While there are many other structures you can build that offer lots of benefits and features, pergolas are a popular addition to any backyard patio. Plus, the benefits of a pergola are numerous.

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is a structure made with beams and posts to create a shaded area or walkway in your garden or backyard. Pergolas are commonly included in a patio remodel because they add a lot of functional space. When considering “what is a pergola?” people also think about how they can use one. These structures create a focal point, but they also create an outdoor living space that can be used for a custom outdoor kitchen or other purposes.

Pergolas have historically been constructed from brick, stone, and wood. Pergolas have been around since Roman times. Ancient pergolas were built out of exterior walls with columns and pillars at the other end for support. Architects built pergolas during the Italian Renaissance to mimic the ancient villas of Rome.

In modern times, people have gotten more creative without their backyard patio and other outdoor living areas. Modern pergolas are used for all sorts of purposes and made from different elements to suit the requirements of individual properties and owners. Traditionally, pergolas shouldn’t have solid sides, but such a structure isn’t always possible. Don’t be afraid to use your outdoor furniture pergola however you see fit.

What are Pergolas Used For?

Want to know what is a pergola used for? Here are some of the best ideas on how to use your pergola and pergola furniture.

1. Create Shade With Your Pergola

Pergolas aren’t made to keep the sun out completely. Instead, they are designed to offer some shade and protection against direct sunlight while letting air flow freely. While the outdoor kitchen roof of your pergola might be made with a beam structure and only provide partial shade, you could still create a fully shaded area. Why not put up some plants on top of the structure or get a bamboo cover to fill in the gaps? You can also use curtains and fence panels to create a more enclosed space.

Some people use their pergola as an awning of sorts. Pergolas attach to the side of a property and make for a great way to prevent sunlight glaring through the windows of your house.

2. Turn a Pergola Into an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens and BBQ pergola options are the most popular uses for pergolas. The kitchen is the heart and soul of the home. It is where everyone comes together and where the health and well-being of all occupants are connected. You could say the same of an outdoor kitchen. If anything, the right pergola furniture and accessories mean you can get more out of an outdoor kitchen than you ever could an indoor one.

Outdoor kitchens encourage everyone to spend more time in the shade while they eat. Food is never far away from entertainment sources either, making for an excellent way to throw an outdoor party. Because most custom outdoor kitchen furniture and appliances are for cooking lighter food, it’s easier to make healthy food outdoors on your grill island or in your pizza oven. Just being outside will encourage you to create refreshing food for yourself, your loved ones, and party guests.

A custom outdoor kitchen adds a splash of magic to the food you make. Spend time outdoors with friends and family while serving delicious meals in your outdoor kitchen!

3. Extend Your Living Space

Outdoor dining whenever you want is undoubtedly tempting, but don’t think it’s the only thing you can do with your pergola. The right Trex deck with a pergola along with the addition of Trex furniture can be used to create the ultimate outdoor living spaces for your home. Turning it into a dining area or kitchen is just one of many options.

Why not take your pergola and turn it into an outdoor living room? Put some chairs and a sofa out there – along with a TV, of course – and have an entertainment space. Pergolas are designed to resist the elements, so don’t worry about their well-being. Having an outdoor entertainment space means people won’t run in and out of your house so much when you have friends visit, and it cuts down on potential dirt problems.

Even if you don’t have people over a lot, you can relax in your new outdoor space by yourself. The only thing better than curling up with a good book at the end of a long day is doing it surrounded by nature. A pergola lets you take the indoors outdoors with your backyard patio.

4. Create a Greener Space

You can use your pergola wherever you want to create a partition in your garden. Use wires to guide plant growth and get your garden growing just right, and you’ll soon have a green and luscious divider that creates privacy and encourages wildlife like birds to come to visit.

Pergolas can add a fresh touch to your garden. When handled properly, they can even become the focal point of a beautiful outdoor world. Create a winding outdoors pathway lined with stepping stones and some of your favorite plants to create a welcoming outdoor sanctuary for relaxing after work.

As mentioned before, you can grow plants on top of the pergola to create a natural and beautiful roof. If you feel inspired, then don’t hesitate to search for “pergola installers near me” and find an expert to help. For top level tiki hut and pergola designs and installations in Fort Lauderdale, contact U.S. Brick & Block Systems today.

5. Create Partitions With Pergolas

If you want to create separate spaces in your garden, then a pergola could be the answer. Perhaps you want to create different themed areas of the garden, separate living and dining areas from the rest of the garden, or create a functional space. Maybe you just want to create an area near your swimming pool for a touch of luxury. Separating your garden into different areas like this also makes it more manageable.

You can take the idea of creating partitions and frame your patio and outdoor space instead of creating a privacy border. Bridge different areas of your garden together with an outdoor structure to blend your landscape together. One of the benefits of a pergola is that they offer an open structure to define your patio border better. Make a pergola part of your backyard to create stylish living spaces all year round.

Benefits of a Pergola

Don’t feel limited to just our options for what to do with a pergola. Perhaps you can think of some unique ideas of your own. People have used pergolas for centuries, and they now represent one of the best ways to create outdoor spaces on your patio.

No matter what you decide to use your pergola for, there are plenty of ways to be creative about it and put together the ultimate outdoor living space. Get in touch today to learn more about pergolas and arrange for a consultation to start work on creating one.