For optimal pergola results, you must look for pre-drilled and cut wood. Modified wood and Cellular PVC are also viable choices. Western red cedar is the best wood to choose for durability. However, depending on your budget and the quality of wood you’d like to use, you may need to spend more than your initial budget to get a top-notch pergola. Read on for some tips on choosing the best central coast pergolas material for your needs.
Pre-drilled and pre-cut wood is a prerequisite for an optimal pergola
When it comes to durability, tropical hardwood is the material of choice for any pergola. Popular hardwood species include teak, ipe, mahogany, rosewood, and cypress. These woods are highly sought after for their aesthetic value, hardness, and ability to resist the elements. Pergola wood is available in a variety of hardness ratings. This rating refers to the hardness of a wood piece and is a good indicator of durability.
If you plan to build a wood pergola, you should make sure to choose a product that comes with pre-drilled and cut wood. A well-known brand will have pre-drilled and pre-cut wood that will allow you to easily install your pergola. Another important consideration is size. A pergola should not overwhelm your garden, so be sure to find the right size for your space. After all, wood pergolas are meant to enhance your outdoor living space, not to take over your space.
Modified wood is a viable option
Tropical hardwoods are among the most durable types of wood, but they are costly and limited in availability. Additionally, these materials are detrimental to the environment. Modified wood is a good alternative for a pergola on a budget, and it still offers the character of real wood. The process of treating this wood involves modifying the cell structure to create a more durable product. Modified wood also has a beautiful finish and weathers to a silver gray patina over time.
Pressure-treated wood is another popular option. It is easy to work with and available in almost every home improvement store. Once it has been treated, it becomes resistant to insects, rot, and decay. While it is a durable choice for exterior projects, it is not the most aesthetically pleasing material. In addition, pressure-treated wood has a tendency to retain the stain, which can result in additional maintenance.
Cellular PVC is a durable option
Pergolas are a great way to add a little bit of elegance and charm to your outdoor living space. With so many options available today, you are sure to find one that suits your needs and your budget. These structures make a dramatic architectural statement that you can be proud of, while also requiring minimal maintenance. Cellular PVC pergola components are sleeved over internal structural aluminum reinforcements, which makes them extremely sturdy and easy to install. In addition, they are designed with an integrated bracket system that aligns with internal aluminum members.
Unlike wood, cellular PVC is more stable and does not expand and contract. This means that it won’t be susceptible to warping or rotting. Furthermore, it doesn’t have to be painted or staining every year. Even better, you can recycle the scraps that you don’t use. They are then ground and used to make new cellular PVC pieces. This means that you are helping the environment without breaking the bank.
Red Cedar
One of the most appealing features of a Red Cedar pergola is that it has a distinctive reddish tone that is incredibly attractive. While it isn’t maintenance free, it will eventually age to a silvery grey. With occasional treatment, oak pergolas will retain their lustre. Red Cedar is another popular material used for pergolas. This wood is known for its rich reddish tone, often flecked with pink hues. Red Cedar is a native and offers a number of essential properties that make it a perfect choice for pergola building. It is highly resistant to rot and is naturally insect-repellent. Its stability and beauty make it a perfect choice for even the wettest of winters.
The beauty of Red Cedar is its natural resistance to decay and insect damage. The material is also renewable, making it an excellent choice for outdoor structures. Depending on the size of your pergola, you can choose between rough-sawn timbers and smooth-finished ones. Smaller sizes are easily assembled by average homeowners with some DIY skills, while larger pergolas can be constructed by a professional team and may take several days to finish. Each pergola comes with all the hardware needed for assembly, mounting brackets, and a complete instruction manual that will guide you through the entire process.
Redwood
Pergolas are not only functional, but they can also add beauty to your yard. While redwood and Red Cedar are both durable and rot-resistant, they do require more upkeep and maintenance. Redwood is a bit stronger than WRC and might cost more than $1,500 per pergola. Both materials look great when complemented with landscaping and complement the design of your patio.
If you are on a budget, consider purchasing a pergola kit. These kits typically require multiple people and additional tools to assemble. Instead, you can opt to install a sun shade. Sun shades look modern and offer shade, but they do not provide adequate protection from wind and heavy rain. A great number of sail shades are lightweight and easy to assemble. Depending on your preferences, you can use them for both shade and privacy.
Vinyl
Pergolas can be made of three different materials: wood, metal, or vinyl. Wood requires the most maintenance and often has to be painted or weatherproofed. Metal pergolas are durable and are often powder-coated in different colors. Vinyl is the easiest material to maintain. Vinyl pergolas are available in a variety of colors, and often feature traditional details and a whitewashed look.
The Regency Grande Vinyl kit is one of the largest pergolas on the market, with a top surface area of more than 250 square feet. This pergola requires two people to install, and it requires some tools and time. It’s also the most expensive pergola on the market, and will require extensive assembly. However, if you have the right tools and are patient, you can have an attractive pergola in no time.