When this comes to spending time in the great outdoors, you want to get the most out of it. Choosing the perfect outdoor living amenities might help you enjoy your time outside even more. One such facility is a pergola. It not only beautifies your environment, but it also serves a practical purpose by providing shade. That is, provided you think about where you want to place a pergola. A pergola might detract from your outdoor experience if it is placed in an inconvenient location. 

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite pergola design ideas. You can get the most from a pergola on your Western Montana home by making informed decisions. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding where to install your pergola. And how will it make your time outside more enjoyable? 

What is a Pergola? 

Before we get into some of our pergola design tips, we thought it would be useful to define what a pergola is. Of course, if you’ve found this article by searching for it or stumbling upon it, you already know. 

A pergola is a structure with an open roof that enables you to see the stacked beams above. Just to be clear and make sure we’re all on the same page, a pergola is a structure with an open roof that allows you to see the layered beams above. Pergolas may be quite appealing in terms of architectural detail, and they can bring a lot of interest to an outdoor space only for the sake of aesthetics. However, as previously said, they also serve the purpose of providing shade. Instead of the sun pounding down on you, you’ll be showered in filtered light. 

Where should I put a pergola? 

Pergola placement is quite crucial when it comes to getting the most out of this feature. 

Situated for Shade 

Usually, you should consider placing your pergola to face the mid-to-late-day sun, since this is when shade is most needed. The pergola should not be placed in any old site by your landscape designer. It should be placed such that it can give the shade you want. 

Pergolas are an excellent technique to provide “instant shade” for your outdoor living space throughout the mid-to late-day hours. Trees, for example, take significantly longer to establish than other types of shade. However, no one wants an incredible new outdoor living area that is impossible to enjoy because it is too hot. Pergolas may also act as a wind barrier, allowing you to enjoy the space more.

Considering the View 

Another important factor to consider is the view. The pergola should not hide the view, but rather “frame” it from below the area. 

It’s also important to think about how the pergola will alter the view from various angles. When you sit beneath it, it may wonderfully frame a beautiful vista, but it entirely blocks the view of another important part of your environment. The idea is to place the pergola in such a way that it does not obstruct other people’s views. 

Adding pergola features 

Pergolas are often used in combination with outdoor dining tables to help define an eating space. They may also make eating outside more comfortable because of their capacity to provide shade and block the wind. 

You don’t have to think about a pergola as just a place to eat. They may also be used in various outdoor living spaces, especially when other amenities are incorporated for added enjoyment. 

Adding fire or water amenities to these spaces enhances their popularity and overall enjoyment.