Portfolio Piece: Awesome Decks

Pergolas, Gazebos, Umbrellas and Awnings

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A square gazebo with a fabric roof.

Pergolas, Gazebos, Umbrellas and Awnings Pergolas, gazebos, umbrellas, and awnings. When it comes to protection, what’s the difference? There is a difference, but consumers and many retailers use the terms interchangeably so it’s best to describe exactly what you want when you start your search.

Traditionally, gazebos were round or octagonal structures with a roof. Pergolas were square or rectangular structures with cross beams, but no roof. Sometimes a tarp or other covering might be added to the cross beams, but it was rarely permanent. Arbors, a form of pergola, also provide shelter from the sun. All these structures are designed to shade or protect the user from the sun, elements (to a greater or lesser degree) and to provide a place to relax, sit, and enjoy the setting.

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A square pergola with an open roof.

Arbors are traditionally used as structure, like an entryway, going into, or within a garden. They can tie a garden or landscape together, hide an unsightly view, or offer privacy. Some owners choose to add either a cloth or fabric screen, but most will plant vines or other flowering plants that will grow up around the arbor to provide a visual addition to the garden or path. Others will add benches or seating to either side of the arbor to give visitors a place to sit, read, contemplate the view, or enjoy the garden.

Pergolas and gazebos are very popular addition to many decks and not only provide an extra visual richness to the deck, but offer shade and protection deck umbrellas and awnings can’t.

A traditional arbor.

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Pergola, Gazebo, Awning, or Umbrella?

Deciding what to call your structure isn’t nearly as important as deciding what you want your structure to do, and whether you want something permanent or temporary. Do you want metal or wood? There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

People build decks to get outdoors in the sunshine, but even too much of a good thing can be too much. That’s why manufacturers make deck umbrellas, screens, and awnings. Some people enjoy being on their decks even in incliment weather - fog, rain, drizzles, or even downright thunderstorms!

4It’s up to you to look at your lifestyle and

decide when and how you’ll use the structure you choose. By looking at your deck and your own preferences, you can decide whether a square, rectangle, round, or octaganal shape best suits you.

SUN PROTECTION

The vast majority of awnings, umbrellas, pergolas, etc. are designed to protect deck users from the sun, and to some degree light breezes, not the rain. To a lesser degree they may also block or reduce some light rain showers, but their primary purpose is to keep UV rays and heat off of a surface or person.

Things to look for when selecting an awning or umbrella:

rics, colors, and costs to consider. Is the fabric available in a color that complements your home’s color? Some fabric, like Sunbrella Lifestyle: has fabrics for a variety of applications - from How will you use your deck? Will you marine to decks. You can have an awning need more sun, or wind protection, or both? custom made from a wide variety of colors Will you need it every day, or just on occafrom fabric designed to shield decks, or sail sion? Do you want something permanent, boats! There are even clear vinyl coverings or temporary? Mobile or fixed? Do you want to help keep rain out while not blocking your to raise it (umbrella) or have it primarily open view. most of the time?

Freestanding, retractable, or perWhile raising an umbrella can seem manent? Awnings come in different sizes, simple, many of them are heavy, require configurations, and designs. Some are hormanual cranking, and can be difficult for izontal, some angled, some attached to a younger children or seniors to manage. Con- structure (house or pergolas), and some may sider getting an “umbrella drive” that electribe wheeled around, or inserted into a table or cally raises and lowers your umbrella at the other structure. Which fits your deck design touch of a button. and lifestyle best? Take time to think about Define the area you’re trying to protect. how, when, and where you’re most likely to Is it one seat, or a large setting of seats like a use sun protection. table, benches, several chairs etc.

WIll you need one umbrella, or several? Will you need to be able to move or change the angle of the umbrella or awning to accommodate the change in the sun’s direction? Will you be moving your deck furniture (and thus sun protection) around frequently or rarely?

Most umbrellas, and mobile awnings are heavy and are attached to your deck with bolts. Do you want something mobile that won’t require drilling holes in your deck? Or would you prefer the comfort and security of something more permanent?

What material do you want 10’ Retractable Canopy Cover Steel5 to use? There are a variety of fabFrame Classic Pergola by OutSunny

RAIN PROTECTION

Most deck protection, be it umbrellas or awnings, is designed to protect people from the sun, not the rain. Colorado doesn’t get as much rain as, say Seattle, so decide if investing in rain or snow protection for your deck is needed. You may just opt for sun and wind protection.

If you’re using your deck during the winter, consider a permanent roof over part of your deck - aluminum, wood, or plexiglass. A gazebo, or deck roof is your best long term solution if you want rain and snow protection.

Another thing Colorado residents will want to consider is a structure’s “snow load.”

Some mobile or non-permanent gazebos or pergolas may not be able to handle even a light snow load.

You’ll need to find out if the structure must be removed and stored for winter, reinforced, or not used.

PRIVACY

You may not care as much about sun or rain protection as you do protection of your privacy. Just as there are ways to protect you from the elements, there are ways to protect you from your neighbors or prying eyes as well. Retractable screens in single or double configurations are affordable, easy to open and close, and provide excellent protection from chilly breezes and nosy neighbors.

The good news is that most screens, umbrellas, and awnings are affordable enough that you can change them out if you don’t like them.

6 Grand Patio Napoli Deluxe 12 FT Curvy Aluminum Offset Umbrella

However, it’s better to take your time and explore your options, know what you want and need in terms of protection, privacy, and preferences before you buy.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

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the boundaries of the structure.

Reviews matter. Read consumer reviews on Yelp, Amazon, and on the manufacturer’s website. Ask for reviews from your friends on FaceBook and Twitter. Ask your local or actual neighbors and friends too.

Call contractors and ask them who they use and recommend.

Once you start researching the kinds of pergolas, gazebos, and awnings or umbrellas available, you’ll notice there are thousands to CUSTOM FABRICS If you have a pergola, or umbrella, or choose from. So how do you decide which want to customize your privacy or protection one to buy? Simple. with customized fabric, one of the best online Look for a brand with a manufacturer’s repu- resources is Sailright.com. They sell a wide variety of fabrics for outdoor uses, including tation as well as consumer reviews. marine grade, see-through vinyl.

• Read the instructions for installation, Questions to ask yourself re: fabric maintenance and care. The instructions, choices: should be clear and easy to understand • Will it fit in with my house and deck furniand where appropriate - be illustrated. ture?

• Examine the materials for quality of manufacturing. Any edges should be smooth, • What wear guarantee does it have?

• Can the seamstress or upholsterer I use not rough, unfinished or splintered (if work with this fabric? wood). Whether the structure is made of wood, bamboo, metal, or something else Fabric can also be draped to create you should be able to tell if it was welltemporary or additional shade. It doesn’t made or not. have to be heavy duty if you’re only using it • Size: Before you buy your structure, or for a season, or even just an event. have it made, measure the space where Many deck owners like to add heavy it will go. Make sure the one you are buying will fit. Look at the space surrounding duty eye bolts or screws into their perthe structure as well. You need to add additional room for traffic (people walking golas or gazebos just for that very reason. in and out, pulling out a chair, sitting at a table or any furniture that will go under the Fabric is then either tied to the bolt, or structure. attached with hooks • Don’t forget to add on extra space (like shower curtain for things like landscaping, and existing hooks). garden features near the structure. If it 7 helps, use brightly colored tape to mark

Temporary awnings can be made by draping fabric from an existing structure to a pole or structure on the deck’s railing.

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What Size Should My Gazebo or Pergola Be? The most common question most deckowners ask is “How large should my pergola or gazebo be?” or “Is my deck large enough for a gazebo/pergola?”

Of course the size depends a lot on what you plan to use it for. A small structure that will only house a bench or a few chairs won’t need to be as large as one designed for hosting dinner parties, or to shelter a large table and chairs. The structure can be as wide or as short as you like, as long as it’s built with enough beams to support the roof.

Although most people like pergolas and gazebos with plenty of head room, and opt for 9-foot and higher clearances, the minimum height of a pergola should be no lower than 7’6” so there is enough headroom for the tallest of your guests. If you plan to install a ceiling fan or lights, take their size into consideration as well. As far as the size of the structure itself, the average chart for size are: Small to Medium Sized Decks: Around 12X16 feet Large Decks: Around 16X24 feet Backyard Free Standing Pergola: About 12X16 or 16X20 Small Patio: Around 12X12 feet If measurements are hard to visualize, then think in terms of people. If you plan to host or entertain no more than 6 peo-

ple, a 12X16 pergola should work for you.

However, if you think you’d like to accommodate seating for 12 people, consider a more spacious 16X20 foot pergola. If cost and maintenance are a concern, then consider how often and how you will use it.

If you entertain family, as well as host larger gatherings, get the pergola that will accomodate the people you host most frequently. For instance, if you have a large Christmas party or other event a few times a year, but mostly have small family gatherings, then opt for the smaller pergola.

If you use it consistently throughout the year, get the largest structure that you can afford. It’s easier to grow into a structure than add on to an existing one.

You don’t want your structure to dwarf your deck, and yet you don’t want to be squeezed into or under a structure that is just too small. If you are adding the structure to an existing deck, set up your furniture in the area where you plan to put the pergola.

Now, add enough room for people to move around, and for your furniture to be cozy, but not crowded, and then measure the outer dimensions. Use masking tape to mark off the “walls” or edges of where the pergola would need to be to accomodate your furniture.

If you haven’t purchased your furniture, it’s a good idea to do that first. Remember to include fire features, tables such as coffee tables as well as end tables, and any mobile heating you may use in the winter. If you decorate with plants, consider their placement as well.

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Where Do I Buy Pre-Made Structures?

Many big box stores like Walmart, Lowes, Target, and online sites like Amazon.com have a variety of assemble yourself (or pay a small fee to have someone else assemble) pergolas and gazebos. Both of these structures are under $300. You can find more expensive and permanent structures, or have a wooden structure built as well.

Search on terms like gazebo, pergola, canopy, outdoor furniture, arbor, sunshade, and patio furniture, umbrella and awnings.

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Amazon: Outsunny Patio Canopy $219

Photos Courtesy ForeverRedwood.com, manufacturer of Redwood Pergolas & Gazebos

Wooden Pergolas and Gazebos

While prefab structures are affordable and easy to install, they’re rarely as durable as a permanent wood structure. It’s true, wood, even redwood, is higher maintenance than aluminum or metal. However, the maintenance is worth the rich look, feel, and sturdiness of redwood.

The cost of wood is higher too - sometimes three to four times that of a pre-fab structure. However, a wooden pergola or gazebo will last the lifetime of your deck, enhance the value of your deck, and look, feel and respond far better to extreme weather than a temporary pergola or gazebo. You’ll easily recoup your cost over time, usually in under five years.

Advantages of wood, it’s sustainable. It’s able to hold a high snow load with no problem.

It’s sturdier than poles or metal framing. It adds value to your home. It fits in with any house style or architecture.

Wood gazebos and pergolas are more “Colorado” looking - and add a timeless rustic look to any deck while maintaining a modern vibe as well.

Sun Gazebo with Sliding Doors by ForeverRedwood.com

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CONTACT US TODAY for a free, no obligation consultation.

(719) 822-1004, or at AwesomeDecks.net or write us:

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