Increase the value of your home

The Outdoor Appeal

Every year homeowners are searching for ways to enjoy their homes' outdoor living spaces. Homeowners today are focused on creating functional, stylish outdoor living spaces such as decks and pergolas. Not only do these outdoor spaces increase the property value of a home, but they provide homeowners with plenty of benefits in the future.

The importance of residential outdoor living spaces such as decks and pergolas reigns supreme. A well-designed and constructed outdoor space can transform any backyard into a gorgeous outdoor living oasis. With beautiful aesthetics and unbeatable functionality, residential outdoor spaces transform the way homes are experienced, creating a more enjoyable atmosphere for homeowners and guests.

Decks and Pergolas not only provide a stunning visual impact in the outdoor space, but they provide many unseen benefits. Creating an outdoor space and furnishing it with these beautiful design elements, serves as an extension of the home's interior space. The addition of a deck or pergola gives a visually stunning and comfortable place to entertain and sit back and relax, revamp an outdated yard, and improve outdoor fun and play for kids.

Environmental Reasons

As we look for ways to reduce our environmental impact and save on energy costs, it's important to consider the benefits of deck and pergola structures. There are several ways these outdoor features can promote energy efficiency within your home:

1. Shade and Cooling: A pergola structure can provide shade and coolness to your home, reducing the need for air conditioning during the hot summer months. By blocking direct sunlight and allowing air to circulate around your home, a pergola can decrease the overall heat gain of your home. Additionally, a covered deck can provide shade for outdoor gatherings, reducing the need for parasols and umbrellas that ultimately require more energy to create.
2. Insulation: A well-built pergola or deck can actually provide insulation to your home. By acting as a buffer between the sun's heat and your home's interior, it can keep your living spaces cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can help you save on energy costs by reducing the need for heating and cooling appliances.
3. Renewable Materials: When building a deck or pergola, it's important to select materials that are renewable and sustainably sourced. For example, using wood from certified forests ensures that the trees used in construction are replenished and not over-harvested. This not only benefits the environment but can also improve the energy efficiency of your structure by reducing the carbon footprint of the materials used.
4. Energy-efficient Lighting: With the addition of a deck or pergola, homeowners often want to incorporate outdoor lighting for evening gatherings and enjoyment. Choosing LED lights for your outdoor space can significantly reduce your energy usage while still providing ample lighting.

And as trends come and go- Decks have remained a constant staple and are still the most popular addition to any home. They stand out for their natural affinity with nature and can be transformed over time to meet whatever needs homeowners may have.

Pergolas have much the same effect, adding stylish visual appeal and function to even the most tightly-packed urban areas. The use of lattice covers offers homeowners a customizable and adjustable shade range, perfect for any outdoor activities that require shelter from the sun or otherwise inclement weather.

"The Evolution"

Residential decks and pergolas came a long way since the 20th century. In the early 1900s, decks and pergolas were primarily built using natural materials like wood and stone. These structures were mainly used to provide shade and create a comfortable outdoor space for homeowners to relax and entertain.

As we moved closer to the mid-1900s, the design of residential decks and pergolas began to evolve. With the introduction of new materials like aluminum and vinyl, homeowners began to seek out more modern and stylish designs that would complement their homes.

In the 1950s - 60s, modernist architecture, and design started to become popular, influencing the design of residential decks and pergolas. Simpler, more geometric designs with clean lines and bold colors became the norm. This era also saw the rise of outdoor spaces designed explicitly for grilling and cooking, with built-in barbecues and outdoor kitchens.

The 1970s - 80s had a shift towards more natural, rustic designs for decks and pergolas. Homeowners began incorporating more natural materials like wood and stone, creating structures that blended seamlessly with their surroundings. Treated lumber became a popular choice, as it offered the durability and longevity of synthetic materials while still maintaining the natural look of wood.

As we enter the 21st century, residential decks and pergolas design has become more personalized and customizable. Homeowners can now choose from a wide range of materials, including synthetic materials designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wood. In addition, multilevel decks, multiple seating areas, and outdoor entertainment systems are commonplace in modern decks and pergolas designed for energy efficiency.

In conclusion, residential decks and pergolas have significantly changed since their inception in the early 1900s. From simple, natural designs to modern, synthetic structures, the evolution of residential decks and pergolas has been shaped by both changing trends in architecture and advancements in materials and technology. However, one thing remains constant - the desire for homeowners to create comfortable, inviting outdoor spaces, increasing the value of their assets.