As far as outdoor living products are concerned, homeowners have plenty of choices. Every day seems to bring a new product that can enhance your yard and the time you spend in it. But, even with an abundance of new products, the old standbys like pergolas are still popular and fashionable. However, many people wonder if the classic design of pergolas can compete with the newer shade solutions in terms of durability and reliability. If you’ve ever wondered whether pergolas are sturdy or able to handle bad weather, you might be surprised at the answer.

Types of Pergolas

There are several types of pergolas, and the style you choose can determine how sturdy it will be. Additionally, installation methods vary, and that can also affect long-term durability and stability.

Attached Pergolas

As the original style, dating back to at least the 1600s, attached pergolas are partially connected to a home or another building. Typically, at least one side of the pergola is anchored to the exterior of the building, with at least one column supporting an unattached corner of the pergola. As you might imagine, attached pergolas are very stable and can last for many decades. Attached pergolas can even weather extreme storms better than many other outdoor living products.

Freestanding Pergolas

Freestanding pergolas differ from attached pergolas because they can be placed anywhere that has a suitable foundation, like a patio or pool deck. A typical freestanding pergola would be supported at the corners by columns and elsewhere as required by the design and size. Freestanding pergolas are typically quite sturdy and durable because they are bolted into a stone or concrete base. The material used to construct a freestanding pergola will affect its sturdiness, but a pergola can usually be relied upon to withstand all but the most severe weather.

Garden Arbors

Garden arbor pergolas are similar to freestanding pergolas but are typically placed in a garden or yard to provide partial shade as well as act a trellis for plants. The sturdiness of garden arbors depends largely on the quality of the materials used and installation methods. A well-installed garden arbor, especially one that is manufactured with modern materials, should last for many years, even under a full load of vines and other plants. If your home is in an area that is particularly prone to extreme weather, extra steps can be taken to better anchor your garden arbor to the ground, such as attaching it to a poured concrete foundation.

High-Quality Materials

The biggest factor determining a pergola’s sturdiness is the quality of the materials used in its construction. Low-quality materials are far more likely to warp, twist, and deform over their lifetime. Additionally, these materials often require more maintenance and care to maintain their strength and appearance.

At TEMO Sunrooms, we take our reputation as an outdoor living industry leader seriously. Part of the reason our thousands of customers trust us for patio covers and pergolas is because we use high-quality materials that are durable and sturdy. Our pergolas are manufactured from extruded aluminum. Compared to other common materials, like wood, vinyl, and cast aluminum, extruded aluminum is far stronger. Plus, our pergolas feature an electrostatic finish that makes them low maintenance and easy to care for.

Sturdy Pergolas Installed Fast

If you’re interested in having a pergola in your yard, on your patio, or attached to your home, you can rely on TEMO. Our products feature a lifetime transferable warranty, so you can have peace of mind about your investment. Plus, our pergolas can be installed in as little as one day. To learn more or to find a qualified local dealer in your area, contact TEMO today.