When you think of peaceful Sunday picnics on a sunny afternoon, we’re sure that the first things that come to your mind are patios and pergolas. Someone might have told you that the best way of optimizing the space outside your home is with the use of a pergola. Not only does it look sleek and modern, but it provides much-needed shade when you’re having a good time with your friends and loved ones.
At the same time, patios are also one of the most common external structures right outside your home. Most backyards will have a patio with some furniture. Patios are so popular that more than half of American households.
But what makes pergolas and patios important to an Australian household? Data suggests that 86% of Australian households will always update their pergolas, patios, and terraces. Not only do these structures provide an excellent aesthetic appeal to your home, but they also extend your living space to exterior structures.
But what is the difference between a pergola and a patio? In terms of advantages, which would fit well for your home?
The Advantages Of Pergolas And Patios
Some of the most distinct difference between pergolas and patios is the primary function of it. But instead of discussing the differences, we’ll see the benefits that each structure can give.
Pergolas
The classic Mediterranean home wouldn’t be the same if there weren’t any pergolas just outside the house. The distinct roof beams and rafter design of pergolas are what sets it different from patios. These rafters and beams are used to help grow aerial plants such as grapes. Flowering plants can also be added into the picture to give your yard even more colour. Compared to patios, you won’t need to place some furniture on pergolas, but if you have some friends over, there’s no hurt in chilling out under graceful grapevines!
Wide pergolas with high roofs can also serve as great parking spaces. Not only will they shield your car from rain, but they also serve as a carport. However, it’s recommended that you get a carport designer that can precisely tailor the dimensions to your car.
The distinct features of pergolas are:
- Wooden beams and rafters help plants grow.
- They can be turned seamlessly into a carport.
- They aren’t usually connected to your home’s main structure.
Patios
Patios have a more Hispanic origin and directly translates to a roofless inner courtyard. If you’ve ever been to a villa before, you’ll notice that most will have a patio to complement its exclusive nature. In the modern context, patios don’t necessarily have to be inside an interior courtyard, but you can have it placed in your backyard.
Usually, patios are great for regions that don’t necessarily have much snow or rain (such as the sunshine coast) since this can help you extend your living space without the need for a roof. This style of exterior design is traced back to the southern parts of Spain, which are primarily known for its dry landscape and Christian-Muslim architecture. In terms of gatherings, patios are a great place to converge since there’s wide-open space for furniture. If needed, roofs can be placed on patios that extend from the main structure of your home. Enclosures can also protect your furniture from rain, wind, and storm damages.
Patios are a great addition for homes since:
- They can be designed as an extension of your home.
- They can be enclosed if needed.
- They don’t necessarily need a roof.
- Their furniture can help accommodate guests.
Verdict
For a continent that’s known for its clear skies, patios are a must-have for any homeowner. Not only will it harmonize well with your garden’s theme, but it can be customized as an extension of your home through furniture, supporting beams, and even an enclosure to make it seem more exclusive.
If you’re someone who has a green thumb and looking for a more classy multi-purpose space, then pergolas are the way to go. You can even make it into a carport if it’s situated in your front yard.
Generally, a patio is used as an area to entertain guests and have children play. A pergola tends to have a more multi-purpose appeal and can be used for a variety of different events. Most of the time, the roof of a pergola will feature wooden beams and rafters as a way for plants to climb on them while letting ambient light in through a transparent roof. For a more exclusive set-up, patios are an excellent venue for throwing parties. Ultimately, this will all boil down to what your personal preference is.
