What accessories are needed to complete your pergola?

Did you know that there are many ways to
your pergola
to make it even more inviting? The
pergola
is an evolutionary product: you can start with a simple structure and add various accessories over the years, depending on your budget. This allows you toamortize the cost of installation, regularly change the design of your patio cover and enjoy your pergola all year round. What’s more, installation is quick and easy. A closer look at the pergola and how it can enhance your exterior.

The added value of a pergola

A pergola is a structure made up of legs on which horizontal uprights support the weight of a small roof. It differs in particular from a veranda, which is totally enclosed, and an awning (a retractable fabric attached to your façade).

In fact, the pergola has a roof that covers it, yet is open on all sides. It offers shade and coolness, or protection from the occasional rain.

Whatever the case, if well chosen and fitted out, a pergola adds value to your house or apartment by providing a convivial exterior. Last but not least, there are few administrative formalities, and no planning permission is required.

And with a range of complementary equipment, you can enjoy your outdoor living space whatever the weather.

What equipment is needed to complete a pergola?

Here are a few ideas for accessories and equipment for added comfort.

Wall customization

Protect yourself from the elements and prying eyes

Your pergola can be as basic as possible: legs topped by a roof. But you can also consider adding side walls. Whether your enclosure is glazed or entirely opaque (polycarbonate), you can decide to close off certain parts or all of it.

These choices may depend on the orientation of your terrace and garden, exposure to wind, rain and other weather conditions, or your desire for privacy and comfort. Don’t hesitate to seek specialist advice to help you make the right choice.

Add glazing

One of the main extras on a pergola is the addition of
side windows
. Thanks to glazed panels, you won’t feel the effects of the wind.

Among the types of glass you can use for your pergola, you can opt for :

• sandblasted glass for added privacy
• solar film or reflective glass for added protection against the sun’s rays
• self-cleaning lenses for easy maintenance
• sound-insulating glazing for greater effectiveness against external noise
• tempered glass for maximum strength
• and/or laminated for maximum safety
• …

Integrate sliding bays

If you opt for glass walls, it may be worth making them movable. By opting for
sliding glass doors
you have more freedom when using your enclosure. These allow you to open or close your space according to the weather conditions.

Screens and blinds

Practical accessories also include solar sails, or screens, which can be installed to cover your glass walls. This equipment is very practical for protecting you from the brightness and heat emitted by the sun on sunny days.

You can also protect yourself from the rays or glances of neighbors by opting for blinds to be mounted on the glass.

The roof

The
roof of your fixed pergola
is generally made of polycarbonate sheets (highly resistant) or laminated glass capable of letting in light.

You can, however, opt for insulated sandwich panels. Made up of several layers, they offer greater insulating power than the other two solutions.

You can also opt for a bioclimatic pergola which has a roof with adjustable slats. It allows you to adjust the orientation of the blades according to weather conditions.

A heating system

You might want to enjoy your pergola and garden, even when it’s a bit chilly outside. No problem, just install a small heater (electric or gas) and you’ll be drinking your coffee in the warmth, with a view over your garden in the morning. This will limit temperature drops in this installation, which is not as well insulated as a veranda or your home.

You can choose between mobile and fixed or hanging equipment. You’re bound to find something to warm things up with our wide range of patio cover models.

A system to cool you down

Use a low-pressure mister, integrated under the roof slats or just at the edge of the roof, to refresh the atmosphere under your pergola. Open all sides, let the air currents carry away the excess heat and enjoy the freshness provided by your mister.

Luminaires

When daylight fades, you can restore light thanks to LED lamps integrated directly into the roof rails (for a classic model) or into the adjustable slats (for a bioclimatic model). LEDs are a popular choice for pergolas. They let you enjoy pleasant light at any time of day or night. You can also choose dimmable LEDs to adapt themselves to the ambient light.

Home automation integration

How about a smart pergola? You canautomate certain actions to make using your patio cover even easier. With equipment controllable by remote control or from your smartphone, you can remotely control the orientation of roof slats, blinds, LEDs, and even audio and video equipment. Speakers and projection screens can turn your shelter into a real living room.

Addition of a summer kitchen

Barbecues, smokers, plancha grills and other cooking appliances can be integrated into your bioclimatic pergola. When you open the sliding walls and retractable roof, you have an outdoor kitchen in your garden, practical and pleasant for preparing and enjoying delicious meals.

The different types of pergola

Naturally, all this equipment will also depend on the type of pergola you have or wish to install. There are many different pergolas to choose from, all with different budgets.

Aluminium pergola with fixed roof

The classic aluminum pergola is a structure with a flat or sloping roof, in glass or polycarbonate (opaque). At VERANDAIR, we can make it to measure for you. Made of aluminum, it features a modern, slim design that blends in with any style, while offering excellent resistance.

The bioclimatic pergola

The bioclimatic pergola: the structure is the same as for the classic model, but the roof is made up of adjustable slats that you can control as you wish. In this way, you create shadow or, on the contrary, let light in.

Freestanding or lean-to structure

The lean-to pergola is, as its name suggests, attached to the facade of your home. The freestanding model, on the other hand, can be placed anywhere, on your terrace or in your garden.

In short: your fully customized pergola

In conclusion, installing a pergola allows you to add value to your house or apartment. It’s a cosy, friendly place to be. With the right equipment and accessories, it offers many other advantages, including prolonged use of your outdoor spaces.

Come and see us in our showroom to benefit from our advice

Would you like to be tempted? We’d love to hear from you! Our
aluminum pergolas
are completely customized to suit your taste and budget. You can count on the quality of our materials, guaranteed for 15 years, and the experience of our professionals.