestations must be accounted for. The Forest Products Laboratory estimates that structures not properly maintained could lose as much as 15% of strength in just a decade. Stain or sealant must be applied regularly, every 1 2 years-to preserve the strength and the timeless beauty of wooden constructions. This continued maintenance might turn out to be a factor that deters certain owners who seek a more low-maintenance alternative.
Vinyl
Low maintenance and affordability combine to make vinyl pergolas highly appealing. In addition, they tend to be somewhat resistant to rot, insects, and the elements. The only but serious flaw is the susceptive nature of vinyl to extreme temperatures. According to American Chemistry Council [3], long exposure to high heat above 80°F warps or sags vinyl. Also, the plastic becomes more brittle and likely to crack over time, especially in colder climates. However, vinyl pergolas can last up to 10-15 years provided that one takes good care of them, though in some places, they may not be that strong as compared to steel.
Maintenance
Low maintenance is where the steel pergolas excel. Think of it: the warm breeze carries with it the fragrance of blossoming flowers as melodiously singing birds soothe your eardrums while you have a refreshing drink beneath your steel pergola. Occasionally, all that will be required to clean your steel paradise is to wipe it down with a wet cloth.
This advantage alone eliminates all needs for sanding, staining, or replacing beams gone bad, a fact most homeowners would appreciate since they do not want things that consume so much of their precious time in building a low-maintenance outdoor version.
On the other hand, wood pergolas require more maintenance. It needs to be sealed or stained every 1-2 years if you want it not to go rotten after a short period following construction, due to the weather conditions.
This may take quite some considerable time, especially if one has big pergolas. Some find immense beauty in wood, but this might require some extra work. Consider the ongoing maintenance commitment before finalizing your decision.
The Costs
The costs of these materials vary on the initial purchase. The lowest initial cost is that of wood, trailed or followed by vinyl and steel in that order, respectively. However, consider this as a long-term investment. These maintenance costs might make wood or even vinyl more costly compared to steel in the long run since it requires minimal upkeep.
Aesthetics
Well, that depends on personal preference. There is something that a wood pergola was made to do: to harmonize with gardens and landscapes as it has an ageless charm and a natural warmth about it.
Steel pergolas have clean lines, giving them ultra-modern looks. These modern styles are easily matched to many contemporary homes because of their minimalist profiles. They also offer a much wider range of colors for one to choose from, hence matching with the existing decors or creating bold focus in their yards.
They come in many more colors now to suit any taste in style, and some timeless designs can be very appealing. However, to some homeowner's eyes, they still do not have the same inherent appeal that wood does, nor the sleek modernity of steel.
Take Away
All these come down to what matters in your selection of a material for your pergola. If you need a low-maintenance structure with a steel feel, it is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're going to get a timeless look and do not mind putting in the effort of keeping it maintained, then wood may be ideal for you.
Vinyl provides a relative balance in view of cost and low maintenance liability. Note that rigid weather conditions may call for more replacements than is considered for steel.
Material choice is merely the first step in planning your outdoor haven. Indeed, it would take some planning, mindful design choices, and style to create this in your backyard-a haven where you might want to retreat and sit in quietness, have gatherings, and reconnect with nature.