Pergola Construction | Utah Landscaping

A Valuable Addition to Any Landscape

Pergolas are a valuable addition to any landscape. At Cottonwood Landscapes, we do pergolas the right way with large, high-end timbers, true craftsmanship, and seamless integration into the overall design of the yard.

We want families to get the most out of the land they own, both practically and aesthetically. At the end of the day, a pleasing and functional yard is what landscaping is all about! We know the clients we serve in West Jordan and the greater Salt Lake Valley want multi-purpose outdoor spaces for gatherings of all kinds, whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ or a wedding reception. A pergola installed by Cottonwood Landscapes can address these needs and can withstand the ever-changing weather conditions in Utah as well.

Add A Custom-Built Pergola To Your Backyard Oasis

What is a Pergola?

A pergola is like having open-air rafters overhead. But, if there’s no full covering on the top, what’s a pergola’s purpose? Pergolas are strategically placed and designed so the roof grid of rafters, or beams, can provide some sun protection throughout the day. If you’d like, you can add coverage to the overhead beams to maximize shade.

Pergolas can be free-standing structures that serve as a focal point in your landscaping, or they can be adjacent to another structure to extend the outdoor living area. If you’d like to see how a pergola fits into your landscaping, give Cottonwood Landscapes a call.

Types Of Pergolas

Gable Pergolas: If you know anything about roofing, you know what a gable roof is. A gable roof is designed with angles that help modulate water buildup on a roof, and also help protect a roof from wind damage, over time. A gable pergola is essentially a pergola with a slanted roof. Gable pergolas are easy to blend in with the roof of your actual home if you want to design your pergola directly off the side of your existing structure.

Sail Pergolas: A sail pergola is designed without a solid roof in mind. Instead, they are built so that you can attach a piece of cloth, typically made of durable canvas, across the roof or walls to create a temporary covering. This way, you can take the cloth down in the winter, or when wind or rain picks up.
Skillion Pergolas: A skillion pergola has a single surface roof that curves to one side. This prevents water from building up on top, which can cause water damage over time. It also helps prevent a pergola from being destroyed by devastating wind. Overall, a skillion pergola is a sleek style that is frequently used in public spaces, such as parks.
Open-Top Pergolas: An open-top pergola has a slotted roof that is made out of beams of wood. Pergolas with an open top don’t have the same protection from precipitation as one with a solid roof, but they allow for open airflow. One popular way that people use open-top pergolas is by growing vines and plants over the roof, which creates a stunning landscape attraction.

What’s the difference?

Many homeowners are unsure of the difference between a pergola, arbor, gazebo, and trellis. Let’s take a look.

Arbor

This is a simple structure that usually features curved arches at the top, connecting its two sides. In contrast, a pergola has at least four columns that are connected with a flat top (slatted or full-coverage). Arbors are more typically used along a pathway or a fence and may act as a doorway to a new area of the yard.

Gazebo

This is a raised structure with its own floor. A gazebo always has a covered roof, whereas a pergola roof can be open like rafters. Gazebos are often rounded in overall shape, while a pergola is more angular (square or rectangular). Additionally, a gazebo can include built-in seats, whereas a pergola has the feel of a free-standing structure under which you arrange patio furniture.

Trellis

Like a pergola, a trellis can be made of many different materials. However, it’s more like a lattice ladder for plants than a free-standing structure to sit under. A trellis is often portable but might be affixed to the side of another structure to encourage plants to latch onto the trellis instead of a building’s siding. Trellises don’t offer shade like a pergola.

Pergola Purpose - Expand The Use Of Your Yard

Pergolas are design elements that increase the value of your property because they expand the possibilities of use for your yard.

Common Uses for Pergolas

Cover a patio
Cover a deck
Frame a hot tub
Make a focal point in the garden
Designate seating areas
Shade a play area
Train vegetation to grow off the ground

Common Materials Used for Pergolas

Aluminum
Canvas (shade cover)
Fiberglass
Wood
Vinyl

We Design Your Dream

Cottonwood Landscapes, LLC can make your dream yard a reality. Not only do we design and install outdoor kitchens and fire pits for Utah homes, but we also build porches, patios, pergolas, and any other outdoor structure that enhances your yard’s natural beauty. We’re experienced with planning outdoor living space, so we understand the best practices for bringing conveniences like gas, electricity, and water into your outdoor structures while still maintaining focus on creating a modern outdoor kitchen that’s high-end and inviting.

If you want your outdoor kitchen designed by a professional, you’ve come to the right place. Our team works with only the best materials and has years of experience. We design spaces that fit in beautifully with the architecture of your home and existing outdoor amenities.

When you describe your perfect al fresco kitchen or fire pit, we listen. A great deal of our own satisfaction comes from knowing you’re satisfied with the final product. Contact us today to start planning the outdoor kitchen of your dreams!

Other Services We Offer

Complement your stunning outdoor kitchen with any of the other landscaping and hardscaping services Cottonwood offers to Utah clients:

Check out our comprehensive list of landscaping services here.

Picture what your yard could be with any number of the services available from Cottonwood Landscapes. When you’re ready to get started on your yard transformation, contact Cottonwood for help achieving your vision.