Arbor & gazebo design
Overhead patio structures will do more than just offer protection from the sun and increase privacy. A custom built arbor or gazebo will visually set apart a space for a specific purpose. Most clients use the area as an outdoor dining room however, even an outdoor movie room is an option. A smaller structure such as an arbor might serve better as a small seating area. These structures also offer a safe way to introduce lighting into a garden and even a place to hang outdoor speakers or a tv. Options are of course endless but the typical goal is usually shade and privacy.
When privacy alone is the goal a strategically placed trellis will often suffice. In addition to increasing privacy when used to support a flowering vine a trellis will add seasonal color to the garden as well. And when space is limited such as on a small urban lot or a condominium it may be the only choice. These simple vertical structures can also serve a strictly utilitarian purpose of screening against the unsightly views and noise of utilities such as ac units or pool pumps.
Building materials
Many materials options are available but rough sawn cedar is usually best. Left unstained it will weather to a natural grey color requiring little if any long term maintenance. A fully roofed gazebo will provide more weather protection to the area beneath though typically at additional cost over an arbor or pergola. Prefab kits are also a viable option when allowed by HOAs. These tend to be smaller but still need to be anchored to solid footings so the structure does not end up in the neighbor’s yard after a windstorm. The relatively low elevation of the roofs of these structures makes them more visible, making the roof design and material choice more critical. For a solid roofed pergola a dark color metal roof is usually the least obtrusive and currently most accepted by HOAs. When a weather proof roof is not required, the open design of a pegola or arbor is usually the most attractive.
Plant material
A request for shade is typically the primary reason that clients give for wanting a pergola or arbor. The addition of non aggressive vines are a good way to add more color and texture to an arbor. A mature vine will also contribute to the battle against the sun. A well sited tree will provide much more shade for the money than any overhead structure, just requires some patience while the investment matures. A popular saying of arborists is that the best time to plant a tree is yesterday. A true shade tree such as a Red Maple should be planted at least 20 feet away from a patio to avoid future root damage. However, ornamental species such as a flowering dogwood or redbud can be sited close enough to a patio to cast some filtered shade when the sun is low, like a natural umbrella. A cedar arbor or pergola is also a useful structure for attaching hanging planters for additional annual color.