Pergola Maintenance Tips for Summer Months

Last Updated On June 22nd, 2023 at 02:49 pm

Pergola maintenance is not something that you probably think much about. But if you want your pergola to last, you’ll need to add some basic upkeep and cedar wood care to your annual backyard garden maintenance list.

So how much maintenance does a pergola require? Thankfully pergolas are pretty self-sufficient structures and don’t require much care. They are similar to outdoor furniture maintenance, on a slightly bigger scale. Keeping a pergola looking like new will only add a couple of hours to your summer home maintenance. This article will go over some of the most important pergola maintenance steps to take during the summer months to ensure that your pergola will last for many years.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pergola Maintenance

As with any home décor item, a pergola needs to be maintained, especially when it’s frequently used. Include these simple summer yard maintenance tasks on your To-Do list for lasting beauty.

1. Cut Back Foliage

If you have any plants growing on the pergola a bit of garden maintenance is needed. Cut back any overgrown vines or other vegetation. If the plant canopy is hanging too low, give that a good trim. Once the plants are under control, you’ll be able to see the surface of the pergola better, and the weight of any foliage will not damage the pergola roof or timbers.

2. Inspect Your Pergola

This step of pergola maintenance is essential because it provides information on what maintenance is needed. If the proper steps are taken to preserve and maintain your wood pergola, there will be few, if any, repairs over the life of your pergola. To ensure your stain, paint or sealant are doing their job, do an annual inspection for things like small cracks or insect damage.

With wood pergolas, imperfections can occur but are preventable if you’ve added a sealant to your pergola during the first 6 months after it was installed (and then annually or bi-annually after the initial sealant). When to stain and seal a wood pergola is determined by wood type and your local climate. Pergola Depot kits include stainless steel hardware and pergola bolts for rust-free beauty and long life, but if you have other metal parts on your pergola, make sure they are sound.

Once you have determined if there is any damage, you can figure out what cedar wood care and garden maintenance need to be done. Gather your supplies and get ready to put your outdoor furniture maintenance skills to use on your pergola.

3. Clean the Pergola

A pine or cedar wood pergola can be cleaned by gently brushing off surface dirt with a cloth or soft brush. If you do need to remove any debris, make sure not to scrub too hard or you could damage the wood. If the structure was built from a maintenance-free pergola kit, you should use an appropriate cleaner for vinyl or metal pergolas.

4. Renew the Finish

For treated wood pergolas, a coat of stain or waterproofing is beneficial. Cedar wood care can include a water-repellent stain and sealant combination that can be applied in one application. You can also choose to paint your pergola in a bright hue for a bold statement in your yard. Ask your local paint supply store for the best product to use for your climate.

5. Enhance Its Beauty

Your summer home maintenance can also include adding some features that enhance the natural beauty of your pergola. One way to add visual appeal is to add a cedar planter box. Or if you want to add more color, you can hang flower baskets from the beams or grow flowering vines. Adding a retractable canopy or other accessories not only adds interest but also helps create a shady oasis in the heat of summer. A string of lights is a fun addition and makes your pergola a focal point even when it’s dark outside.

Pergola Maintenance Is Easy with Pergola Depot

Our pergola kits are constructed out of the highest quality wood for long-lasting beauty. With a little upkeep during your annual summer home maintenance, your pergola will enhance your yard for years to come. Find your perfect wood pergola today!