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!

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

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...
Read more

How To Weatherproof Your Pergola This Winter

  Most homeowners love to relax during the warmer months and stop using it once the cold starts. However, even though winter's around the corner, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy your outdoor structure. There are many ways to weatherproof it, even during the most frigid days. Read on and discover a few simple ways to prepare your pergola for the new season! How To Weatherproof Your Pergola For The Winter Winterizing your pergola is a fairly simple process. However, you need to ensure it’s ready by: Deep cleaning your structure after each season Getting rid of any debris like leaves, twigs, or dirt Inspecting for any cracks or damages that might damage the structure Once your pergola’s clean and free of any damages, follow these simple steps to winterize it and start enjoying it during the colder months: Apply Protective Sealant Most pergolas are strong enough to withstand extreme temperatures, including winter storms and cold temperatures. Despite this, wood pe...
Read more

Sunrooms vs. Traditional Additions: Which One Is Better For Your Home?

  Do you need more space in your home? A sunroom or room addition could be the perfect solution. However, deciding between these two structures can be tough for a homeowner. Our article will give you a quick overview of each structure and help you choose the best one for your space! How Are Sunrooms Different From Traditional Additions? Sunrooms are enclosed spaces generally made from large glass windows and walls. You'll get plenty of natural light while protecting yourself and your family from the elements. However, your local climate and structure's design could impact how long you can use it each year. Many three-season sunrooms also won't have features like an HVAC system or electricity. On the other hand, traditional home additions use the same construction materials as your other rooms. There won't be a distinct difference between this new room and the others, as contractors use the same construction materials to create a seamless extension of your space....
Read more