Increase versatility and style of your back yard or patio with the addition of a beautiful pergola!

Man, when it was hot outside, there was just no way you could get me to eat or relax out in the backyard! I hate sitting in the sun for any extended length of time.

It's hot, it's too bright and you could get sunburn leading to skin cancers and other health problems.

If you are like me and just like limited exposure to the sun or you just want to be able to beautify your landscape while adding some cool comfortable shade, look no further than a pergola!

What is it?
A pergola is also sometimes referred to as a lattice or an arbor. Both of those are similar but with a slightly more specific purpose. Pergolas can cover a concrete patio, a deck or just be covering bare earth or grass. The main purpose is to provide shade to dine, relax and entertain in.

Free Standing or Attached?
Free standing means that it will be a structure away from the building and stand on it's own. It will have at least 4 posts and possible more. It is common to keep the posts no more than 10-14 feet apart so, larger pergola = more posts. Attached refers to one side of the pergola being hung on the wall of the home or building. you'll have a minimum of 2 posts.

Pergolas are a shade structure, not rain cover. If you are looking for rain protection, look at patio covers.
Pergolas have the following components: Posts (anywhere from 4x4 treated lumber to custom decorative columns), Headers ( usually two - one of them on the wall if it is an attached pergola), Rafters (running across the headers and usually spaced 24" apart) and finally the Lattice slats. Lattice is spaced according to the amount of shade you want. They can be spaced 2" apart for maximum shade or further apart to adjust the amount of shade you desire.

As you can see, a pergola is the ideal solution to adding shade to your yard. If you are in Texas, visit All-Tex Exteriors for a private consultation and price quote. If you are anywhere else, consider buying a DIY pergola kit and installing it yourself. It is not difficult and is mostly just a one day job.

Visit Pergola-Patio.com for the ultimate selection of style and material selection.