You should know a little about pergolas before deciding whether to have one installed in your own yard. Here are a few notable things to know:

Performance Expectations

Before deciding whether to actually install a pergola in your yard, it's important to understand what you can expect from its performance. You should know that a pergola won't protect you from the outdoor elements like a covered porch or even a gazebo would. Instead, you can expect your pergola to provide you with some shade from the sun while allowing you to enjoy a thorough outdoor experience.

But pergolas offer so much more than weather protection that other options like gazebos don't. Their spacious design makes it easy for several people to gather around underneath it without feeling crowded or clustered. You can barbecue under a pergola unlike a covered porch or gazebo too. And the appealing design of pergolas can help improve the overall look and feel of your yard.

Structural Options

There are a variety of structure options available on the market, so you should know a little about some of your options before you start shopping so you can focus on the options that are most appealing to you and avoid spending your valuable time on options that won't meet your needs and expectations over time. Here are a few options to consider:

• Vinyl – Holds up well to wear and tear and offers a modern, sleek look.

• Wooden – Offers a traditional look but requires regular maintenance for protection from harsh weather.

• Steel – Can stand up to strong winds, harsh rains, and heavy snowstorms. Offers an industrial look that is best suited for rocky and concrete landscapes.

Make a list of performance and design elements that are important to you and compare the list to your available options. This should make it easy to determine which pergola option to focus your attention on.

Installing the Structure

You can always install your new pergola yourself, but you will need access to a variety of tools and materials in order to get the job done. And you will have to spend some time reading through the instruction manual, and likely watching how-to videos, in order how to complete the installation process. You can save yourself some time and money by hiring a professional to install the pergola for you. And you'll have peace of mind in knowing that it was installed safely and properly.