 Once the harsh winters are over, it's time for most homeowners to go out and restore their outdoor space so they can make the most of the pleasant spring season. While some homeowners may already be aware of the essential post-winter outdoor maintenance, some may be unaware of how to give a new look to their outdoor structures, such as a pergola. This post looks at four top tips for maintaining your pergola and giving it a new look in spring and summer.
Restoration of Your Pergola Most pergolas, typically wooden pergolas, will require at least some restoration following the winter season. Even if you don't live in a region where snowfall is a common occurrence and winters are usually dry, the weather change can still leave your pergolas with stains and mildew. Fortunately, you can solve this problem with restoration. Some homeowners prefer DIY repair of a pergola and apply mixtures containing bleach and water. While it works to some extent, it is always best to go for professional restoration of your pergola. Repainting the Pergola Another important thing that you do to maintain your wood pergola in the spring is to repaint or stain it. Spring is an ideal time to repaint your pergola. While it will help give your pergola a new and improved look, limited heat during the spring season will allow the paint to gel in well with your home's exterior. So along with the fresh and new look, your pergola's life may also increase. Treating Your Pergola for Termites Spring is often one of the most-awaited seasons of the year for most homeowners. The pleasant weather allows for more outdoor opportunities with friends and family. But it is also the favorite season for several insects, including termites. Termites can be a threat, especially to your wooden pergolas, particularly during spring. So it is best to be proactive and get your pergola treated for termites and other insects before you end up with significant damage. Cleaning for Final Touches Once you are done with restoration, repainting, and treating your pergola, now is the time to give the final touches and clean your outdoor structure. Use a high-pressure water hose to remove any dirt or dust. You can also use a brush to give a nice scrub to the surface of your pergola. Final Words Pergola adds elegance and beauty to your yard and offers a place to relax and unwind on pleasant spring and summer days. With these four tips for maintaining your pergola in spring, you can give a new and improved look to your outdoor space this season. To find out more about patio and pergola installation and restoration, get in touch now.
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 Your pergola is probably the most beautiful feature of your outdoor space. But if it isn’t, don’t worry. You can still make your pergola look outstanding. Rest assured, you don’t have to invest in expensive design ideas to help your pergola stand out. All you need to do is follow the tips listed below!
1. Light It Up There’s no better way to bring your dead pergola back to life than featuring lots of lights. A pergola with lights means you can enjoy spending time outdoors at night as well. You can have any type of light – whatever you fancy. If you ask us, we’ll suggest you add fairy lights to ooze magical vibes. You can also hang Edison bulbs over the ceiling of your pergola for an illuminating effect. The best thing is that both fairy lights and Edison bulbs are inexpensive and readily available on the market. 2. Touch of Greenery A hint of greenery – or even lots of it – can perk up your pergola instantly. Start by placing your favorite potted plants around the pergola. Make sure you choose outdoor plants that do well all year round. To have your pergola boasts more natural beauty, you can hang climbing plants as well. You can also hang around small potted plants to make your pergola looking pretty at all times. 3. Curtains for Privacy Curtains make for a great décor option when you want to have some privacy outdoors. Apart from privacy, curtains add a dramatic effect to the space. Make sure to install colorful or textured curtains to make your pergola pop. Also, make it a point to invest in excellent-quality curtains so that they do not get dusty or dirty easily. Ideally, you should look for curtains in cotton or olefin, also known as polypropylene. 4. Comfy Furniture If you wish to turn your pergola into an outdoor living space where you can relax or entertain your guests, then have some comfy sofas or chairs. The type of furniture you choose can make or break your pergola, so make sure that you pick top-quality modern furniture for your outdoor space. 5. Fan or Fireplace Depending on the kind of climate in your region, you can feature a fan or fireplace in your pergola. Ideally, you should have both a fan and fireplace so that you can use a fan in summers while a fireplace during cozy winters. These are the best decorative ways to uplift the beauty of your pergola. To get in touch with the best pergola builders and designers in Southern California, contact SoCal Pergola today!  Does your outdoor space accommodate a pergola? If yes, you’ll agree when we say that it’s probably the most aesthetically pleasing element in your yard, enhancing the space to a whole new level.
However, to keep the beauty of your yard intact with the presence of your pergola, make sure you maintain it regularly. Here are some effective tips and tricks on how to look after your pergola. 1. Cleanse it Invest in a high-quality cleanser to clean your pergola every time it gets dusty or dirty. Use a clean brush with tough bristles to ensure all the stubborn areas are cleaned properly. You can also use a toothbrush for cleaning stubborn spots. In case your pergola is made from metal, use a bristle brush to get rid of all the rust. However, if your pergola is created from vinyl, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleanser. 2. Remove Stains and Mildews This is something you should do after washing your pergola. Look closely for unwanted spots on your pergola. You can’t risk ignoring them, as they may leave your pergola looking unpleasant. To remove stains and mildew from your pergola, prepare a DIY cleaner at home. Combine a cup of oxygen bleach and a gallon of water. Mix thoroughly and apply it to the affected areas of your pergola. After the stains have lightened up, wash the pergola again with soap and water. 3. Look for Damaged Areas Now that you have thoroughly rinsed your pergola, examine your structure carefully. Walk around it and look closely for major damages. If you come across some prominent cuts and dings, touch up that area. Purchase a touch-up kit specifically designed for repainting a pergola. Note that some pergolas come with touch-up kits for the purpose of fixing the damages. If you need to buy a refurbishment kit for your pergola, make sure you get the one that helps increase the lifespan of your pergola. 4. Vine Trimming Some pergola owners like to grow creepers along their pergolas. If your pergola is beautified with thick vines and flowers, make sure to trim them a couple of times annually. This will help decrease the burden on your pergola posts and frames and will ensure fresh greenery to re-grow on them. 5. Look Around Your Pergola Perhaps your pergola is perfectly fine. And the only improvement needed is in its surroundings. Maybe you need to spruce up the yard furniture or add some decorative pieces in there. Looking after your pergola is crucial to enhance the structure and double its lifespan. If you are looking for the best pergolas or workers to install the perfect pergola in your patio, click here.  Pergolas are immensely versatile when it comes to jazzing them up. The seemingly ordinary adjoined rafts that make up a pergola may appear basic at first glance, but if you have the eye for it, you can style them up beautifully. From letting climbers drape over the beams of a pergola and moss fall from the lattice to hanging lights and curtains, there is so much one can do with their backyard embellishment to give their outdoor space a well-deserved glow up. That said, staying tasteful with the design and look of everything is a must; otherwise, a homeowner might end up with a gaudy horror story of a yard that nobody would want to step on.
We know what you must be thinking right now; what could possibly go wrong when decorating a pergola? Well, a LOT! Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the task. Like every other house improvement project, juicing up a pergola is also tricky and requires some thought. If that were not the case, then the world wouldn't have so many skillful designers for house decor. A lot can go wrong when styling a pergola; you can hang unsuitably large bulbs, or you might drape flashy curtains when just sheer drapes would have turned things around. To save you from such decor debacles, we decided to give you a guide on choosing the right curtains for your pergola. Here is everything you need to know about pergola drapes. Material Of course, the first thing you need to consider when choosing curtains for your backyard establishment is the fabric. And to do that, you need to know if you want privacy that comes with think drapes or the romantic setting created by flimsy drapes. You might also want to consider the weather to make the right call. Generally, sheer curtains work best with pergolas because they are elegant and keep the deck roomy. That is, they don't confine the space as thicker drapes do. And what's the point of having an outdoor seating area when you enclose it with fabric. Appeal Another imperative factor to consider when buying pergola curtains is the look you wish to create. If you want to add grandeur to your backyard, then you could hang silk curtains. But if you want the ambiance to be casual and inviting, you should consider sheer or cotton drapes. Color Lastly, the color of curtains for a pergola is crucial to the appearance of the space. Since pergolas are placed in the outdoor area of a house, the veil over it shouldn't be too bright or overpowering because that would take the attention away from the construction the drapes are trying to accent. You want the star of the place to be the pergola and not the curtains; therefore, choose a shade for your pergola curtains that blends beautifully with the surroundings instead of standing out and taking the spotlight. We suggest you go for sheer or lace curtains because those generally don't have strikingly bold colors that'd make you want to shield your eyes. Remember, the idea of hanging curtains over your pergola is to underscore it and not the drapes themselves; hence, always choose cloaks for your outdoor space that have subtle features.  Stress can be a blight on a person's wellbeing. It may not seem that way at first because you can't see stress, but living under it for prolonged periods can have devastating effects on the body and mind. Sadly, not many people realize it, and the ones that do still struggle to get out of its clutches and understandably so. Letting go of stress is not easy; in fact, it's probably one of the most challenging things a person has to learn to do. But even after trying their very best, many people never stop worrying and lose their health in the process. For such stress-prone individuals, having a soothing corner at their disposal can make a world of difference. And that's where a pergola can be a huge help.
Pergolas are not just outdoor structures that are only suitable for dinners and parties. They can be equally useful for some 'alone/me time' for anyone. If you set them right and decorate them well, you can have a relaxing yoga retreat at home 24/7. And that doesn't mean you you'd have to give up outdoor get-togethers; you can still have those but during the day style a pergola for a much-needed yoga session. A Rustic Spa If you like to be around nature or feel that being close to earthy elements can ease your anxiety better, you should go for a rustic setup. Get a wooden pergola installed in your backyard. Adorn it with twig climbers and perennials to keep nature close to yourself during yoga. For added effect, put up a water basin/fountain in the middle of the deck. Stretching near the sound of running water will alleviate your anxiety significantly. Even if you choose not to do that, it's completely fine. But then furnish the space in such a way that you can add other soothing elements such as scented candles and incenses. Place a rustic table under the pergola to keep your yoga implements. You can also choose to put comfortable loungers to induce a warm and comforting vibe. A Chic Chamber Some people feel at peace in clean and clear spaces; if you're one of those, then you need to install a modern pergola to create a sleek looking spa for your daily yoga sessions. You can choose whichever material you want for the pergola and get it painted in the most relaxing colors, such as white. Install a marbled deck underneath it and furnish the space with contemporary furniture pieces, such as chaise lounges or round-arm loveseats. Don't forget to put a coffee table to place your candles and flowers (if you want) to create a peaceful ambiance. Modern pergolas generally work well with sheer curtains, so you might want to consider putting up those as well in your chic yoga chamber. Enjoy the benefits of having a pergola that go beyond the aesthetics of your outdoor space. Create a corner for yourself to recharge and recuperate from the daily burdens of life. Bonus advice: Style your backyard anyway you want so that the retreat that comes out of it works for you.  There are a number of reasons to consider a pergola. A pergola is relaxed, comfortable, and can make your entire living area or outside living space look more appealing.
You might particularly want to consider a pergola if you are thinking of revamping your space a bit and perhaps modernizing it. Here are a few tips that can help you in choosing a pergola for your backyard. Choose Your Material Wisely Once you have made up your mind about going for a pergola, you will first and foremost have to decide on the right material for your pergola. Most likely, any pergola you wish to go for will be placed in the outdoors. As such, you want a material that is durable and resistant to intense weather conditions. The good news is that if you opt for a pergola expert, they will offer you a range of different materials from which you can choose your perfect pergola. The most commonly available materials include steel, vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Typically, people will opt for either wood or vinyl. Both of these options work pretty well and are available in a range of different colors. Think About The Right Size Naturally, the ‘right’ size pergola depends on the space that is available in your home or backyard. When you are deciding the size of your pergola, keep in mind that the pergola you decide to go for should be in harmony with our current backyard or living space. You can’t have an obnoxiously large pergola if your space is tiny. Make sure to take care of these things when choosing the perfect pergola for you. Also, finally bear in mind that a pergola always works best in areas with flat and even ground. Make sure, therefore, that your pergola is positioned in an area with sufficient extra space surrounding it. We at SoCal Pergola Company are your local pergola and patio cover experts! We are the most reliable source of everything pergolas in the entire Southern California district! Our pergolas are bound to impress your guests and keep them coming to your home to see our absolutely beautiful designs! Call us at 909-303-6788 or visit our website for more information. Let us help us add beauty and elegance to your home starting today!  The sunshiny season of summer is upon us, and so is the time to stay outdoors and take in the fresh, cool air. Pergolas add to the lovely atmosphere of the sunny season – a part of the reason why homeowners like having them in their garden.
If you have a pergola installed in your outdoor space and are looking for ways to add to its beauty, keep reading to find out ways to decorate your pergola and enhance its beauty. 1. Hang Edison Bulbs Keep your pergola lit at all times with Edison bulbs. Hang strings of Edison bulbs on the ceiling of your pergola. Or if your pergola is void of a roof, you can place the lights on the walls or the poles of the pergola. This will give a beautiful effect in the evening or at night. The lights will illuminate your outdoor space beautifully and will be attractive to onlookers. Note that Edison bulbs are cheap and easy to get from any nearby store. You won’t have any trouble finding them and decorating them in your pergola. 2. Potted Plants If not Edison bulbs, you can decorate your pergola with small potted flowering plants. This will add greenery and lovely scents in your outdoor space. Some of the best pergola plants you can get are as follows:
3. Suspended Chandelier This is a great option when you want your pergola to look classy and dressy. You can also have a long table or comfy sofas under your pergola where your friends and family can hang out. You can find several types of suspended chandeliers on the market today. They are available in different styles, such as a globe-shaped, rectangular chandelier, etc. The most popular one includes a candle chandelier for unforgettable beauty and luminosity. 4. Add Curtains Opt for curtains when you want to have a pergola-covered deck. Besides privacy, curtains add a dramatic effect. The best material to get your outdoor curtain in is Olefin – also known as polypropylene. You can also create your own pergola curtain using cotton fabric. Ideally, look for a fabric in a dark shade to avoid getting it dirty quickly. 5. Bonsai Shelves Another wonderful way to decorate your pergola is by having a bonsai display. Depending on the size of your pergola, you can have a bonsai shelf accordingly. For a spacious pergola, get a large bonsai shelf to suit the area. This is a lovely way to fill your pergola with natural greenery. These decoration ideas are easy (and affordable) to implement in your pergola. Use any of them that suit your liking and turn your pergola into a ravishing space.  If you're looking for creative ways to bring your outdoor space in good use, building a pergola is probably the best option. A pergola not only adds functionality to your outdoor space but also improves the aesthetics and value of your property. Building a pergola isn't the same as making any home addition; rather, it’s a truly valuable one.
If you're convinced that pergolas are really worth the consideration, we suggest that you go through the list of the things that you must know before you can proceed with the idea of building a pergola in your yard. 1. Enquire About the Frost Depth You need to check the frost depth with the local authorities before you can build a pergola in your yard. Frost depth is defined as the depth of the ground that freezes during the winter season. The poles of your pergola should always be deeper than the frost depth. Not placing the beams below the frost depth will result in the ground freezing and thawing thrusting the beams up. The beams will eventually be pushed out of their holes, and the entire pergola structure will be ruined. It is one of the first things you should know before building a pergola. 2. Check the Permits That You'll Need Pergolas aren't technical structures, so the chances are that you might not need to get any permits from your local authorities. However, there is no harm in checking with the authorities first. You might need to get permits if you're planning to supply your pergola with electricity for lights, fans, or any other electrical accessories. Not complying with permits can land you in serious trouble. So, it is best if you could check with the authorities of your area to see if you'll need any permits. In case you do, secure them before building a pergola. 3. Contact the Local Utilities You might end up damaging the underground utility lines like water and gas lines while digging into the ground to build the pergola. If you accidentally damage these lines, you'll have to incur massive repair costs. You might even end up in trouble with the local authorities. Therefore, when you're planning to build a pergola in your yard, you must first contact your local utilities. They'll mark the area where you shouldn't be digging. This way, you won't end up damaging any underground utility lines. 4. See What Material Options You Have You should do your research and see what material options you have for your pergola. Pergolas can be built using redwood, cedarwood, pressurized pine, and many other wood types. Cedarwood is the least expensive but also the least attractive. You wouldn't want to end up with a pergola that doesn't look attractive, especially when improving your property's aesthetics was the main idea. So, do your homework thoroughly before building a pergola to save yourself from any future regrets. Summary Building a pergola in your yard can add a tremendous amount of value and appeal to your property. Taking the right factors into consideration beforehand can help you achieve the desired results. Always make sure that you hire professional pergola experts to do the job instead of trying DIY installation.  More and more homeowners have come to realize that their yards are a precious space that they can use for so much more than just gardening. For the same reason, pergolas are becoming increasingly popular. Some people are build pergolas in their yards to host parties and BBQ nights, while some simply build them as a spot where they can relax. Have you ever considered building a pergola for the purpose of dining outdoors?
An outdoor dining area not just looks beautiful, but outdoor dining comes with plenty of surprising benefits. Continue reading this blog post to know why is building an outdoor dining area is highly recommended. 1. Reduces Stress Having dinner outdoors is a great stress buster. Nature is said to be an excellent stress reliever. Spending more time outdoors lowers blood pressure and heart rate, eases the tension in the muscles, and decreases the amount of stress hormones in the body, thereby bringing about positive feelings and emotions. So, if you feel you’re losing the charm of life, build an outdoor dining area and see the wonders it can do. 2. Boosts Mood Having food outdoors is the same as having food while you’re on a picnic. Dining outdoors naturally boosts mood. No matter how grim you’re feeling, having a meal outdoors amidst colorful flowers and a fresh breeze will lift your mood instantly. It is yet another reason why you should consider building an outdoor dining area. 3. Improved Concentration According to some studies, spending time outdoors can improve the level of concentration. It can also improve your attention and memory. Taking your lunch outdoor can help you feel more productive and attentive. Building a pergola where you can sit back and relax with your meal is definitely worth it! 4. Lower Risk Of Developing Chronic Diseases Excessive stress can lead to high blood pressure, cholesterol, stroke, and other heart diseases. As mentioned earlier, spending time outdoors can significantly reduce stress levels, which eventually reduces the risk of contracting chronic diseases. Simply having your meals outdoors will make you feel a lot relaxed and allow you to enjoy your meal more! 5. Quality Family Time An outdoor dining area gives you a great opportunity to enjoy quality time with your family. You can have your food, play games, and have all the fun you want without worrying about a thing! 6. Increased Value Of Your Home A beautiful pergola custom-made for outdoor dining is sure to add value to your property. Prospective buyers will be more willing to purchase your house at a higher price. Not only does building a pergola enhances the appearance of your property, but it also brings usable outdoor space in great use! Summary Building an outdoor dining area is a great way to boost the aesthetics of your property and bring your yard space into commendable use. Apart from these, eating outdoors itself has numerous benefits. It helps relieve stress, boost mood, improve concentration, and enable you to spend quality time with your family. If you’re convinced with the benefits, hire a professional to build a pergola in your yard today!  After deciding that they want to build a pergola in their backyard, many homeowners often find themselves on a fence in terms of what material would be best for the pergola. There are so many options to choose from, which further adds to their indecisiveness and confusion.
When building a creative pergola in your backyard with lanterns, curtains and fairy lights, you want to make sure that you choose the right material for it. This will help ensure quality, durability and longevity. Another important factor is that the material you choose for your pergola should complement the overall theme and look of your house and backyard. If you are also looking to build one in your backyard, take a look at some of the best materials for a pergola that look absolutely stunning and have great aesthetic value. Alumawood As the name suggests, this material is mainly aluminum, which has been manufactured in a way that it ends up resembling cedarwood. The best feature of alumawood is that it offers a very unique and real wooden texture with a really beautiful, stand-out finish. This material is also super easy to maintain, doesn’t require any painting, is highly resistant to cracks and warping and lastly, it has a spectacular visual appeal. Alumawood pergolas are also known to be the most long-lasting and diverse among all other materials and offer a highly effective solution for upgrading your outdoor living space. Wood Anything made of pure wood looks absolutely stunning, be it a wooden chair, dining table or simply a storage box. Wooden pergolas look even more appealing, especially when they stand in your backyard, perfectly complementing the surrounding greenery and the raw landscape. When choosing materials for a pergola, many people prefer something raw and natural. If you are in the same boat, wooden pergolas are perfect for you. Two of the most popular types of wood used for backyard pergolas include yellow pine and red cedar. Yellow pine wood is known for its timeless, classic look, ability to withstand severe weather and an increased resistance towards insects and rotting. Red cedar, on the other hand, is popular for its unique rustic look, absorbing qualities and an appealing kind of a wooden smell. Vinyl If you don’t particularly feel tempted towards wood or alumawood, vinyl pergolas are another excellent option for you. They are also great for you if you are on a budget. Some key benefits of vinyl material are that it is quite less expensive than the other two, extremely lightweight, has a very sharp visual appeal, has many color options and requires very little maintenance. The best part about vinyl pergolas is that you get to choose from a variety of styles, designs and colors in order to match the overall look of your backyard. Summary If you really want your backyard pergola to stand out and offer a great aesthetical value, make sure to choose the right kind of material for it. It is best to seek assistance from a talented pergola company that will not only guide you on the best materials for a pergola but will also build one for you in your backyard. |
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