People have always stepped outside when the weather is good. It’s just human nature. Sit in the sun, catch a breeze, find a little shade without giving up the open sky. Pergolas have been part of that for a long time. Even in ancient Egypt, people grew grapes on simple wooden frames, and the vines wound themselves around each slat to provide a cooler place to sit. A modern pergola build achieves the same effect in a contemporary Colorado backyard. It doesn’t box anything in, it just makes the space easier to use.
Here, we’ll outline the many benefits of having a pergola as part of your landscape design and explain why they are so well-suited for Denver backyards.
Looking for a Shaded, Yet Open-Air Outdoor Living Space
The genius and beauty of a pergola is that it serves two masters by providing shade while still being an open outdoor feature. This is an unbeatable combination for many homeowners who want both cool shade and a refreshing breeze. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in pretty good company because the following scenarios appeal to you and many others.
- You want shade, but you don’t want to lose the light or the open feel of the yard.
- You like the idea of a structure, but not a fully roofed space that feels closed in.
- You want a spot that makes the backyard more usable without changing the natural breeze or the view.
What is a Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure with side columns that support a roof that consists of a grid of beams and slats. The grid is often left open to allow sunlight and breezes to pass through, but it is sometimes covered. When they remain uncovered, outdoor plants, such as ivies, can be trained to grow over the grid to provide shade. Wooden pergolas, especially, have an old-world feel that many homeowners and landscape designers incorporate into their backyard oasis.
Where do Pergolas Come From?
It’s difficult to pinpoint precisely where the pergola design originated. They were used in ancient Egypt to grow grapevines, in Greek and Roman times for walkways, and then reimaged in Italian Renaissance gardens, and then adopted in English and French estates. Wherever the original design originated, the core idea is outdoor living, which is an extension of the primary home.
Why Pergolas Work So Well in Colorado
Denver’s climate is well-suited for the use of pergolas. With 300 days of sunshine and fantastic views of the mountains, along with crisp mountain air, it’s no wonder that more homeowners are choosing to incorporate a pergola into their landscape design.
Your pergola doesn’t need to be big. It can be cozy and small, perhaps nestled just outside your back door and kitchen, or a rooftop retreat for city renters to cover outdoor furniture. A pergola is endlessly versatile because its core is flexible and straightforward, allowing for easy adaptations.
Core Benefits of Adding a Pergola
Several benefits emerge when homeowners consider upgrading their yard, and a pergola addresses all of them.
Comfortable Shade Without Losing the Open-Air Feel
The Colorado sun can get hot and overpowering, but who wants to spend their days inside with the AC running? A pergola cuts the intensity of the sun but doesn’t take away the breeze or the view of the sky. A pergola straddles the middle ground that many Colorado homeowners want: cooler, yet not closed in. Even a small pergola can be a breezy respite on a hot summer’s day, providing just enough partial shade so you can relax outside.
Clearly Defines Outdoor Living Areas
Most backyards feel a little scattered until there’s a structure to anchor the space. A pergola does that immediately. It frames a sitting area or dining table so the yard feels organized and intentional without adding walls or anything else. Because of this, it’s an affordable and easy-to-construct option that brings a sense of groundedness to your outdoor space and, in many cases, can cover your existing patio.
Adds Curb Appeal and Boosts Resale Value
Like some people, pergolas photograph well. They give your yard a finished look, which helps when it’s time to sell. Buyers respond to outdoor spaces they can imagine using right away. A pergola signals that the yard is part of the living space, not an afterthought. Increasingly, potential home buyers are seeking additional square footage that extends into their backyards. If your yard has a well-designed layout, homebuyers will see it as an added space where they can play and relax.
Easy to Personalize With Vines, Hanging Lights, or Privacy Panels
Because the frame is open, you can create endlessly different styles depending on what you’re trying to accomplish. Some people grow vines for a Mediterranean feel. Others add string lights, outdoor curtains, or simple privacy panels. It adapts to the way you use the yard, which makes it more flexible than a full-roof structure.
Durable When Built With Materials Suited for Colorado’s Climate
Cedar, redwood, and steel handle Colorado’s sun, snow, and temperature swings surprisingly well. When a pergola is constructed with the right materials, it becomes a low-maintenance feature that lasts for years with minimal upkeep.
C&H Landscaping — Outdoor Construction Services in Denver
The goal of any landscape design is to achieve usability and visual appeal while integrating with the natural elements of the yard. A pergola works beautifully as the centerpiece of a great outdoor design from which the other features extend, and keeps you connected to the elements.
C&H Landscaping builds outdoor spaces that look great, function well, and stand the test of time. The team has been providing this service for over 20 years and handles a wide range of outdoor construction projects that homeowners may need.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-build, use, and maintain backyard feature, consider a pergola. If you have questions, please call us at (303) 988-1873 to speak with one of our landscape designers or reach out to us online with any inquiries. C&H Landscaping has designed and installed hundreds of pergolas for satisfied Denver homeones.
At C&H Landscaping, our mission is to transform everyday outdoor spaces into something extraordinary with creative designs and top-notch craftsmanship. Expert Denver landscaping services from custom design to professional installation. We offer tailored solutions that enhance curb appeal, increase property value, and bring your vision to life.
