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A well-planned pergola or patio cover is a great addition to your home’s outdoor space, but people often wonder whether these structures should be attached or freestanding. At Harris Landscape Construction here in Reno, our team has experience installing both and there a few considerations that can help you decide which option is right for your space.

Attached Pergolas vs Freestanding Pergolas

There are advantages to both attached and freestanding pergolas, which means the decision really comes down to logistics and how you’ll be using the space. A pergola or patio cover that attaches to your home is a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, while freestanding version that are set away from the home create a separate and distinct space.

Attached Pergola

Attached or wall-mounted pergolas are anchored to the home or a structure like a pool house. Support comes from the wall to which it’s attached, along with at least two posts anchored to the deck, patio or porch. There are structural considerations to attached pergolas, and they do require footings. In Reno and Sparks, that means permits are required for this type of project.

While homeowners can pull permits for landscaping projects, the structural details mean that working with an experienced and licensed contractor is the best way of ensuring that job is done properly and compliantly.

Attached pergolas and patio covers work well in certain scenarios, including:

• Adding shade or protecting and defining an entry. Over the front door, attached pergolas are functional and stylish. If your front space is large enough, adding a pergola can give this area the feel of a classic front porch. Smaller areas enjoy enhanced curb appeal and a welcome flow into the home.
• Defining specific areas on an existing or new deck or patio. Shade is often overlooked on new patios and decks, and adding a pergola or patch cover can make these areas more inviting. They also create a sense of purpose, turning areas into spaces meant for gathering, dining or just relaxing.

Freestanding Pergola

Freestanding pergolas aren’t connected to anything but rather are supported by their own posts, beams, and rafters. That means they have a really flexible design, which gives you a lot of options. You can find DIY pergola kits online and at big box stores, but be mindful of the high winds we have here in northern Nevada. Even with a freestanding pergola, sufficient footings and permits can be necessary. In many cases, it’s worth the investment to work with a professional on the installation of a freestanding pergola.

Freestanding pergolas can work really well when the goal is:

• Defining a pool or hot tub. One word: oasis!
• Creating a separate gathering area. If you have the space to create gathering spaces in multiple parts of your landscaping, a freestanding pergola can help you define these unique spaces.

Getting Started?

Whether your project is best served by a freestanding or attache pergola, you’re going to have questions. The team here at Harris Landscape Construction is ready to answer them all, so contact us today to get started!