Garden structures like arbors and pergolas can provide intrigue to your landscape designs. Arbors and pergolas add an element of interest to a yard or garden by drawing the eye upward. These structures enhances your garden in many ways like embellishment and functionality.

Like many gardeners, you may be asking yourself, what is the difference between an arbor and a pergola?   Even if there are no concurrence on this, the arbor is a small architecture which has an arch on top, with a measurement that stands 6 1/2 to 9 feet at the summit. It is often placed over the top in a walkway of a gate. A pergola, on the other hand, has a flat top that is directly perpendicular to the straight sides it rests on. Pergolas ranges in adaptable sizes, just small enough to hover the pathway, to large enough size to span a whole deck.

I living in Calgary, Alberta Canada and I always try to incorporate an arbor or pergola when I create a Calgary Landscape Design.

Materials used in pergolas and arbors can include vinyl, steel and also driftwood. The use of wood gives a more rustic appeal to a pergola or an arbor, which has an option of being repainted to change its tone. Wood is usually the most cost effective option; however, it won’t last as long as metal or vinyl. Issues associated when you use wood in your structures includes disintegration and fracturing.

Vinyl, in contrast, can be maintained easily with no need to stain or paint. Vinyl is also resistant to rot and decay, and will last much longer than wood. Vinyl would come at a premium, but it lasts long in the end. If you go for vinyl, choose those which are UV resistant so it won’t fade in sun exposure.

The use of metal or iron as your material is a better choice because it is sturdy. But you need to carefully consider the type of metal you will use. Iron and steel will rust, which may or may not be desirable, depending on the look you want. But if you still prefer metal, use aluminum which has been proven as a rust free metal. Choose a material with powder coat finish, it has more durability and it has that fresh paint appearance.

We use all types of materials when doing a Landscape Design in Calgary. It just really depends on what your preference is, no matter where you live.

Building a garden structure is a fine way to provide a focal point in your landscaping background. They will improve your garden’s allure and further add a perpendicular feature to your otherwise horizontal planes. Pergolas and arbors for that matter can transform a discreet garden design into something distinctive and attractive which your guests would certainly admire.

I have a lot of fun with Calgary Landscape Design, and no matter where you live it is important to take the unique canvass you have available to you to be as creative as possible!

Written by: Custom Stone and Waterscapes ‎3829 Parkhill Place SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2W6 (403) 870-1142