Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Why We Chose a Pergola Over a Deck (And How We Did It)



Last summer, my husband and I debated for weeks about whether to build a deck or a pergola. We wanted shade but didn’t want to block the view of our tiny backyard. Then I found PTG Landscaping’s shade structures page (here’s the link), which totally swayed me. They had photos of pergolas with retractable canopy options—perfect for Maryland’s unpredictable weather.

What I loved about their guide was the breakdown of materials (vinyl vs. wood vs. aluminum) and how they factored in things like sun angles. Our backyard gets brutal afternoon sun, so their suggestion to position the pergola slightly offset made a huge difference. We went with a cedar pergola and added string lights—now it’s our favorite spot for evening wine and weekend naps.

If you’re torn between shade options, their page is a goldmine of practical advice. And pro tip: Plant climbing hydrangeas at the base. Ours are starting to weave through the beams, and it looks magical.

Tags: #OutdoorLiving #Pergola #EssexMD #ShadeSolutions #BackyardGoals

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