Skip to main content

Freestanding Vs. Attached Pergolas: Which One’s Best For Your Home?


 A pergola could be the perfect addition to your home. You can use it as a new social area for your next party, create a quiet outdoor retreat, or add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

However, some homeowners have trouble deciding between a freestanding or attached pergola. Both types have pros and cons that will impact how you design, use, and decorate the rest of your outdoor area. If you're still unsure which structure's right for you, our post will give you a quick overview of each pergola type and help you choose the right one!

What Is An Attached Pergola?

An attached pergola is directly connected to a building. These structures often extend from an exterior wall on the main home or a garage. Since the building is the primary support source, an attached pergola only contains posts on the opposite side.

Pros And Cons Of Attached Pergolas

Pros

  • Attached pergolas use fewer posts, making them a cheaper option
  • They can serve as a natural extension of your indoor space
  • Attachment to your house gives your structure more stability

Cons

  • Attaching a pergola to your home limits placement possibilities
  • Improper installation could affect your home’s structural integrity
  • Some attached structures may require a building permit before building

What Is A Freestanding Pergola?

Freestanding pergolas are independent structures that aren’t connected to anything else. The best part about this home addition is its flexibility. Whether you want a stunning focal point for your yard or a quiet retreat away from the home, you have the freedom to place it wherever you’d like.

Pros And Cons Of Freestanding Pergolas

Pros

  • Flexibility to create distinct outdoor areas
  • Since they’re independent structures, freestanding pergolas pose no risk to your home
  • You can place virtually anywhere on your property

Cons

  • Freestanding pergolas need more building materials, increasing the cost
  • More exposure to the elements
  • Takes up more space

Which One Is Right For Your Home?

While both types of pergolas offer clear benefits, choosing one for your home comes down to:

  • Your property’s size and layout
  • Your intended use
  • Budget constraints
  • Design preferences

If you have a larger space and prefer a new outdoor structure to decorate, a freestanding pergola is the perfect home addition for you. However, an attached pergola may be a better choice if your outdoor area is small or you’d rather have an extension of your indoor space.

Choose The Perfect Pergola For Your Home

Now that you understand the main differences between these two structures, it's up to you to decide which pergola is right for you. At Four Seasons, we offer a wide range of pergolas and other home additions that fit virtually any home. If you have any questions or have a project in mind, please contact us or use our 24/7 live chat anytime!

RECEIVE OUR FREE CATALOG

Every homeowner should have what they need before taking on a new project. That's why we offer FREE in-home design consultations, where you get an honest estimate with no hidden fees. Our free catalog also has plenty of valuable tips if you’re looking for more inspiration!

Popular posts from this blog

5 Easy Ways To Host The Perfect Sunroom Gathering

Some homeowners think it’s time to cut back on weekend parties and wait until spring to start things up again. But if you own a four-season sunroom or plan on getting one, you’ll never need to worry about the cold again. Here are five tips to help you plan unforgettable sunroom parties your loved ones will remember for years! 1. Spruce Up Your Sunroom Appropriately Are you in charge of this year's Thanksgiving feast? Or maybe you're thinking of throwing together a last-minute dinner party? Don't forget to decorate for each occasion. Whether it's some fall throw pillows, themed party favors, or a simple centerpiece, these little details create a welcoming ambiance that will make your guests feel at home. 2. Make Your Food Ahead Of Time The last thing you want to do is juggle cooking and entertaining guests at the same time. Try to cook everything beforehand and simply reheat it when everyone arrives. Or, if you want to take it a step further, opt to have a coc...

DIY Deck Building Or Pro Installation: Which One Is Better?

  A high-quality deck could be the perfect home improvement project to elevate your space. However, many homeowners don't know whether to install the deck themselves or hire a pro deck installation company to take over. If you're unsure what to do next, this guide will go through both scenarios to help you make the right decision! Is DIY Deck Building Worth Your Time? Building a deck on your own is an exciting and cost-effective project to take on. But doing it is much more than simply buying materials and building the structure. There are many steps you need to consider before starting this project, including: Building permits Choosing the right materials Creating a deck design Determining the right size and specifications for your property Safety features Many inexperienced homeowners underestimate the process, skip steps, and waste more time and money than they budgeted. If you decide to go ahead with this project on your own, do your research ahead of time and reach...

5 Tips To Decorate Your Sunroom For This Year's Holiday Season

  The holidays are for getting everyone you love together to celebrate the season. Many homeowners also take this time to transform their sunroom into a holiday oasis for their next gathering. If you’re planning on hosting a few parties this month, let’s explore a few ideas you can use to turn your space into the ideal holiday venue! 1. Bring Out Your Best Holiday Decorations Nothing brings in the holiday spirit more than putting up garlands, wreaths, and any other decorations you have. When decorating this year, you have two main options. The first one is doing it your own way and giving your sunroom a unique feel that's authentically you. But if you want more cohesion, opt for a planned theme instead. From classic red and green Christmas to blue and white winter wonderland, you have plenty of styles to choose from that best fit your space's aesthetic. 2. Be Generous With The Lights Holiday lights can make even virtually any sunroom stand out. Add lights of different shapes an...