What are pergolas and what are they like?

The owners of summer cottages and country houses began to more and more often decorate their plots with gazebos that perform not only a decorative, but also a practical function. In the warm season, such a structure will become a real highlight of a private plot and a favorite vacation spot for all family members and their guests.

A pergola gazebo in the simple sense is a structure or shed located near the main building. In the past, the main purpose of the pergola was to support and strengthen the vine. It also greatly facilitated the harvest of berries.

The simplicity and unpretentiousness of the structure contributed to the fact that it was soon transferred from the category of buildings of an exclusively practical nature to elements that complement the landscape design of the site. The pergola performs several tasks at once, so it cannot be called only an arch for climbing plants. The multifunctionality of the gazebo is expressed in the following.

• Decorative function. The pergola is an adornment for any landscape. Its shape and the climbing vegetation on it create a separate vertical zone on the site, where in hot weather you can hide from the burning sun's rays and enjoy the coolness of the shade.

• Practical tasks. The gazebo has not changed its main purpose: until now, many summer residents use it as a support for the vine, from which it is easier to harvest.

• Auxiliary function. With the help of a pergola gazebo, you can hide other unattractive household structures (garage, shed).

In addition to the above advantages, lightweight pergola construction... Therefore, it is quite possible to build it yourself, based on the advice and recommendations of specialists. For this, a minimum amount of building material is used, because the main part of the building is occupied by vegetation: grapes or other climbing plants.

Features of the construction of a pergola.

• Smooth base. It can be achieved by concreting the site, rubble, paving slabs or lawn.

• Material. Pergolas can be metal, plastic, stone, wood. The simplest, most convenient, and therefore often used material for building a gazebo is wood. Such a structure is often decorated with intricate carvings and additional decorative elements, for example, figurines in the form of fairy-tale animals.

• The size of the gazebo. It depends on how harmoniously the building will fit into the overall situation of the site. A low and narrow structure looks unattractive, the optimal structure height should be 2-3 m.

• Vegetation. The pergola looks very aesthetically pleasing and attractive when climbing plants rage around it: grapes, ivy, wisteria, clematis. During their active growth, the pergola turns into a real island, where, if you wish, you can retire or sit with your family at the barbecue at a time when it is damp and uncomfortable outside.

A light canopy or a series of arches, with the help of which a pergola gazebo is created, have a number of advantages:

• a well-designed structure will become not only an aesthetic addition to the site, but also a place for good rest;
• the area under the gazebo can be completely shaded or its illumination reduced;
• the structure does not need a large amount of building materials;
• environmental friendliness - most often such gazebos are built from natural materials, so spending time in them improves not only mood, but also the general condition of a person;
• natural or artificial material can be used as cladding.

The gazebo-pergola is not only an architectural structure consisting of an openwork green corridor that performs practical and aesthetic functions. It is a separate, completely independent element of the site design. The pergola can be made as a wall structure or a free-standing structure.

There are the following typical types of construction.

• Wooden, plastic or metal shade canopy. The compacted top covering of such a structure makes it look like a classic tent gazebo. However, lattice-like walls give not a solid, but a partial shadow.

• Tunnel. With its help, they equip a garden path that leads to the house. Benches are often placed along this structure. Such a building looks especially attractive in the warm season, when everything is entwined with climbing plants.

• Fence. This version of the pergola can be used when the area of ​​the site is small, but there is a desire to create a full-fledged closed space. Additionally, with the help of this design, you can hide unsightly places: a street toilet, a barn, a garage, a cesspool. That is, two in one.

• Visor. Such structures are typical for the southern regions, where daylight hours are longer. Artificial darkening of the space makes it possible to create a wind-blown, sheltered from the sun's rays, a cozy area where you can sit quietly even in the hottest part of the day.

Types of gazebos-pergolas, depending on the degree of openness.

• Open. They are characterized by the complete absence of side walls, so the frame remains ventilated. The overall picture is complemented by a small number of climbing plants.

• Semi-open. They create partial shading, which is achieved by the structure itself and the vegetation.

• Closed. The massive roof and solid walls of the structure make it a completely independent building that can protect not only from the sun, but also from bad weather. Additionally, a place for a barbecue can be equipped there.

Depending on the shape of the gazebo, pergolas are as follows.

• Wall-mounted structures. They resemble a summer terrace with a wide canopy and a lattice roof.

• Arched structures. They are appropriate when it is necessary to cultivate the passage along the path to the house.

• Square or angular pergolas with smooth or inclined cover. In appearance, they resemble classic gazebos, while occupying a small area.

• Serrated, multilevel, semicircular structures. Such gazebos will be able to decorate a site with an exquisite and elegant design.

Pergolas can be of the classic type or combine non-standard figured images and motives.

Most popular styles.

• Rustic (country). It is characterized by geometrically correct forms of construction, minimalism of decoration.

• High tech. The originality of the form and design reminds of high technology. In such gazebos, the appropriate decor is used: space silhouettes, fantasy elements.

• Modern. The sophisticated design features clean lines that blend with contrasting details.

• East. Buildings in this style are characterized by a pyramidal roof and concave walls.The most commonly used colors are brown or dark red.

• Chalet. A building for a summer residence, where a brazier or an outdoor oven must be present, near which you can arrange an amazing barbecue. This comfortable structure provides not only warmth, but also the opportunity to cook food on coals.

• Fachwerk. Practical country-style gazebo. For its construction, materials of the highest quality are used.

The gazebo-pergola is the dream of many summer residents and owners of country houses. If you wish, you can build it yourself or use the services of professionals. Among the large number of worthy examples of construction, the following can be distinguished.

• Wooden pergola tent is not only a place where you can hide from the burning sun's rays, but also a wonderful space for a good rest.

• The pergola with fireplace creates a very cozy, family atmosphere. If you add summer curly greens to it, the effect will be simply amazing. Therefore, such a structure is often called "two in one".

• A romantic mood can be created with a metal arch with a polycarbonate roof. The atmosphere will be complemented by gentle, but thick curtains, creating a secluded, intimate atmosphere.

• Pergola-canopy of semi-open type will give you the opportunity to feel protected and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

• A pergola fence is a great idea to enclose the site and make it more cozy and inviting. A summer terrace with a seating area will become one of the most beloved and attractive locations.

How to make a pergola gazebo with your own hands, see the video.