For Arizona homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces, choosing between a pergola and an awning can be a challenge. While both options provide much-needed shelter from the elements, there are some differences to keep in mind.
Today, we’re breaking down the differences between these common patio enhancements to help you decide what is better: pergola or awning. By the time you’ve finished reading, you will have a good idea of which structure works best for your home.
What is a Pergola?
A pergola is a permanent structure that is either attached to the side of the home or built in the yard as a free-standing element. When a pergola is installed, it’s rooted to the ground to serve as a weatherproof addition to an outdoor living space.
Many homeowners choose to add this component to their backyard both for aesthetic purposes and to add a layer of protection against the elements.
What is an Awning?
Similarly to a pergola, an awning is a structure that serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. Unlike a pergola, an awning cannot stand on its own.
Instead, this structure is attached to the side of a home or building to provide shade and protection from the elements. Nowadays, most awnings offer a retractable feature that allows the user to choose when they want to take advantage of its benefits.
Differences Between Pergola and Awning
When deciding between a pergola and awning for your Arizona patio, it’s essential to take into account factors like design, materials, function, durability, and cost to determine the best option for your unique needs.
While both patio structures offer style and a level of protection from the sun, pergolas are designed to remain in place at all times. Retractable awnings, on the other hand, can be retracted at the flip of a switch to allow you to decide when you want to embrace the sunshine or keep it out.
For Arizona homeowners looking for aesthetic appeal with less functionality, pergolas are a great way to enhance the look of your backyard and enjoy a bit more shade. However, they don’t do as much to protect you from the heat and light of the sun as patio awnings do.
In terms of cost, pergolas are traditionally known to be more expensive than awnings. This, of course, depends on the materials and design of your pergola, but you can expect a pergola to wind up costing more than an awning.
In addition to being more cost-effective upfront, retractable awnings are incredibly energy-efficient and can end up saving you money on your energy bills in the long run. If you’re looking for the flexibility of a patio structure that you can use at your leisure, a retractable awning may work best for you.
Best Retractable Awnings in Phoenix, AZ
Still trying to decide what is better: pergola or awning? Our patio experts would be happy to chat with you to help you determine which option is right for you. With over 10 years of experience providing Arizona homeowners with premier sun solutions, our team is fully equipped to transform your property at an affordable price.
Contact us today for a free quote or to learn more about our Phoenix retractable awnings.
