Arbors and pergolas are two types of garden structures that can greatly contribute to the overall design of your landscape. Arbors and pergolas augments the aesthetics of your yard for it invites the eye to look up. The ways to utilize these structures are way too many to mention, whether its for practical use or just for design.

You may have been wondering if there’s any difference at all between a pergola and an arbor. While there isn’t a clear consensus on this, generally an arbor is a smaller structure with an arched top, usually standing 6 1/2 to 9 feet tall at the peak. It is often placed over the top in a walkway of a gate. Pergolas, in the meanwhile, has a flat top at the crossing of 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 for arbors and pergolas vary greatly and can include wood, vinyl, or metal. Wood lends a natural and sometimes rustic look to an arbor or pergola, and can be painted or stained to easily change its appearance down the road. 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, on the contrary, has easy maintenance with no need for staining or painting. Vinyl also do not decay or rot and it last longer than wood. Vinyl is much expensive than wood  and its dependable in the course of time. If you’re going for vinyl, look for those which are ultraviolet resistant to prevent discoloration.

Metal can also be a good material choice because it’s very durable and long lasting. But you need to carefully consider the type of metal you will use. Steel and iron rusts easily, and this is real trouble if you choose it as material for your structure. Aluminum is a good rust free metal that is lightweight and still very strong. 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 complement your garden’s style and then add a vertical feature in your otherwise flat 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