Pergola Installation

If you think that a pergola installation would be just the thing to elevate your Las Vegas home, you’re right! This kind of structure is a great way to provide your patio with some welcome shade while adding visual appeal to your home’s exterior. But, once you’ve decided to install a pergola, what’s next? Don’t worry, our team at Terra Mia Construction has the answers to all your questions!

What is a pergola?

A pergola is a large outdoor structure with overhead beams to form an open roof. They can be used to cover patios, part of a pool, pool decks, walkways, or anywhere else in your outdoor space that can benefit from shade.

Pergolas can also be modified with shade sails, climbing or trailing vines, market lights, and other decorative or practical additions

What kind of material is best for a pergola in Las Vegas?

The kind of material you use for your pergola in Las Vegas is essential. After all, something that isn’t able to withstand our desert conditions will crack, take on a faded hue, and lose structural integrity over time.

Aluminum is the top choice for Las Vegas homeowners because it is durable and long-lasting under harsh UV exposure and dry conditions. It’s also strong enough to withstand heavy winds. With proper maintenance, aluminum pergolas typically last over 20 years, which makes them well worth the initial investment.

Vinyl is another option, although typically considered to be second-best to aluminum. A professionally installed vinyl pergola should be able to hold up to about 10 to 15 years of sunlight exposure and wind. Although the dryness of our area may cause cracking over time.

Wood is generally considered a bad idea for Las Vegas homes, unless you’re willing to undergo yearly treatments to keep it in good condition. With regular restaining and repairs, a wooden pergola will typically last up to 10 years.

Can pergolas be installed with electrical wiring?

Yes! If you want to install an overhead fan, lighting, or electrical outlets, a pergola can be wired for electrical connection.

A pergola is also a great structure to house a misting system for your outdoor space!

What are the pros and cons of a freestanding versus attached pergola?

If your pergola is going to cover the patio that extends from your home, you’ll have the choice between a freestanding pergola or one that attaches to the exterior wall of your home. There are structural, budgetary, and aesthetic considerations here.

On the one hand, an attached pergola will give you a seamless transition from your home to your outdoor space. And because your pergola uses the home as an anchor and support, it can be stronger than a freestanding one. It may also end up being more affordable as fewer materials are used.

A freestanding pergola, on the other hand, gives you more flexibility with placement and design. A pergola that stands on its own creates a different aesthetic quality that many homeowners prefer.

What is the installation process like?

Pergola installations can vary depending on the size of the pergola, its layout, and whether you want to include additional features such as electrical wiring. But in general, the step-by-step process will include:

Initial design. Pergolas may appear to be fairly simple structures, but they can vary widely in their design. So, it’s important to have a clear idea of what kind of pergola design is right for your space. Some considerations at this phase will be size and height, layout, whether the pergola will be freestanding or attached, and any other relevant construction details.
Building permit acquisition. Whenever installing a new construction on your property, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate building permits before getting started. As Las Vegas-based contractors with years of experience, our team here at Terra Mia Construction can help with the permit approval process.
Foundation laying. Your pergola will need a strong concrete base to provide long-lasting structure and durability.
Pergola construction. This is the exciting part of the process when you actually see your pergola being built!
Once the main structure is in place, we’ll go about installing electrical wiring and any light fixtures or fans.
Finishing touches. As we mentioned, you can customize your pergola to include shade sails, curtains, climbing vines and other features.

What kind of maintenance will your pergola need?

Regular maintenance for your pergola will depend on the materials used. Take a look at these recommendations:

Aluminum and vinyl. Structurally, you shouldn’t have to deal with too much up-keep for an aluminum or vinyl pergola. Instead, it will be important to clean it regularly and inspect the structure to tighten up any bolts as necessary.
A wood pergola will need a lot more scheduled maintenance than a metal or vinyl one. In order to extend the life of your wood pergola, you’ll want to have it treated and restained every year. You also may need to replace or repair panels that have been damaged or warped so that they don’t affect the structural integrity of the pergola.

How can you choose the right climbing vine plants for your pergola?

One of the big questions for Las Vegas homeowners is how to achieve that classic garden pergola look with plants that are well-suited to our climate. Don’t worry, there are many beautiful options:

Cape Honeysuckle
Wisteria
Bougainvillea
Drought-resistant grapes

These are all options that are well-suited to dry heat and intense UV exposure, making them perfect for your Las Vegas home!

Can you do a pergola installation on your own?

There are options online for pergola installation kits and DIY videos. But, when it comes to a structure as large as a pergola, we always recommend consulting with a professional design team! Relying on a professional team is the best way to streamline the permit acquisition process, increase your property value, and start enjoying your pergola as soon as possible!

Terra Mia Construction