Bechtle Architects

A covered pergola is more than a shade provider; it’s an attention-grabbing centerpiece that elevates your outdoor living experience. Designed with care, a pergola can be a sanctuary for tranquility, meditation, or a place to entertain friends and family. With the right mix of accessories, a pergola can even help your garden or backyard feel like an extension of your home.

A pergola’s appeal stems from its simple yet elegant design. Its interwoven wood latticework provides a sturdy foundation for climbing plants and vines, creating an inviting, shaded retreat. With careful upkeep, this timeless structure can add to your property’s value and boost the beauty of your garden for years to come.

While many homeowners opt for a trellis instead of a pergola, this structure can also provide an appealing alternative. Unlike a trellis, a pergola features an open structure with sides formed from latticework, rather than solid walls, and often has a roof. The difference between an arbor and a pergola is subtle, but important: Typically, an arbor is a standalone feature that isn’t attached to any part of the home, while a pergola is used to create shade and decor along walkways and paths or as an entryway into a garden.

Covered pergolas are just as attractive as their unadorned counterparts, but they offer additional protection from the elements. A roof can be constructed from a wide variety of materials, including corrugated polycarbonate panels that are lightweight and resistant to UV radiation. These panels are also available in a range of colors, which can be used to match the color of your house or deck. Another option is to install fabric shades, which can be fixed triangular shade sails or woven fabric rectangles that are stretched between the rafters. These can be moved back and forth depending on whether you want to soak up some rays or protect yourself (and your dining table) from the afternoon sun.

Adding a roof to your pergola can increase the structural integrity of the structure, which is particularly important if you plan to add seating or dining tables underneath. In addition, a roof can protect you and your guests from rain and debris. Alternatively, you can use a retractable shade canopy, which is custom-designed to fit the dimensions of your pergola.

If you’re not sure which type of roof to select for your pergola, consider a fiberglass model. Not only is this material lighter than wood, but it’s also pound for pound stronger than steel. Additionally, fiberglass can withstand heavy snowfall without requiring reinforcement.

A well-designed and maintained covered pergola is a welcome addition to any yard or garden. Combined with plush seating, ambient lighting, and soothing plants, this structure can transform into a secluded oasis where you can relax and entertain your friends and family. By choosing the perfect materials and integrating attractive decorations, you can craft a pergola that perfectly matches your lifestyle. With proper upkeep, this unique outdoor structure will become a cherished focal point that adds value to your home.

A deck is one of the most significant home improvement investments a homeowner will make. Choosing the right materials and construction process is vital to creating a space that enhances the home’s beauty and offers optimal functionality. TimberTech and Trex both offer high-quality, long-lasting options for homeowners who want to build their dream decks. Comparing both brands can help a homeowner determine which product best aligns with their design aesthetics, maintenance expectations, budget, and environmental concerns.

A TimberTech composite deck is a high-performance, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking that is made with recycled wood byproducts and plastics. Binding agents hold these materials together to create a durable, long-lasting material. Additives are also used to create specific properties, such as UV resistance and mold resistance. The composite material is then capped with a proprietary polymer coating that locks in moisture, mold, mildew, and other environmental damage. This unique construction allows the boards to resist fading, staining, splintering, and cracking, while keeping their stunning appearance year after year.

TimberTech offers a number of different composite and capped polymer decking products to meet the needs of a wide variety of homeowners. The composite TimberTech product lines include:

Capped polymer decking is an advanced, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective option that provides the look of natural wood with improved performance. TimberTech’s capped polymer decking has a protective outer shell that resists fading, staining, splintering, mildew, and mold, keeping the board looking like new for years to come.

The capped polymer product line features a broad color selection, allowing homeowners to create the perfect deck color palette for their project. The capped polymer decking is available in a number of different textures, including straight grain, which resembles a traditional wood plank with no knots; hand-scraped finish, for an intricately textured look that adds character to the space; and crosscut grain, for a more refined hardwood appearance.

Both TimberTech’s composite and capped polymer decking materials are backed by industry-leading warranties. The company’s composite decking is backed by a 25-year limited product and fade & stain warranties, while the Advanced PVC decking is backed by a 50-year warranty that includes fading and staining.

A TimberTech deck can be a great addition to any home and is an excellent investment that can increase the value of a property. A deck that is well-maintained and properly cared for can last up to 20 years. In comparison, a traditional wood deck will require regular maintenance and may need to be replaced in as few as three years.

The best way to choose the right TimberTech deck for a homeowner is to discuss their lifestyle, maintenance expectations, and design preferences with them. Sunburst Construction is happy to assist a homeowner in the process of evaluating and selecting the perfect decking for their home. Contact us today to get started!

A pergola is more than just a garden structure; it’s an opportunity to create a stunning focal point that elevates outdoor living and dining areas. With a wide range of design options, freestanding and attached pergolas offer the flexibility to transform patios, decks, poolside lounges, or any other outdoor space into a captivating retreat. In this article, I will explore various pergola styles, the best lumber options for durability, and unique design features to customize your pergola for long-lasting beauty.

Modern pergolas offer a sleek, clean-lined aesthetic that complements contemporary home designs and accentuates the architecture of the landscape. This style of pergola often utilizes natural materials, such as wood or stone, and blends into the surroundings through a neutral color palette that honors the colors of the plants and the sky. Whether you prefer an asymmetrical, geometrical design or a more classic lattice pattern with classic rafters and beams, the possibilities are endless for creating a pergola that is uniquely your own.

A freestanding pergola can establish a shaded respite by the pool, define an outdoor living room conversation area, or serve as a garden canopy over a seating area, kitchen, or planting beds. This modern pergola from Emily Henderson Design features a neutral color palette, woven furniture, and accent lights strung along the rafters to create a calming and elegant backyard oasis. In this Northern California backyard from Cathie Hong Interiors, a metal and wood pergola blends with the fence and vertical planters to create a cohesive outdoor space. The dark-colored pergola echoes the architecture of the house, while the mix of natural and modern materials adds to the refined, yet relaxed feel of the patio.

Adding a roof to your pergola offers the opportunity to use it all year round, regardless of the weather. The pitched roof design also helps to control rain and snow runoff. Modern pergolas with roofs can include ceiling fans and other custom features to enhance the functionality and beauty of the structure.

If you want your pergola to become a year-round dining or entertainment area, consider equipping it with an outdoor kitchen and furnishings. Installing a grill, refrigerator, and dining tables can transform your pergola into an enchanting alfresco kitchen that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. For cooler temperatures, add a fire pit or freestanding or mounted heaters to provide warmth and cozy ambiance for family gatherings.

A pergola attached to your house offers a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and increases the value of your property. This design can be equipped with a full outdoor kitchen and dining areas to host larger family meals and gatherings. You can also add a ceiling fan, decorative end cuts, and other customizations to make your pergola feel like a true extension of your home. Depending on the size of your yard, you can even install an outdoor bar or hot tub beneath the structure to create a private retreat that feels like a luxurious getaway.

A wooden pergola with roof is a beautiful way to bring architectural sophistication to your garden. It defines a space for outdoor relaxation and socialization, and it can be a gorgeous backdrop to your backyard landscape design. When it comes to choosing the best structure, though, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. For starters, you’ll want to consider your budget and the features that you want to add to the space. Depending on your preferences, you might also need to choose the size of the pergola and the roofing materials.

Pergolas with a flat roof are a popular choice because they provide an even amount of shade throughout the day. This helps to create a comfortable environment for relaxing or entertaining, regardless of the time of day. This roofing option is also a good choice for homeowners who want to limit the maintenance and mechanical complexity of their structure.

Another popular choice for a pergola roof is a slat or louvered design. This style allows for a certain amount of sunlight to filter through, providing a pleasant visual experience while also offering protection from rain and snow. Another benefit of this type of roof is that it provides a more traditional look than an entirely solid structure.

Other roofing options include polycarbonate sheets and thatch. These materials offer a variety of colors and transparency levels, giving homeowners the flexibility to control how much sun or light enters the space. Additionally, polycarbonate is a durable material that can stand up to weather conditions. Thatch, on the other hand, offers a rustic charm that complements natural garden settings beautifully.

Once you’ve decided on the design for your pergola, it’s important to plan ahead and prepare the site for construction. Start by clearing the area of any debris, plants, or other obstacles. Then, use stakes and string to mark the layout of your pergola on the ground. Once you have a clear idea of the dimensions that you’d like for your structure, dig holes for the posts using a shovel or post hole digger. Make sure that each hole is the same depth so that your structure will be evenly sized.

After the posts are in place, brace them using scrap wood or lumber planks. Lastly, level and square each of the posts using a spirit level to ensure that they’re straight and level. Once the structure is complete, you can add extras like built-in seating or lighting to make it even more functional and welcoming. You’ll also need to maintain your wooden pergola with regular cleaning, sealing, and inspections to guard against rot, pests, and other damage. With proper care, you’ll enjoy your new addition for years to come.

An aluminium pergola can be a great way to transform your garden into a relaxing retreat. These structures offer shade and a sense of privacy without blocking out all the light from your home. They can also be used to support climbing plants, giving your garden a natural look. However, there are a few things you should consider before investing in one of these structures.

First, determine if your aluminum pergola is safe to walk on. If you are not sure, consult a licensed professional. They will be able to assess the structure’s design and condition and provide recommendations for reinforcement, if necessary.

Another important factor to consider is the size of your pergola. It should be large enough to serve its intended purpose, such as providing a shaded eating space or creating an outdoor living room. It should not, however, be so large that it takes up too much space in your yard or overwhelms the existing decor.

An aluminium pergola can be built to your exact specifications, allowing you to create the perfect shaded outdoor living area for your needs. You can even add unique features to your design, such as embedded lighting or heating systems. These options can make your pergola more comfortable to use at twilight or on colder days.

The roof of an aluminium pergola can be made from a variety of materials, including a clear plastic that allows you to enjoy the sun’s rays without being directly exposed. Alternatively, you can choose to have your roof covered in a technical fabric that is resistant to both rain and UV rays. The fabric is woven from fibers that are packed in between aluminum intermediate section profiles.

You can also customize the color and finish of an aluminium pergola to match your home’s exterior decor. For example, if you have a modern home, you can choose a sleek, minimalist design in a neutral color like white or bronze. Alternatively, you can choose a more ornate design that fits in with your classic garden.

Unlike wooden pergolas, aluminium structures are not prone to rot or other problems caused by moisture. They are also easier to maintain, with minimal cleaning and painting required. Moreover, aluminum is an eco-friendly material that is recyclable and sustainable.

Aside from their aesthetic contribution to your home’s exterior, aluminum pergolas are a great investment for your property. They can increase the value of your home and turn your backyard into a gorgeous social space. However, before you invest in a pergola, it is best to research the different types and brands of pergolas available on the market, and consult experts for installation and maintenance services. This will ensure that your pergola lasts for years and provides the maximum benefit to your property. In addition, you can save on installation costs by hiring a professional who is experienced in installing these structures. This will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your pergola is installed correctly the first time around.

A garden deck is a great way to define an area of your garden, create a focal point for entertaining or simply add some visual interest. It also provides a space for you to relax and unwind. Decks can be accessorised with furniture, lighting and carefully chosen potted plants to set a particular vibe.

You can also add a touch of whimsy and style by using innovative deck board placement or staining techniques to make your garden’s new feature truly stand out. This could take the form of a diagonal pattern or eye-catching herringbone layout, for example.

Whatever the design of your garden, there is a timber garden decking to suit it. The type of wood will depend on the specific features of your garden. For instance, if the majority of your garden is in full sunlight you may wish to choose a hardwood like oak which offers good levels of UV resistance to prevent any damage.

Softwood garden decking can be treated to provide protection against rot and decay. However, this does reduce the lifespan of the timber compared to hardwearing hardwoods. It is also worth considering how often you will use your garden deck as this will help to determine whether a more expensive hardwearing option would be worthwhile.

For those who are interested in environmentally responsible gardening, you can look into the possibility of sustainably sourced wood options for your garden decking. This will not only reduce your carbon footprint but it will also contribute to a more durable and long-lasting finish for your garden deck.

One of the main perks of garden decking is that it is a relatively low-maintenance solution to your outdoor space. Regularly sweeping with a stiff brush will help to shift any dirt or debris, while a few pressure washes each year should remove more stubborn stains and algae.

If you are looking to create an alfresco dining zone on your deck, you can further enhance its usability by incorporating a glass canopy. This will allow you to enjoy your deck even in the rain and can be enhanced with statement garden furniture.

If a favourite tree in your garden has been damaged by wind or storm, you can build a garden deck around it. This can be achieved by adding some additional structure beneath the deck to support the trunk, and then blocking off the area of the deck at either end of the trunk with joist off-cuts and blocking screws.

At RHS Chelsea this year we saw a trend for gardens with a wild and natural feel, with organic shapes and curved pathways. A curved deck built around a large tree in your garden would create a beautiful and unique aesthetic, and can be softened with planting to ensure that it blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

A pergola is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, offering attractive decoration and calming privacy. Whether you’re constructing your pergola or updating an existing one, choosing the right shade cover can increase the comfort and utility of your structure, and you’ll find plenty of options available for any budget or taste. Explore popular pergola shade ideas below to get an idea of what will look and function best in your backyard.

Regional climatic conditions, color implications and aesthetic appeal all play a role in pergola shade selection. UV-resistant fabrics are important in hot climates, while darker colors can absorb sun heat and help keep your area cooler. Some materials are more durable than others, and some may require regular maintenance or repairs to prevent rot and insect infestation.

To maximize the effectiveness of your pergola shade, consider incorporating walls or screens into your design. These elements can add protection from the wind, block sunlight or create a calming backdrop for your seating area. Lattice or lattice-style walls are ideal for creating privacy, and they also complement many design styles.

Another way to provide shade is by planting vines on the pergola structure. While this option is beautiful and natural, it can take time for the plants to grow to a point where they provide adequate coverage. For a quicker solution, many people opt to install a fabric or screen canopy on top of their pergola.

You can also use a retractable or removable cover to adjust the amount of sun that filters through your pergola shade, allowing you to enjoy your patio in different seasons and at different times of day. This type of option can also be useful if you want to protect yourself from bugs while watching a football game or enjoying a dinner with friends.

A retractable or removable shade can also be convenient for storing your pergola during offseason periods. Ensure it’s properly cleaned and dried before putting it away to prevent mildew or mold growth, and be sure to store it in a dry and well-ventilated location. Using a moisture inhibitor can also help reduce the chances of mold and mildew during offseason storage, making it easier to prepare your pergola for the next season.

If you have a passion for DIY projects, you can save money by building your own pergola shade with a kit. There are several different types of kits on the market, and they’re usually easy to follow. Some kits even include the necessary hardware, and you’ll be able to customize your shade according to your specific needs. However, it’s a good idea to consult a professional for installation to ensure the safety and longevity of your new fixture. In either case, you’ll have a pergola that will give you years of enjoyment. With the right shade in place, your garden or poolside deck can become a tranquil retreat that will invite you to relax and unwind.

Whether it’s the hub of your outdoor living, a place to dine al fresco with friends or just somewhere to unwind under the stars, a deck can make the world of difference to how you spend your time outdoors. But it takes more than just a deck to elevate your outdoor space into a truly special place. It’s about the memories it creates, the moments you enjoy in it & the richer life that can be lived outside with family & friends.

With Millboard’s composite decking & cladding, you can create a space where those moments happen – without the stress & expense of regular maintenance. Engineered to withstand the elements & weather, it resists warping, rotting & splitting and is more durable than traditional timber, so you can look forward to enjoying your outdoor spaces for many years to come.

While most other composite decking is extruded, Millboard is a genuine wood-free product that’s hand-moulded from oak & then hand-coloured. This results in a far more natural-looking finish – you’ll hardly know it’s not real wood unless you’re close up! It’s also much easier to work with than other composite products. You can cut it with standard woodworking tools & no pre-drilling is required, as the clever Lastane surface flexes back over the screws to create an invisible ‘lost head’ effect.

The lack of any timber content means that it can’t support damp & fungal growth, making it perfect for use in termite-prone areas & as a replacement for termite-damaged wooden boards. Plus, it doesn’t absorb dirt & spillages like a timber deck – so you can simply sweep it down regularly with a garden broom and occasionally clean it down with soapy water.

As a premium composite product, it comes with an impressive warranty to give you peace of mind that your investment will stand the test of time. This extends to a 25-year limited structural & labour warranty & a 12-year anti-fading guarantee, giving you total confidence that your new decking will keep looking its best for years to come.

Designed to withstand demanding outdoor environments, it’s made from a blend of natural minerals bonded in a polymer resin with long-fibre reinforcement & topped with the unique Lastane layer & UV-stable 2k coating. The durable core means that it resists warping, rotting, cupping & splitting, making it a more resilient alternative to traditional timber – giving you the peace of mind that your investment will stand the tests of time.

Its durability & low maintenance mean that it is also an ideal option for commercial spaces, such as parks & schools where heavy footfall will damage conventional decking & cladding over time. In fact, both Legoland in Windsor & Kew Gardens have chosen Millboard for their hard-wearing nature & the ability to accommodate thousands of visitors each year.

The final touch to a deck that brings it to life, skirting is more than just an aesthetic element. It hides the unsightly structure of the deck supports and provides a sense of privacy while also offering security and pest control. In addition, it allows homeowners to keep miscellaneous outdoor items like ladders, tools, and flower pots under the deck out of sight and off the ground.

When deciding on a deck skirting style, homeowners must consider their purposes for the space and choose a material that will suit their personal tastes and budget. Wood, vinyl, and composite materials are common options because they offer a wide range of styles and are long-lasting. Metal is less common, but offers a cool industrial look that can complement modern designs. Bamboo screening is another affordable option that gives a natural, tropical feel to any home.

Regardless of the type of skirting chosen, regular cleaning and maintenance are vital for a healthy and attractive finish. Remove dirt, mildew, and debris from the surface regularly with warm, soapy water. It’s also important to periodically inspect the deck for damage and repair as needed. For the most durable results, it’s a good idea to apply a fresh coat of sealant or paint to prevent moisture buildup and other problems.

Deck Skirting and Critter Control

The space under a deck can be a cozy and inviting shelter for squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and other wild animals seeking warmth and food. While many homeowners turn to planters and shrubs to conceal this open space, these methods are not always effective. Having deck skirting helps to prevent these creatures from burrowing under the deck, chewing through wooden beams, and creating costly infrastructural issues for the homeowner. It’s possible to keep critters out by using mesh wiring that can be installed on the interior of the deck skirting panels, which will also keep them from chewing on any infrastructure or wood underneath the deck.

Although not essential, adding a deck skirt will help minimize the safety risks that an open space under the deck can pose, especially for young children and pets. Skirting will ensure that tripping and other accidents are prevented by covering the open area beneath the deck, while still allowing for easy access.

Though not a requirement, deck skirting is a great way to increase the value of your property and enhance your outdoor living experience. Choosing the right design to match your existing deck and home will create a cohesive, stylish look that will make your backyard feel like an extension of your living space. In addition, deck skirting will protect the foundational components of your deck from weather-related wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan and reducing costly repairs. Lastly, it can help to keep garbage and other unwanted debris from blowing under the deck, making cleanup much easier.

A pergola corner is a lovely addition to any garden, whether it’s positioned at the entrance, as a focal point or simply used as a place for relaxing and enjoying the sun. Providing shade and interest, it can help to define an outdoor living area and creates the perfect backdrop for an array of wonderful climbing plants. The softness and beauty of these adds a touch of romanticism to your garden, while the scented blooms create a welcoming aura.

Traditionally, pergolas have been freestanding structures but these new design corner pergolas offer a more versatile alternative. Fitting snugly into a corner, they’re a great way to maximise space by turning otherwise unusable corners into an intimate garden retreat. The unique diamond-shaped roof adds a stylish, contemporary twist to this gorgeous wooden structure and the premium grade spruce timber ensures that it’s built to last.

The building process is straightforward and the kits come with comprehensive instructions with photographs for each step. Before you start, it’s important to check that the ground is solid and that there are no buried services such as gas pipes or electricity cables. You’ll also want to notify any utility companies of your plans before digging holes for the posts. Once you’ve done this, mark the footprint of the pergola and dig the three anchoring holes – these should be around twice as wide as the base of the post and deep enough to exceed the local frost line.

Once the posts are firmly in place, you can add the rafters which are placed on top with uniform spacing between each. These are secured with metal screws and a weather-resistant finish protects the wood from environmental elements. Then you can add any extras you wish to complete your corner pergola such as trellis panels, lighting or accent plants.

You can even grow grape vines on the trellis and enjoy your own home-grown produce! A corner pergola seating area can be adorned with cushions, loungers, chairs, benches and throws for lazy days with friends or relaxing solo. You can also accessorise with lights, fragrance burners and a whole host of other fun garden accessories.

This particular corner pergola has trellis on two sides, but the plans are easily adapted to accommodate an odd-shaped corner and you can add or remove whichever side you prefer. This pergola has a bespoke feel and is perfect for showing off the beautiful wisteria that clings to it. You can find more ideas for creating a beautiful corner pergola in our article here.