Tennessee summers are long and hot, which makes shade one of the most valuable things you can add to your backyard. The two most popular options we build are pergolas and covered porches. Here's how they compare.
Pergolas. A pergola is an open frame of posts and beams with rafters or slats across the top. It gives partial shade, defines an outdoor room and looks great over a patio, deck, hot tub or pool equipment. Pergolas cost less than a solid roof, don't usually need to tie into your house and can be stained to match your deck or fence.
Covered porches and decks. A covered porch has a solid roof, so it keeps you dry in the rain and fully shaded in the afternoon sun. It can hold ceiling fans, light fixtures and a mounted TV, and a tongue-and-groove shiplap ceiling gives it a finished, indoor-outdoor feel. Because it has a real roof, it takes more framing and usually costs more.
Want to keep the bugs out? A covered porch can also be screened in, which makes it usable from spring through fall without mosquitoes. That's one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose a covered space over a pergola.
Which should you choose? Pick a pergola if you want style, partial shade and a lower budget. Choose a covered or screened porch if you want to use the space in any weather and add fans, lights or a TV.
Either way, build it to last. Solid footings, pressure-treated or cedar framing, the right fasteners and a good stain and seal keep your outdoor space looking great for years.
Ready to plan your outdoor space? Call Cirio Home Improvement at (615) 720-4746 for a free estimate on a pergola, deck or covered porch.