Pergolas can add a lot to a backyard or side yard. When you buy a property, if it doesn’t yet have a pergola, you can always install one. You might get one that someone else installs, or perhaps you’ll do it yourself if you don’t mind tackling a DIY project.
A pergola cost may not be as prohibitive as you think. This is even more likely if you install it yourself. However, you might also feel that it’s worth it to tack on the cost of one of the enhancements we’ll talk about right now.
A Louvered Roof
One of the things that’s so nice about pergolas is that you can customize them in virtually limitless ways. You might have a very simple one or one that you’ve altered so that it perfectly matches your personality.
Adding a louvered roof to a pergola may appeal. This is the kind of roof that you can slide out so that it provides you sun protection in the heat of the day. However, you can also slide it out of the way when the moon comes out if you want to enjoy the beauty of the night.
A Firepit
You might also install a firepit in the center of your pergola. If you do that, it will be costly, but think about everything you can do with it. You may roast marshmallows, sit around the fire and tell ghost stories, or snuggle up with your spouse or significant other.
This will be one of the more expensive pergola add-ons, but it’s at least worth considering. If you don’t plan to move on from that house anytime soon, that usually makes the prospect of the higher price tag less onerous.
Mood Lighting
Setting up lighting in your pergola doesn’t usually cost as much as some of the other add-ons we’ve mentioned. Having the right mood lighting means you can read in your pergola on cloudy days. You can also dim the lights if there’s a romantic mood you’re trying to set.
If you decide you’re going to install lighting inside your pergola, that’s one add-on where you might want to hire a professional. DIY electrical tasks may be beyond your skill level unless you feel very confident in this area.
Speakers and a Sound System
Much like setting up lighting in your pergola, there are a ton of different options if you want to have speakers and a sound system. There are dozens of setups you can look at on social media platforms like Pinterest. There are also plenty of useful YouTube videos that might give you some viable ideas at a price point that makes sense for you.
Climbing Plants
Installing some climbing plants inside or outside your pergola will beautify it. This doesn’t usually cost all that much, but it will completely transform the structure’s aesthetic. You can sit in the pergola and feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle.
Creating your dream pergola can be a fun and engrossing project.