An Ipe pergola (or other durable exterior hardwood) is an attractive way to enhance your home’s exterior with shaded outdoor living space. Characterized by an open cross-rafter roof, vertical posts and trellised or open walls, pergolas can be freestanding, attach directly to a building or connect two structures (e.g., spa and pool house). When customized with durable Ipe hardwood, this simple garden structure becomes a stunning focal point that can be virtually maintenance free.
Made in the Shade
If your deck or patio could use a little privacy or shelter from the sun’s rays, pergolas offer an attractive solution. Providing partial shade and ample airflow, its cross rafters’ carefully calculated angles, widths and spacing determine the amount of sun one's location receives, and at what time of day. Best of all, diverting sunlight from interior doors and windows will keep the adjacent space cooler and reduce energy expenses.
Details, Details
The pergola's sleek and simple design offers homeowners a blank canvas that is theirs to customize. Gardeners embellish vertical posts and trellised walls with climbing plants and vines that, when spread through rafters, create additional shade and interest. Unique lighting can transform a pergola from its daytime persona. Twinkle lights strung through the rafters, or hardwired semi-flush lights, create a dreamlike retreat that is perfect for entertaining. What you do inside your outdoor living space is also up to you. Outfit it with comfortable furniture for lounging, hang a swing or hammock for napping - possibilities abound.
Strength is Key
The secret to an elegant and long-lasting pergola is selecting the right hardwood material. If you want a low-maintenance structure that will withstand decades of exterior use, consider premium quality hardwoods including Ipe or Garapa hardwood. These sustainable high density hardwoods are naturally insect and rot resistant and come with a 25-year limited warranty. When calculating the life cycle cost of your pergola it also the most affordable material - natural or synthetic.
If you would like to learn more about Ipe wood or how to select the best decking material, please visit our website.
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