Whether it’s the cold in winter or the summer rains, it can be hard to plan to entertain outdoors all year round. However, we shouldn’t let a little cold or rain hold us back. Pergolas and awnings are a great way to still be able to enjoy your garden while the rain is falling or it’s cooler.
But first of all ‒ the difference between a pergola and an awning. We know these terms are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Both keep you protected, not only from the rain but also during hot summer days. An awning is attached to the house and can be permanent or temporary. Awnings provide a roof-like structure and can be retractable or fixed. A pergola on the other hand is a permanent structure that may or may not be attached to the house. A pergola is constructed using pillars and posts for support and can be covered or uncovered.
Let’s take a look at some great options for awnings and pergolas in the Inner West.
Retractable awnings
Retractable awnings give us the best of both worlds. They can be unfolded to provide cover on hot or rainy days, and retracted to allow you to soak up the warm winter sun. Homeowners can DIY with retractable awning kits, or they can have them installed professionally. As long as you choose an awning with a waterproof cover, you can make the most of the outdoors year round.
Remember, too ‒ in cooler weather, your awning can help to trap the heat from your barbecue, outdoor stove or outdoor heating.
Motorised awnings are a great option as they allow you to retract or set up your awning with the flick of a switch (perfect for when those first sprinkles of rain start to come through) while manual retractable awnings are good for those on a budget.
If you have a smart home, you can find retractable outdoor roof awnings that can be linked up to your smart home system.
Pergolas
Pergolas are a great option for those looking for a more permanent solution but you do need to be careful when it comes to buying them. There are two options when it comes to pergolas: covered and uncovered.
Uncovered pergolas in the Inner West are popular in gardens. These types of pergolas are often covered with deciduous plants such as bougainvillea, wisteria, and passionflower, with the vines eventually forming a roof to provide shade in summer. However, plant-covered pergolas aren’t waterproof.
A waterproof pergola is constructed with pillars and posts and can be attached to your house, or as a stand-alone structure in the garden with a covered walkway leading to the area. Installing a pergola can add value to your home as it essentially provides you with an additional outdoor living space. You can choose either a permanent roof or a retractable roof. Pergolas are best installed by a pergola specialist in the Inner West to ensure that your home isn’t damaged and that the structure is installed correctly and safely.
Choosing an outdoor area cover
Choosing between an awning and a pergola isn’t always easy. An electric outdoor awning gives you the option to choose between covered and open air living, while a pergola gives you the permanency of a covered outdoor space.
Which one you choose comes down to how you use your outdoor space. If you want to entertain year round, a pergola is a better option, as you have the benefit of a waterproof cover. You can also choose to enclose your pergola with louvred awnings to allow you to fully enclose your outdoor space or to open it up depending on the weather.
If you can’t decide between the two, a cantilever pergola may be your best choice. These pergolas are built with posts only on one side, so you get the open space like an awning while still getting the covered space of a pergola.
Add value to your home, while enjoying the outdoors year round by installing an awning or pergola in your Inner West backyard. And for help choosing what will suit your outdoor areas, check out local suppliers A Style of Shade at 390A Darling Street Balmain or Wynstan at 7/50 Victoria Road, Drummoyne
Can we help with your Inner West home?
Whether you’re ready to sell or need help to rent your investment property, we have the experience and local knowledge to make your property journey easier.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
