How to Winterize a Pergola

Last Updated On March 24th, 2023 at 05:04 pm

It’s no secret that the general purpose of a pergola is to provide a comfortable oasis that is exclusive to you and your guests. When the weather is sunny and warm, these structures are excellent for relaxing with a good book and nice glass of wine, and for hosting football watch parties or barbecues with the family. But can you use a pergola in winter? And how do you winterize a pergola? As soon as the temperatures begin to drop and you receive the winter season’s first snowfall, you may be tempted to retire the pergola until spring. While this is understandable, don’t miss out on making lasting memories year-round — learn how to winterize a pergola from the pros at Pergola Depot!

Benefits of Using a Winter Pergola

We get it — many people use their pergolas primarily during the spring and the summertime – sometimes in to the fall months. But having a winter pergola can provide the same relaxing experience for those who are more comfortable with colder temperatures. And, if you have a snow proof pergola, you can continue to do most of the activities you enjoy while watching the snow cover the rest of your home in a winter wonderland. Lastly, unlike summer months that can potentially draw in unwanted bugs like mosquitos, winter completely eliminates that discomfort, making it a fantastic season in which to unwind with your pergola. If you’re in a cooler winter climate and you don’t mind cool outdoor temps, a winter pergola is a good match for you and your outdoor space!

There are some drawbacks associated with using a pergola in winter weather — the frigid temperatures, ice and cloudy weather can be too much for some people. But the good news is that there are four awesome winter pergola ideas to help you stay comfy under these conditions.

Four Wonderful Winter Pergola Ideas

Ultimately, everyone experiences different levels of comfort, so what works for you may not work for others. Still, if you want to know how to use a pergola in the winter, here are four suggestions to help you get started:

1. Heat Up Your Pergola

The biggest reason why people don’t use their pergola during winter is because of the intensely cold weather. That’s why some choose to install outdoor fireplaces nearby their pergola to ensure that there’s a sufficient amount of heat to unwind in winter afternoons or evenings. If adding a fireplace sounds like too much work, you can opt for patio heaters that stand near the seating areas, or add standing heaters at all four points of your pergola.

2. Add a Cover to Your Pergola

Should you get a pergola cover for winter? Absolutely. By adding a cover to the roof or sides of your pergola, you’ll be able to construct a wind/snow proof pergola that keeps you guarded from the elements. Unfortunately, a cover alone won’t keep your space fully warm like an outdoor fireplace. However, these thick covers are capable of keeping your pergola free from harsh winds.

3. Make Sure Your Furniture is Winter-Ready

Nothing is worse than sitting on furniture that is lumpy, hard and, in this case, freezing. That’s why you should furnish your pergola with all-weather chairs or couches to guarantee that the material offers optimal comfort, even on the coldest days. Furthermore, if you have an excellent heating system in your winter pergola, you can warm up your furniture when you’re ready to unwind.

4. Decorate With Winter-Themed Items

Winter is well-known for its lovely holidays, from Christmas to Hanukkah and New Year’s. No matter what you celebrate, decorating your pergola in trinkets, ornaments and lights will not only winterize your patio, but it will also create a space to celebrate this time of the year with your family and friends. Pergola string lights are a popular and easy to install option that provides a warm glow to an outdoor pergola room.

Create Your Own Winter Pergola With Help From Pergola Depot

If you’re ready to enjoy the patio year-round instead of waiting for summertime, the pros at Pergola Depot can show you how to winterize a pergola to meet your exact requirements. From extraordinary pergola accessories to custom pergola kits, we have everything you need to build or modify your pergola to be the best place to hang out this winter. And, with free shipping and the best prices around, you can’t beat the value of our selection. Check out our products or contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you!