Built for Austin Living: Choosing the Right Pergola

Pergolas are made for Austin living — offering shade, style, and a welcoming place to gather outdoors while still enjoying the open air.

Choose the right pergola material. 

Cedar pergolas are a favorite thanks to natural resistance to insects and rot, however can be limited in spans. Douglass Fir is another popular choice that is better in terms of structural loads and spans and has similar characteristics to Cedar. Steel and Aluminum pergolas offer a modern look with minimal maintenance, while stained wood pergolas add warmth and character to Central Texas landscapes. Steel Pergolas offer the greatest versatility in terms of engineering when it comes to cantilevered structures and large spans. Lastly, WUI Code. Wildland Urban Interface code has become a new head ache for homeowners navigating building permits and remodels. Often times significantly increasing budgets in order to comply with the limited approved materials.

Plan for Austin sun and heat. 

Afternoon sun can be intense in Central Texas. Slatted pergolas, adjustable louvers, shades, or vine-covered designs help create flexible shade throughout the day. These options always come with additional maintenance. Whether it means re-staining/painting, trimming back foliage, or cleaning louvered systems, be aware there is some work associated with these upgrades.

The newest Trend that is here to stay, POLYGAL. Covering existing or new pergolas with this product can not only reduce UV light, but also makes pergolas 100% Waterproof. These covers need a 2-4% slope, depending on the product line.

Design with intention. 

Whether your pergola covers an outdoor kitchen, dining space, or lounge area, the size and placement should complement your home and enhance your outdoor living experience. Lighting, fans, and audio become some finishing touches that really make the space unique but need to be considered from the beginning in order to run the relevant power source.

A thoughtfully designed pergola adds comfort, function, and long-term value to landscapes and your home.