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6 Reasons To Build A Cedar Pergola
Looking for an interesting architectural structure to add visual interest to your landscaping? A cedar pergola creates shelter, provides climbing plants a center-stage place in your landscaping, and adds vertical appeal to your yard. You can buy made-to-order metal pergolas, but a sturdy, cedar pergola has many advantages.
Cedar pergolas can extend the living space of your home or offer a visual breezeway. They're also ideal for backyards with little natural shade. If you had to start from scratch with your landscaping, you probably don't have large shade trees yet. Cedar pergolas can give you a boost by providing shade until your trees mature. They also help to divide your yard into different areas, designating a certain space for sitting and enjoying the view.
Gardeners also like pergolas because they allow them to plant a greater variety of species. Vines and other climbing plants have a place to grow, and shade-loving plants can thrive in the structure's shade.
If you're interested in a cedar pergola, carefully consider the material for constructing your shade structure. The material will affect a great deal. For instance, the longevity of the shade structure will greatly depend on the wood it's made of. The material will also determine how much maintenance the pergola requires and whether or not it must be regularly protected by stains, pesticides, or mildew inhibitors.
We recommend cedar as an ideal material for pergolas for the following reasons.
1. Weather Resistance. Cedar is famously weather resistant, and that's why it's often used for roofing materials and outdoor furniture. It offers the warmth and versatility of wood without the rotting and other problems associated with some types of wood.
2. Mildew Resistance. Our Cleveland weather can be quite wet at times, so it's important to look for materials that won't mildew. Cedar is naturally mildew resistant, so you don't have to continually apply chemicals to it that inhibit mildew.
3. Warp Resistance. When you build a structure for its strength, shelter, and architectural qualities, you want it to stand tall and sturdy for many years. Cedar pergolas fit the bill because cedar resists warping, even through blistering summers and freezing winters.
4. Pest Resistance. There's a reason people use cedar to line their closets and dresser drawers. Bugs don't like cedar, so they leave it alone. This makes the wood perfect for pergolas. You don't have to worry about boring insects that weaken the structure or drop on the people pleasantly enjoying their lunch in the shade.
5. Environmentally Friendly. As previously mentioned, it's unnecessary to add chemicals to cedar pergolas to treat them for mildew and insects. Therefore, you can be sure that the structure is safe for pets, family members, and people with allergies or sensitivities to chemicals. Organic gardeners can also rest assured that their plants won't come in contact with any chemicals that will compromise them.
6. Superior Performance. Dollar-for-dollar, cedar offers a better value for performance than any other type of wood. That's why we recommend using cedar when designing and building a pergola.
We have the knowledge and skill to design cedar pergolas for any space. Your custom cedar pergola will give you a wonderful outdoor gathering place and will make your yard truly unique.
Author: Joe Schill