A pergola is a garden structure that generally provides shade in a sitting area without depriving you of the open space. It’s held up by slim columns or pillars that support a decorative crossbeam roof. Also, unlike gazebos and pavilions, pergolas are not pricey.
A pergola is a great choice if you’re planning to give your yard a makeover without spending too much. But, can a pergola be built on grass?
The short answer is that you can do so without issues. If you want to know how to do that, then this article is for you.
Can a Pergola Be Built on Grass?
Building a pergola is a cost-effective way of giving your property an elegant, magazine feel. In fact, pergolas are listed as one of the outdoor living trends in 2021!
Moreover, there are many locations where you can place your pergola. For example, you can either have it attached to your deck, pool, or patio.
However, constructing a pergola on grass is less popular. However, it’s still completely doable. Placing your pergola in an open green space can make the landscape gorgeous!
What Are the Different Designs of Pergolas?
Pergolas serve the same purpose but come in different designs and structures, ranging from a classic open top to a contemporary sail roof.
Choosing which design is the right one for you can be challenging. But, your choice is a matter of personal preference. Here are different pergola designs that might suit your style:
1 – Sail Pergola
Sail pergolas, also known as shade sails, don’t have slatted roof beams. As the name implies, this particular design uses a sail to protect you from environmental elements like the sun.
It can even provide UV protection, depending on the brand. Aside from that, installing a sail is pretty easy. So, even if you’re not an experienced do-it-yourself person, you can still try your hand at it.
2 – Open-Top Pergola
Pergolas traditionally have open roofs. Thus, an open-top is the most standard design among pergola structures. In addition, you can grow trailing plants like creepers and colorful vines to provide more shade.
However, plants tend to have insects like caterpillars, so an open-top pergola might not be ideal when you have some friends for an outdoor dinner.
3 – Attached Pergola
An attached pergola is a common pergola design. It can either be attached to another building or a wall of your house. Hence, it’s more accessible.
It can be an extension of your house, like a sitting area where you can read a book on a lovely afternoon. Lastly, an attached pergola is more stable and sturdier in structure compared to a standalone pergola.
4 – Gabled Pergola
Unlike a typical pergola, a gabled pergola has a pitched roof that offers more coverage from a hot summer. Unlike the flat beam roof, it provides a water runoff which is excellent for wet weather.
What Are Different Materials of Pergola?
While pergolas vary in design, they’re also made up of different materials. These materials will determine how much it’ll cost, how much maintenance it’ll need, and, most importantly, how long your pergola will likely last. Here are the different materials pergolas are usually made of:
1 – Wood Pergola
Wood is the most common and cheapest material for pergolas. This is probably the kind of material most people are familiar with. Unfortunately, wood pergolas aren’t known for their durability because they’re not usually waterproof.
As a result, though they’re great after construction, they don’t last very long.
2 – Concrete Pergola
If you want your pergola to replicate classic Greek architecture, custom-poured concrete pillars are for you.
This kind of material only requires occasional cleaning and repair of chips and cracks. Other than that, your pergola will last forever.
3 – Aluminum Pergola
An aluminum pergola blends well with modern architecture because it has clean shapes and lines.
Since aluminum is not susceptible to rust, it doesn’t need much maintenance. However, make sure that the aluminum used is pure, as impure aluminum can rust.
4 – Steel Pergola
Like aluminum, steel can also give your pergola a contemporary look. Also, since steel is much heavier than aluminum, it’s more durable and sturdy.
However, if a steel pergola is exposed to too much rain and humidity, it’ll rust. So, you’ll need to take precautions.
5 – Vinyl Pergola
Vinyl Pergola is extremely low maintenance compared to wood, aluminum, steel, and concrete. Because it’s high-quality, it’ll last for so many years, even with just the occasional power-washing.
Unfortunately, a vinyl pergola can be a little pricey, so keep that in mind.
What Are the Benefits of a Pergola?
Here’s why a pergola is a good idea for your home:
1 – Budget-Friendly
When building a beautiful garden structure, many will usually find that a basic pergola is less expensive than a gazebo or pavilion. So, a pergola is the best way to go if you’re on a budget.
2 – Easy to DIY
A pergola is not complicated in structure. Thanks to its simple, four-post design, you can definitely do it yourself! The best part is there’s a wide range of pergola kits for self-assembly with minimal help.
3 – Less Maintenance
Pergolas come in different materials. Yet, vinyl pergolas are the most recommended. These pergolas don’t chip, peel, rot, or warp. Also, they’re not susceptible to termites and discoloration.
4 – Good for Plants
Not only are pergolas charming on their own, but they can also lend support to vines, climbing flowers, and ivy. These lovely plants can weave their way up the pillars and roof beams. You may also hang a planter to the rays to add more optical links to your garden.
Can a Pergola Be Installed on Concrete?
An example of concrete placement is over the pool and patio. What makes it a good choice is that building a poolside pergola will give your home a chic, resort-style look.
For its installation, it would be better to use an electric hammer drill to secure the fasteners to the concrete.
Can a Pergola Be Installed Over a Deck?
One of the most popular places that you can install your pergola is over your deck. It can be a perfect enhancement to your residential space.
A simple power drill will be sufficient to attach a pergola to your deck.
Can a Pergola Be Installed on Pavers?
Installing your pergola on pavers is beneficial for so many reasons. For starters, pavers are notably more flexible and durable compared to poured concrete.
You can anchor your Pergola to the pavers by adding post footings into the ground and using a heavy-duty drill to attach it to the pavers gently. It’s best to add brackets afterward.
Does a Pergola Need to be Anchored?
Safety is the one main reason why your pergola needs to be anchored. Although pergolas might look sturdy, they can fall over if not mounted securely. It can cause thousands worth of property damage to your house and might threaten your neighbors during hurricanes or inclement weather.
Also, anchoring your pergola can give you the peace of mind that it’ll stay true to its shape for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
Adding a pergola to your property will help define areas for entertainment, relaxation, and gatherings. You can always choose which pergola kit will fit your lifestyle and your envisioned aesthetics. Also, you can create your outdoor oasis without being limited by your budget.
There you have it! The next time you wonder to yourself, “can a pergola be built on grass, concrete, or pavers?” You’ll know for sure. With that, you can decide which pergola design and material is a better choice.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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