For homeowners across the city, pergolas in Adelaide are a popular landscape addition because of their functionality and attractive appearance. They extend your outdoor living space, making room for relaxation, leisure, and a variety of other activities.
Sheltering you from the sun and rain, they add value to your home and complement the landscaping, too. Whether your home has a pergola or you’re considering adding one, here are five practical tips to enjoy it all year.
Tip 1: Add A Roof Cover for Shade and Weather Protection
Pergolas usually don’t have a solid roof — just rafters — which means they offer limited protection from the elements. Without a proper cover, they can be less practical during extreme weather or throughout the cooler months. Adding a roof cover can help protect you from the harsh midday sun, reduce heat, and shield you from rain, making your outdoor space much more usable year-round.
Once your pergola is weatherproof, it becomes more than just a summer feature. You now have a multipurpose outdoor area to relax, entertain guests, or enjoy dining outside in comfort, regardless of the season. While roof covers like polycarbonate panels or retractable canopies are great for flexibility, you can also consider a steel roof for a more permanent and durable solution
Tip 2: Install Lighting and Power Points for Extended Use
Want to make the most of your pergola throughout the day? Consider installing lighting so you can use the space day or night. Depending on how you intend to use the space, available lighting options include spotlights, string lights, and downlights. Some warm lighting can create the perfect ambience for gathering after sunset and improve visibility. No more heading inside once it gets dark!
Additionally, you can set up power points to plug in devices like fans, speakers, and even small appliances. It’s a great way to improve comfort and increase entertainment when throwing parties, hosting dinners, or enjoying a quiet evening outside.
Tip 3: Use Screens or Blinds to Block Wind or Create Privacy
Strong winds making it harder to enjoy your pergola? A cool breeze is always welcome during Adelaide’s hot summers, but sometimes it can make things a bit tricky. Installing screens or blinds can keep strong winds from blowing items away, keeping your pergola comfortable on breezy days.
Privacy screens also improve privacy inside your pergola, preventing passersby and neighbours from peeking into your yard. You can choose between fixed screens and retractable options depending on how much privacy you need. Now, you have an intimate space to relax, entertain guests, or enjoy meals without feeling exposed.
Tip 4: Include Fans for Year-Round Comfort
For days when it’s too hot to be outside, you can install fans or a misting system in your pergola. This way, you can spend time outdoors despite the heat, creating a multipurpose space you can use all year round.
While winters in Adelaide are typically mild, you can consider adding heating options to enjoy the colder days outside. Cooling and heating options let you adjust the climate inside your pergola to make it more comfortable, no matter what season it is.
Tip 5: Plan the Layout Around Your Lifestyle: dining, BBQs, or relaxing
How do you plan to use your pergola? We all have certain activities we’d rather do inside, whether it includes having morning coffee, spending time with family, or hosting parties. You can plan the layout of your pergola based on the function it serves.
If you plan to use the space for dining and entertainment, a roof would be ideal over and a sturdy outdoor table and chairs. And if the space is mainly for relaxation, you would want screens or blinds for privacy when you read or nap. Similarly, installing a barbecue grill and setting up power points for a few small appliances can create the perfect ambiance for parties and picnics.
Get a Pergola That Works For You With Steel Outfitters
From adding a roof cover and lighting to installing fans and screens, there are plenty of ways to transform your pergola into a multi-functional space. But before you can customise your pergola to align with your lifestyle, you need the right professionals to build it. At Steel Outfitters, we have years of experience in designing and building custom pergolas in Adelaide. From quaint spaces for relaxation to bigger structures suitable for large gatherings, we can build a pergola that works for you. Get in touch with our experts to learn more!
