Pergolas & Shade Structures
Do you ever look at your backyard and wish for more? Would you like a little more shade around your outdoor living space? Or how about some architectural flair in your yard? If so, then we have good news for you. You can have it all if you invest in a pergola.
A pergola’s unique design helps provide shade to decks, patios, pools, or other sections of your yard while adding to the beauty of the area. Installed anywhere in your landscape, they become the focal point, improving your home’s attractiveness and value.
At C&L Ward, we proudly provide custom low-maintenance pergolas for Michigan homeowners. Made of a rust-proof, hard-wearing aluminum frame, our pergolas will stand strong in extreme weather conditions like high winds and summer heat. A premium blend of low-maintenance vinyl surrounds them, resisting fading and discoloration and being easy to clean year after year.
Why Homeowners Choose Pergolas
Homeowners opt for pergolas for several compelling reasons:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Pergolas add a touch of elegance and architectural interest to outdoor spaces, enhancing the home’s overall beauty.
- Outdoor Comfort: They provide a shaded area to enjoy the outdoors comfortably without exposure to direct sunlight.
- Versatility: Pergolas serve various functions, from extending living spaces to defining a dining area, a lounge space, or an outdoor kitchen.
- Value Addition: Installing a pergola can increase your property value by improving the home’s curb appeal and functional outdoor space.
- Entertainment Space: Pergolas create the perfect setting for entertaining guests and offer a defined area for social gatherings and events.
Pergola Materials
Pergolas can be constructed using a variety of materials, each offering its own unique aesthetic and functional advantages.
- Traditional wood pergolas bring a classic, natural look to any garden or patio setting and can be customized with stains and paints to match the homeowner’s style. Wood’s natural texture and the ability to integrate into various landscape designs make it a time-honored choice. However, despite its beauty, wood requires regular maintenance to protect against weathering, decay, and pests.
- Powder-coated aluminum pergolas present a modern, low-maintenance alternative. The powder coating provides a durable finish that resists corrosion and fading, while the aluminum structure ensures strength and longevity without the risk of warping or rotting. This makes aluminum pergolas an ideal option for those seeking a balance of durability and ease of care.
- Vinyl-clad pergolas are another option; they are the ones we build at C&L Ward. This combination leverages the structural integrity and resilience of aluminum with the aesthetic versatility of vinyl. The vinyl covering offers the traditional appearance of painted wood without the associated upkeep. It doesn’t require re-staining or sealing like wood. Homeowners can enjoy the classic look of wood and the durability of metal, making aluminum frame pergolas with vinyl covering an optimal choice for lasting outdoor comfort and style.
Pergolas Customized to Suit Your Needs
Our pergola installations are tailored to extend your outdoor living space seamlessly, offering a perfect blend of form and function. You have complete control over the customization, selecting the dimensions and the degree of shade provided, ranging from a light, airy feel to more substantial coverage for those hotter days.
The choice of post styles, from the classic to the contemporary, alongside a spectrum of colors, ensures your pergola complements the existing design palette of your home and garden.
In terms of structure, we offer a variety of options to suit your space and style preferences:
- Freestanding Pergolas: These versatile structures can be placed anywhere in your yard, creating an inviting focal point or a cozy nook independent of your home’s structure.
- Attached Pergolas: Designed to extend directly from your home, these pergolas provide a convenient and sheltered outdoor area, perfect for patios or decks.
- Modern Freestanding Pergolas: For those seeking a more contemporary aesthetic, our modern freestanding pergolas feature clean lines and minimalist design, becoming standout architectural features in their own right.
- Modern Attached Pergolas: These combine the convenience of being attached to your home with the sleek, modern lines favored in current design trends, offering a stylish and functional transition from indoors to outdoors.
Other Shade Structures
While pergolas are popular choices to provide shade for patios and decks, here are some other shade structures to consider:
- Canopies: These are fabric-covered structures supported by a freestanding frame, ideal for temporary use during events or gatherings.
- Awnings: Attached to a home’s exterior, awnings are retractable or stationary and come in various materials to provide shade over windows or outdoor seating areas.
- Shade Sails: Made of durable, flexible fabrics, shade sails are anchored to poles or the side of a house and stretch out to form a protective canopy.
- Arbors: Smaller than pergolas, arbors are often used as decorative elements and entryways to garden areas, providing partial shade and support for climbing plants.
- Umbrellas: Portable and easy to maneuver, umbrellas can offer quick, flexible shade for outdoor dining sets and lounging areas.
Caring for Our Pergola Customers
Here at C&L Ward, we offer the high level of customer service expected of a family-owned and -operated home improvement company. We go the extra mile for our customers by not only helping them find the perfect custom vinyl pergolas for their homes but also doing the job once and doing it right the first time. Moreover, we stand behind our work with a ten-year labor warranty. So, if any problems occur after installation, our highly trained and experienced professionals will promptly fix the issues.
Pergolas FAQs
What is the difference between a pergola and a patio cover?
The primary distinction between pergolas and patio covers lies in their roofing. Pergolas feature an open lattice roof that allows partial sunlight to filter through, creating a balance of sun and shade. In contrast, patio covers have a full solid roof, providing complete protection from the sun’s rays and rain.
Can pergolas be used in winter?
Pergolas can be transformed into cozy retreats during the winter. By incorporating outdoor heaters, adding drapery for wind protection, and layering in plush furnishings, you can enjoy your outdoor space even when the temperatures drop.
How long do vinyl-clad pergolas last?
Vinyl-clad pergolas boast remarkable longevity, often enduring a lifetime with minimal need for maintenance. Constructed with a robust aluminum frame that resists corrosion and a tough vinyl exterior, these pergolas are built to maintain their strength and attractive appearance for decades, provided they are correctly installed and securely anchored.
Let’s Get Started Today on Your Custom Pergola
Established in 1972, C&L Ward has become the go-to decking expert for Michigan residents seeking to transform their outdoor areas into dream living spaces. Our custom pergolas offer a fresh way to enjoy your home’s exterior. Choosing C&L Ward means selecting a team dedicated to bringing your vision of outdoor enjoyment to life. Plus, when you choose C&L Ward, you’ll be partnering with a company that:
- Offers financing options to make your deck construction project more affordable
- Provides faster installations than our competitors
- Is one of the longest-tenured deck builders in the area
