Pergolas and
Shade Structures
Pergolas / Arbors / Trellis
Over the years customers have asked what the difference is between a pergola, an arbor, and a Trellis. Differing people might have differing opinions, but below is an easy explanation.
Pergolas:
By definition (www.Dictionary.com) a pergola is a wooden structure with posts for the purpose and training of vines to grow on it. Not all pergolas will have vines or foliage growing on them and are sometimes used exclusively for shade. These are the structures that we build. They can either be decorative with open rafters or have 50% shade with 2″x2″ or lattice to top cover.
Trellis:
A trellis would also be considered as a wooden structure that vines are trained on, but could be said that it is on a much smaller scale or could be more like a fence with vines growing on it. Sometimes these are used to decorate a garden or hide something that a homeowner might not want to see. They can also be considered privacy screens with or without the vines on them or an entrance at a gate to the backyard or garden.
Arbor:
By definition (www.Dictionary.com) an arbor is leafy structure comprised of branches and foliage. It is also a lattice structure with intertwining vines and branches. The shade structures that we construct probably would not fit into this category. You would probably find these types of shade structures in gardens or nature. In any case a person could consider an arbor as part of a pergola.
Twin Wall Polycarbonate:
Another option for pergolas is to use twin wall polycarbonate to have a structure with filtered light but also protect from rain. These types of structures are not guaranteed to not leak, but might give the homeowner a covered patio that light could come through and still stay out of the rain. Patio covers can sometimes take light away and make a room feel darker. If this is a concern a pergola might be a better choice.
PERGOLA PORTFOLIO
