Freestanding vs Attached Pergola

Pergolas are getting popular by the day, and slowly becoming an architectural feature often found in contemporary gardens. Beyond providing shade and shelter, they enhance the visual appeal of outdoor spaces, creating inviting areas for relaxation and entertainment. When considering this upgrade, a major decision homeowners face is whether to choose a freestanding vs attached pergola.

While both offer distinct advantages and design possibilities, making the right choice comes down to understanding their characteristics and differences. Ahead, we’ll talk about everything you need to know to make an informed choice!

What Are Pergolas?

Pergolas are architectural structures that can significantly enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor living space, offering shade, protection, and incredible versatile areas for relaxation and entertainment. They come in many styles and designs and are typically constructed in three main materials – wood, vinyl, and aluminum.

Each material has distinctive characteristics with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Wood pergolas offer a classic, natural look, and vinyl pergolas are low-maintenance and durable, providing a clean, modern appearance. Aluminum pergolas are lightweight and rust-resistant, making them perfect against Arizona’s harsh sun.

For an even better option, alumawood covers combine the beauty of wood and the durability of aluminum without the upkeep, offering an ideal, long-lasting solution. But should a pergola be attached to a house, or can a pergola be freestanding?

What is a Freestanding Pergola

A freestanding pergola is a stand-alone outdoor structure that doesn’t rely on any part of your house for support, meaning it can be placed anywhere on the property. With at least four posts or columns securing it in place and a lattice top, this type of pergola can be placed almost anywhere in your yard.

Whether you want a shaded backyard retreat for leisure, a convenient entertainment spot by the pool, or a cozy gathering nook in the middle of your garden, this option offers perfect flexibility and versatility.

Characteristics of a Freestanding Pergola

When considering a freestanding pergola, there are several characteristics worth considering.

• Placement flexibility – since they stand independently, you can place these pergolas wherever you find most suitable – near a pool, in the middle of your garden, or as a focal point in your landscaping design.
• Stand-alone structure – With its own support system featuring four or more posts, it’s reliable, stable, and sturdy.
• Versatility – freestanding pergolas can be used for multiple services – whether outdoor dining areas or quiet retreats, you can create a space that suits your specific needs and preferences.
• Functionality – these structures are ideal for large yards where you want to create custom, distinct, sophisticated areas for different activities.

What is an Attached Pergola

Unlike the freestanding pergola, an attached pergola is a structure that’s either attached or anchored directly to your home or another stable structure, serving as its main support. Think of it as an extension of your outdoor living space.

Typically, these pergolas feature fewer posts compared to the freestanding structures. They’re secured with two posts on the side away from the house, making them perfect for covering patios, decks, and outdoor dining areas right next to your home.

Characteristics of an Attached Pergola

As with freestanding pergolas, attached additions have several characteristics that make them a popular choice among homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. Here are the main ones:

• Seamless integration – attached pergolas create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces, making your backyard feel like an extension of your home.

• Shade and shelter – often placed against a protective wall or above a deck or patio, they provide perfect protection against the Arizona sun, making outdoor spaces more comfortable and convenient.

• Minimizes space – with fewer posts, one side is attached to your home, offering better stability and saving space, especially beneficial for those with limited room.

• Affordability – generally, attached pergolas are less expensive than freestanding structures, as they use a supporting structure, reducing the material and labor required for installation.

Key Differences Between Freestanding vs Attached Pergola

Now that we’ve explained what freestanding and attached pergolas are, it’s time to evaluate their key differences so you can make the right choice when purchasing your home extension structure. Here’s a quick comparison breakdown:

Design Flexibility

If you want excellent flexibility in designing your outdoor space, a freestanding pergola tends to be more versatile. Since it can be placed practically anywhere on your property, you have the freedom to create distinct outdoor living areas or focal points tailored to your unique desires and preferences. Whether you envision it by the pool or in the middle of your garden, you can place them exactly where you want.

While attached pergolas are restricted in location flexibility, they integrate seamlessly into your home’s architecture. You can customize them with lighting, climbing plants, or privacy screens.

Cost Considerations

Freestanding pergolas require their own support system, which increases construction costs and material utilization due to the need for a more robust foundation.

Generally, attached pergolas are more budget-friendly to build. They utilize existing structures for support, reducing both the material and labor required for installation. 

Land Utilization

When choosing between the two, space is a key factor to consider. Freestanding pergolas, being fully independent structures tend to take up more land as they don’t rely on existing architecture for support. 

On the other hand, attached pergolas take up less space as they make use of an existing wall or structure, making them an ideal solution in smaller spaces. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Freestanding vs Attached Pergola

With their unique characteristics and differences in mind, let’s now evaluate some critical factors you need to consider before making a purchase.

First, assess your financial resources and think about what you plan to use the space for – whether you want a shaded retreat far from the house or a smooth transition to your indoor space. Does your budget align with your goals? Are you going over your expected budget, or can you afford it? If you are on a tight budget, an attached pergola will cost noticeably less than the freestanding one. There are fewer labor and material costs when installing an attached pergola. Next, consider the outdoor space you have available, as freestanding pergolas can take up a lot of space compared to attached pergolas.

But, if money is the least of your worries and you have enough space, a freestanding pergola opens a wider range of style possibilities. Finally, your personal style is what will guide your decision. If you have the budget and desire, everything is possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between a freestanding vs attached pergola all depends on your budget, available space, and how you envision your outdoor living area.

Freestanding pergolas offer more design and location flexibility, enabling you to place them almost anywhere in your yard, while attached pergolas require a supporting structure, like your house, to maintain stability. They’re available in many styles, designs, and materials, so it’s up to you to decide which suits your unique needs and preferences.

At Royal Covers, we specialize in designing and installing both types of pergolas. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat in your garden or a cozy spot beside your pool, our team is here to help you bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to begin creating your dream outdoor living space!