It’s not hard to see why pergolas are often seen as the go-to option when you are looking to create a beautiful setting in your outdoor space, where you can entertain and dine in style.
If you choose to install a fantastic DIY pergola, you instantly open up a world of leisure opportunities and will be able to enjoy making the most of outdoor living throughout the seasons. In order to be able to achieve those aims, it makes sense to think about whether it would be better to have a traditional or louvered pergola.
Photo by Tile Merchant Ireland on Unsplash
If you are not sure which option would be best, here’s a look at what both a louvered and a traditional pergola offer. Understanding their key differences and when to use either one, should help you make an informed decision.
What you need to know about a louvered pergola
A good starting point would be to take a look at what a louvered pergola is, and what it offers.
Photo by Tile Merchant Ireland on Unsplash
In a nutshell, a louvered pergola is a contemporary version of a traditional pergola that is designed with adaptability as well as modernity in mind. A traditional pergola is very nice to look at and can be just as aesthetically pleasing as a louvered version, but it doesn’t offer the same versatility.
What you get with a louvered pergola is a structure that has a roof composed of adjustable slats. This means you have the option to keep out the sun, wind, and rain, or let as much sunlight in as you want, by adjusting the slats to create an opening.
Being able to regulate the temperature and sunlight with the help of this structure gives a louvered pergola a big competitive edge over its traditional rival.
What are the key benefits of a louvered pergola?
If you are looking to compare a louvered pergola against a traditional version, here are some key points to consider that come down in favor of a louvered version.
One of the biggest selling points is the fact that a louvered pergola offers you a much better level of control and comfort when it comes to sun protection. It is very easy to adjust the position of the louvers to give you just the right amount of shade and sunlight you want.
Photo by Tile Merchant Ireland on Unsplash
Another key point is the protection from the elements that you get with a louvered pergola. Again, it is so easy and simple to adjust or fully close the louvers so that you are protected from any wind and rain, for instance. This is a big advantage, as you might end up running for cover and going inside if you had a traditional pergola, which would be more exposed to the elements.
Privacy is another important aspect of being outdoors and enjoying your own space. You can achieve a good level of privacy and discretion with the help of a louvered pergola. It provides shelter and privacy at the same time.
The bottom line is that you get to enjoy more time outside and stay comfortable when you have a louvered pergola. Having this roof design gives you so many more options compared to a traditional pergola.
What sort of louvered pergola can you buy?
You have a range of material options to choose from. However, the most popular option for a number of good reasons, is an aluminum version.
The reason that aluminum is so popular is that it requires minimal maintenance, and offers a great deal of strength and durability. That means your aluminum louvered pergola will last for years and continue to look good. All it needs is a hose down, every now and again.
You can get a vinyl, or wood louvered pergola too, so you are not limited when deciding what sort of finish you want.
What about a traditional pergola?
In fairness, a traditional pergola does have the ability to create a stunning focal point in your garden. The architectural beauty and natural aesthetics of wood are a compelling combination.
However, although it delivers a fair amount of timeless classic aesthetic appeal, you do have to think about all the maintenance that is involved to keep your traditional wooden pergola looking its best.
The other obvious benefit attached to choosing a traditional pergola is that it tends to have a lower upfront cost that its aluminum louvered counterpart. It might cost less to install a traditional pergola compared to a louvered version, but you should think carefully about the staining and treating of the wood that you are going to have to spend money on almost every year. When you factor in these additional maintenance costs and compare them to what you spend on a louvered aluminum pergola, there isn’t that much difference between the two, in the long run.
Some direct comparisons to help you decide
When it comes to design and style, there’s not a lot between the two options. Both a traditional and louvered version can look equally stylish and visually appealing.
In terms of functionality and adjustability, the louvered version wins every time. The fact that you can adjust the roof to cope with all sorts of different weather is a big advantage over its traditional counterpart.
Last but not least, what do each offer in relation to privacy, and your overall outdoor living experience?
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You can achieve a degree of privacy with both options. Natural screening can help keep your traditional pergola from view. With a louvered pergola, you have the option of using blinds and roof slats to gain the level of privacy you want. Finally, there’s the issue of how they both rate when it comes to your overall outdoor living experience.
Both a traditional and louvered pergola can be hugely enjoyable to own and use. Arguably, you get more chances to stay outside, whatever the weather, when you have a louvered pergola.
Now that you have had a chance to compare a traditional pergola against a louvered version, which one will you choose?