Pergolas & Patio Covers

Should you choose a pergola or a patio cover? When the hot Texas sun beats down on you in summer time everyone is looking for shade. If you don’t have a large live oak tree to sit under then a Pergola or Patio Cover are great options for your outdoor living area and they both have different and unique applications. When you are trying to decide on which one makes the best sense for your backyard there are a few things to consider. The first is, do you want to be out of the rain as well as out of the hot sun? Let’s first talk about how Pergolas are designed and another name you may hear it called in Texas.

In Texas we sometimes refer to the type of structures we build as a Pergola, arbor, or a Shade Arbor, to us, they are one and the same. Most of the pergolas are built out of rustic aromatic western cedar timber and are comprised of four parts that include shade rails, rafters, beams, and posts. The posts are typically 6x6 or 8x8 inches in size, with the 8x8 inch posts being the most popular option for our customers. The 8x8 inch posts are usually preferred because they are much stronger, look better, and give the overall structure a more massive appearance that so many people like to see. Attached near the top of the posts are your beams. The beams can come in a lot of different sizes but the main ones you will usually see are made of 2x8, 2x10, 2x12 or 4x12 size. In addition, you can opt to get them made with even larger timber such as 6x12 if you are looking for something truly massive. On top of the beams goes the rafters which most of the time will be 2x6 or 2x8 in size, this sometimes depends on how far they will need to span. On the very top goes the shade rails and they are mostly 2x2 or 2x4 with a 2-inch space between them. The closer you space them and the bigger the lumber you use the more shade you have. The ends of the rafters are typically cut in a curve or a 45-degree angle to make them look more decorative. Since the pergola has an open top you do lose the ability to keep out the rain but you get the advantage of being able to see the stars at night when you sit under it so it is the perfect place to have a romantic dinner or entertain guests while star gazing. In addition, they are quicker and less expensive to build than a patio cover with roof.

Our patio covers are perfect for those individuals who want to not only escape the sun but also get out of the rain. The patio cover will usually have a shingle roof that will match the type of roof you have on your home. There are a few options on how to build the underside of the patio cover. The first and most popular way in DFW area is using a cedar 1x6 board on the underside with the cedar rafters exposed so you can see them. For a more finished look you can choose to hide the rafters under tongue and groove 1x6 cedar planks. Either way you choose will look good and the materials and cost to build are virtually the same for most projects. The reason cedar is used in most of our outdoor living Patio covers, Pergolas, or Shade Arbors is due to its good insect resistance, and because it does not rot easily. This makes it great in wet weather or high humidity, as well as being very lightweight material compared to other types of lumber, and is more durable for outdoor use. A second option for the underside of the patio cover is to use a painted Hardiboard type material to match what is on your existing home. Many of our younger clients are choosing this option for a more contemporary look.

One other thing to consider is the use of lights and ceiling fans. Nothing makes your pergola or patio look better at night than using LED, Low volt, or standard lights under it. The most popular option our customers now choose are LED light fixtures because they are small, use very little energy, and last for many thousands of hours. A ceiling fan will help to create a gentle breeze when needed to cool things down a bit and keep small insects away. It is best to choose a fan that is the right size for your area and has enough power to create the amount of air movement needed. For larger areas or structures with tall ceilings, multiple fans may be desired. When choosing a fan for outdoor use it is best to purchase a “wet” rated fan that will keep its sensitive electrical components dry.

Larry Gucciardo is the CEO and founder of Dallas Outdoor Kitchens & Hardscape. He has 25 years of experience in sales, design, and construction in the swimming pool and outdoor living industry. For more information on pergola and patio covers contact him via his website: www.dallasoutdoorkitchens.com