- Natalie Austin
The Pergola: Shade and Style for Outdoor Living Spaces
Whether you landed here by browsing the Dusty Customs website for inspiration or searching online for information about pergolas, you've come to the right place. A pergola can transform your outdoor living space, offering both shade and style for a great price. Pergolas create a shaded sitting area or walkway with vertical columns that support a grid of beams. As the sun shines down at an angle most of the day, the slatted roof creates a shaded space to enjoy Arizona's beautiful weather, while also still letting in the light. If you think a pergola might be right for your space, keep reading!
Dusty Customs specializes in hand crafted wooden pergolas in the Greater Phoenix Area. Many options are available to truly customize a pergola to fit your needs, such as:
Attached or detached (freestanding) from another structure
Traditional or modern styles
Hardware that can be high quality decorative or cost-effective, visible or hidden
Natural wood or custom finishes, including stain or paint
Size, whether you're looking for a simple 8'x8' patio cover or 20'x15' commercial outdoor dining structure
...and more!
We're proud to be one of the few concrete contractors in the valley that also specializes in pergola construction. If you're looking for a sturdy, long-lasting, beautiful addition to your outdoor living space, contact us today.
Pergola F.A.Q.
Still wondering if a pergola is right for you? We've answered the most commonly asked questions about pergolas from our Arizona customers:
How do you anchor a pergola to the ground?
To ensure your pergola can withstand the test of time, we will anchor it to existing concrete or pour concrete footers. For safety reasons, it's always recommended to use a licensed contractor who can evaluate your outdoor space and determine the best course of action. There are many considerations, such as size, material, and the ground below the pergola that may impact anchoring. Generally, we'll use some kind of square anchor post to attach the pergola, including both economical and more expensive decorative options. One of our favorite brands of decorative pergola hardware is Simpson Strong-Tie.
What is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo?
Gazebos provide full coverage from the sun and rain, but come at an increased cost due to the additional materials and complex structure. Gazebos usually require more space and occasionally have a built-in floor or seating. Unique to the Phoenix valley, gazebos can be a structural challenge due to the strong monsoon winds every summer. They don't allow air to pass through, requiring even more strength and stability to withstand the harsh weather.
A pergola can be a great addition to any outdoor space where shade is desired without impeding views and airflow. They are very flexible in their size, design and location. As far as providing shade from the sun, pergolas do a great job most of the day as the sun shines down at an angle. Many clients even add vine plants, retractable curtains, or attachments to the roof (such as shade cloth) to offer additional shielding from the sun, as well as personalization and style. While monsoon season poses a risk to all outdoor structures, but pergolas have the distinct advantage of allowing air to pass through easily.
Will a pergola add value to my home?
Due to their aesthetic appeal and ability to transform a regular back yard area into an true outdoor living space, pergolas absolutely add value to your property. By creating this additional functional area, homeowners will have one more area to enjoy, style, and entertain in.
How can I customize my pergola?
There are a lot of ways to customize a pergola. To transform the space and create your own mood, consider adding:
String lights
Privacy Curtains
Wood Stain or Paint
Seating
Shade Cloth
Hanging Planters
Vines
...and more!
Do you recommend prefabricated pergola kits?
Unsurprisingly, we don't recommend purchasing a self-assembly pergola from a big box store. Not only do they lack customization, but they can run about the same price for lower quality materials due to their convenience. Many people also skip the step of having them professionally assembled and anchored, leading to potential safety risks. Hiring a licensed contractor to build a custom pergola with high quality materials is the best way to ensure maximized longevity, function and the style for your pergola.