What is a pergola, anyway? The word "pergola" is Italian. Pergolas are essentially wooden arbors with posts, and in the Italian Renaissance, pergolas used masonry columns rather than wood. Pergolas can be attached to an existing structure or can be free-standing. Pergolas can be designed to reflect your personality and add character to your home. Today, pergolas generally are constructed completely of wood, though some are vinyl. Pergolas can be used to create or cover a patio area, such as an enclosure for a hot tub, to create a covered pathway through your garden. They also can include a retractable awning and lights to make your pergola even more adaptable and practical.

Pergolas can be constructed of various types of wood or vinyl. New technologies have made vinyl very heavy-duty and durable. Wood can be left natural and sealed, stained and sealed or painted, and it provides a more natural look and feel.

What planning needs to be done prior to having a pergola installed? First, a contractor will measure the area where the pergola will be installed. Then, the contractor will discuss with the homeowner how the space to be covered by the pergola will be used so he/she can determine the materials, size and other elements of the pergola. Other considerations will include whether the pergola will be attached to the house, permanently installed or free-standing and what, if any, accessories, embellishments or architectural features the homeowner wants.

Once the planning is complete, it's time to construct/install the pergola. If the pergola is to be attached to the house, measurements will be taken, shingles may need to be lifted, pergola elements bolted and shingles replaced. If the pergola is attached to siding or brick on the side of a house, the part of the pergola to be attached will be installed first. The contractor will measure and dig post holes, and in some cases, may need to dig and level the ground. If the posts are to be attached to a patio, proper bracing and attachment techniques will need to be employed.

The various elements of the pergola will be assembled and bolted together; beams, accessories and architectural elements will be installed, and final touches will be completed. The time needed to complete the pergola project will depend upon the size of the pergola and the complexity of the installation.

The costs of pergolas range from $500 to $6,000, depending upon their design, intended use, materials and construction. Your contractor will be able to offer you advice on how to cut costs, increase flexibility, design your pergola to meet your needs and do all the planning and construction. You may be able to cut some costs by doing some of the preliminary work or finishing work yourself. That is a topic for discussion when you ask your contractor for a quote.

Awnings offer many of the same benefits as pergolas. Awnings provide protection from the sun, reducing the heat by as much as 20 degrees. Awnings also protect your covered area from rain and other elements, thus affording more enjoyable time outdoors. Awnings are also sometimes referred to as canopies. Awnings today are available in a multitude of fabrics, most of which are heavy-duty, weatherproof and fade-resistant. Most better-quality awnings or canopies offer at least a 10-year warranty against fading and tearing, with normal wear and tear. The color choices for awnings are almost limitless. Awnings are generally attached to a house, covering a patio or other outdoor area.

For the most flexibility and versatility, homeowners may want to consider purchasing a retractable awning. A retractable awning can be opened during the heat of the day to keep the covered area more comfortable, or during a rainfall, so the covered are is still usable, in spite of the rain. Retractable awnings are available in manual or motorized operations. Research indicates that homeowners who opt for the motorized control use their awnings more often than those who decide upon the manual method of opening and closing the awning.

Awning accessories that can be purchased as part of a "package deal" or separately can include a single-side panel to provide wind protection, attachable/detachable screens on all sides to provide a screened-in area and lights for creating ambience in the evenings.

Awning installation costs can range from about $1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending upon the fabric type, size and shape of the awning and the accessories purchased.

Whether your budget, lifestyle or personal preference for expanded-outdoor living space includes an awning or a pergola, you won't be regret expanding and enhancing your outdoor-living space. Pergolas and awnings can greatly enhance the look and value of your home and provide you years of enjoyment.

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