In the world of outdoor living spaces, we have the ordinary pergola, and then we have the ultra, grand, magnificent pergola. The photos here show what an amazing difference adding a special pergola made to this walled patio in The Meadows subdivision of Bonair, GA, located in the Warner Robins area.
The homeowners asked Archadeck of Central Georgia to design a pergola that would jazz up their patio. Already quite elegant, the patio is surrounded on three sides by a pierced brick wall with a wrought iron gate. On the fourth side, a sunroom leads from the patio into the home’s interior.
We were willing to accept their design challenge. Looking at the before and after photos, what do you think? Did we succeed? Indeed, we did!
Before images of the outdoor living space prior to the pergola installation.
The pergola we designed to make a statement for this home is freestanding and larger than most pergolas. In fact, it’s so large it’s supported by eight big, square columns. We selected columns made of fiberglass, a low-maintenance material, so the homeowners will not have to worry about repainting them every few years.
When you look closely you can see that four of the new fiberglass columns are set directly into the brick columns of the patio wall. The effect is that the pergola seems to rise out of the patio wall, an extension of the patio design rather than something added later.
For the top of the pergola, we used pressure-treated pine boards. Large 2×10-inch beams support the rafters and slats. The rafters, much larger than those of standard pergolas, are 2×8-inch boards with rafter ends cut in the traditional curved ogee shape. The rafters and slats are spaced so the pergola will provide some shade, but not a lot, since creating shade was not the homeowners’ purpose in adding the pergola.
If the homeowners decide they want to stir up a breeze, the pergola’s four large support beams are spaced far enough apart that they will be able to install fans at any time.
This gorgeous pergola serves to define the patio as the place to BE, rather than just a place to sit. It also unifies the patio and sunroom, turning the patio into an inviting extension of the sunroom. Together the patio and sunroom form a beautiful space equally perfect for entertaining a large group or relaxing with family.
If you have an outdoor living space that needs dressing up, have you considered adding a pergola? Contact Archadeck of Central Georgia to learn how a pergola — simple or grand or something in between — can transform your outdoor environment. You can reach us by phone at (478) 241-8406 or via email at centralgeorgia@archadeck.net.
Stephen Denton, owner Archadeck of Central Georgia.
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