HOW TO USE YOUR PERGOLA IN THE WINTER
Garden pergolas. They’re fabulous during the spring and summer when the days are long, the drinks are flowing and the sun is out.
However, once autumn has rolled in and the temperature has dropped, you’ve probably found yourself wrapped up in your snugglies, holding a mug of steaming tea or coffee, staring forlornly at your pergola through the window and thinking about the ghosts of summers’ past.
But what if we told you that you didn’t have to say goodbye to your pergola for the next six months and patiently wait until it gets a little warmer?
From winterising your pergola in order to maintain it, to finding some great uses during the colder months, here’s how you can use your pergola during winter.
MAINTAINING YOUR PERGOLA DURING WINTER
Whatever the season, the elements can damage outside furniture, so it’s important that you put the work in and maintain your pergola. Here are a few maintenance tips.
Staining and sealing your pergola
If your pergola is made from wood, the rich brown colours will turn grey over time and become much more susceptible to damage from harsh weather conditions.
If you want to keep that brown colour, you can seal the wood – this will also offer more protection.
You could even go as far as painting your pergola and then adding sealant or stain, which will help protect the wood from moisture.
Cover your pergola
For those who want to use their pergola every day of the year come rain or shine, it’s worth installing a roof and getting it covered. There are several options:
Waterproof canvas veranda canopies
A waterproof canvas roof is a durable way to cover the roof and sides of your pergola. You could even opt for having retractable waterproof veranda canopies.
Protecting you from rain, wind and low sun, you can open and close the roof and sides bottoms at your leisure, without having to move your pergola structure.
You should make sure that your waterproof canvas can effectively drain water even when it’s half-closed, preventing water from pooling on the top canvas.
Our Lapure® patio covers come in two models; one that drains water through side channels and columns, even when half-closed. Another model with a roof overhang beyond the columns, allowing you to enjoy as much shade as possible. Find out more about our waterproof retractable canopies.
Louvered roofs
A louvered roof offers a sleek and stylish way of covering your pergola. The slanted horizontal slats help rainfall drain so that it doesn’t pool.
Louvered roofs and sides can be made from a wide range of materials and colours, really transforming your space.
Our Renson Camargue louvered roof covering is an all-year-around pergola covering featuring a motorised roof system.
Our pergola cover offers optional extras such as retractable, integrated Fixscreens®, glass sliding walls, Loggia® sliding panels or a combination of all. Find out more about our louvered roof systems.
Retractable roof covers
A retractable roof is a great way to keep everything covered and you don’t have the hassle of having to remove your sidewalls or roofing when summer comes around.
Remote controlled, a retractable roof is easy to use and will take your pergola to the next level.
Our Camargue Skye® has patented S-Drive Technology, allowing the aluminium blades to be retracted to one end of the canopy – giving uninterrupted views, sunlight and ventilation.
With multiple side elements, including a choice of over 50 different colours for your glass fibre fabric panels, lighting, heating, and luxury add ons the possibilities really are endless. Find out more about our retractable roof systems.
USING YOUR PERGOLA DURING THE WINTER
Add a heat source
If you still want to enjoy your pergola during the colder months, why not see if you can safely add a heat source such as a fire pit or outdoor heater.
From Wayfair to Made and even Aldi, there are some great garden heating options available. This means you can wrap up warm, sit outside and watch the fireworks on Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, or just enjoy a hot chocolate around the fire.
Make your pergola cosy
Why not add some soft external lighting to your pergola to make it really welcoming during the dark evening? From wrapping outdoor fairy lights around the legs of your pergola to installing lighting in the roofing, adding lighting will make the space feel magical.
You could also add garden furniture with plush waterproof cushions and hanging egg chairs to snuggle up into. Why not get some chunky knit blankets to wrap up warm in as well?
Get in touch with The OI today
Here at The OI, we pride ourselves on finding the perfect solution for your garden. If you’re looking for a pergola installation or pergola covers, our friendly sales team are here to help. Find out more and get in touch.