Pergola Structures

Origin

• The Pergola has its origin in Ancient Egypt with the simple notion of escaping the sun's brutal heat while still outside. These first pergolas were built from four columns that were attached at the top by boards to create a simple cube like structure. Vines were planted on each of the four columns until they covered the structure. Today, pergolas take three main forms but stem from this same historic usage.

Pergola Structure: Walkway

• Pergola structures come in the largest form as a walkway. Walkway pergolas provide shade and are built over walkways or trails. These pergolas are traditionally built out of wood. Metal structure is cost prohibitive and is harder to construct around curved or uneven pathways. The roofs of these pergolas are intermittent, allowing for sunlight to shine through. Vines are planted on the many posts of the walkway and eventually cover the intermittent roofing, providing more comprehensive shading.

Pergola Structure: Extension Type

• Another type of pergola structure is called an extension. An extension pergola is built along side of a wall. These are often built as an addition to homes or commercial buildings. These pergolas have two open sides. Wall climbing vines are usually planted at the wall side; English ivy is a common choice.

Pergola Structure: Free-Standing

• The last and most common pergola structure is that of a freestanding structure. These are most adherent to the historic origin of pergolas. These pergolas have four columns with four vertical rods or boards attaching them together on the top. Some freestanding pergolas use latticework to provide more comprehensive shading/roofing on the top