As the summer approaches, families across the Dallas area will begin to spend more time outside in their yards. Whether it’s for BBQs, just hanging out, or for specific events like graduation parties, your back yard can be both functional and beautiful! Make the most of your outdoor space, and make it even more inviting during the warm months ahead with a wooden patio cover or pergola. 

What’s the difference between Pergolas vs. Patio Covers?

Pergolas

Pergolas are mainly freestanding, so they can either be built with a floor, on your patio, or they can be placed anywhere in your yard. They were invented in the Mediterranean, basically to define outdoor spaces and provide filtered shade over walkways, gardens and such. Heavy wooden post beams are set in concrete for strength. Then the open roof is put on. Although the roof is open, the amount of shade the slats provide is determined by how closely spaced they are to one another. The open sides and semi-open roof allow you to receive those beautiful, cooling breezes and to see that gorgeous blue sky above.

There are various ways to create more privacy based on the pergola’s specific design (since the sides are completely open). Beautiful and elegant, you can tie billowy semi-sheer drapes around the posts when you want the sides to be open, and then untie them and close them up at your will. Another beautiful addition is to add vines, ivy, roses and other growing greenery, similar to a trellis or arbor. Once the greenery progresses upwards to the roof, it can also add a bit more shade.

Patio Covers

Patio covers actually refer to a specific type of roof. Unlike freestanding pergolas, patio covers normally attach to the house, virtually creating an outdoor extension of your home. They have a full, shingled roof that can be flat or sloped, and in many instances, the shingles are matched to those used on the home. The roof is then supported by posts on the other side. This type of cover not only affords shelter from the scorching sun, but it also protects from the rain. Since they, for the most part, are attached to the home, they also help keep that part of the home cooler, since it is shaded from the sun. Free standing patio covers also offer the same benefits and both styles have the added convenience of offering the ability to add lights, ceiling fans and speakers. Since there is an actual full roof, a patio cover can just simply be open-sided or there is the option of adding screens to protect from bugs and other insects.

So, which outdoor project is right for you? Do you want a patio cover that has a full covered roof like a virtual extension of your home, or do you want a pergola with semi shade to cover your patio, garden or other activity spot in your yard? Whatever your need, Nortex Fence is there to offer you years of experience. We are a locally owned and operated Dallas fence company since 1998, we specialize in quality outdoor solutions such as patio covers, pergolas, fences, decks and so much more. If you’re still not sure what works best for your outdoor spot (residential or commercial), they would be happy to assist you with ideas and pictures to help make that decision a little easier.

Fill out the contact form, write down a list of your needs and any questions you might have, and let your Nortex Fence representative help you get ready for some great outdoor living!