Here are the steps to prepare your beautiful wood pergola for the winter and make it last longer. Wood pergolas are gorgeous focal points to any outdoor landscaping, like the gazebo or the backyard. A pergola creates a cozy, defined area in your yard or garden. It gives you a space to relax, entertain, or just enjoy nature. It’s nice to spend time with them during a sunny day, having a book and tea with you or entertaining friends.
A pergola also gives you some shade. This is perfect for hot summer days when you want to be outside but don’t want to sit directly in the sun. You stay cool, but still get to enjoy the fresh air.
Another reason a pergola is worth having is because it adds value to your home. It makes your outdoor space look more beautiful and stylish. A well-built pergola can make your yard look more expensive and put-together. If you ever sell your home, a pergola is something buyers love to see.
However, winter climate is often harsh on wooden structures. Here in Black Beards Woodworking and Sawmill, we make handsome wood pergolas. If you don’t have one, feel free to go into our store, browsing our outdoor wood furniture and products category that has beautiful pergola kits.
Can You Leave a Pergola Up in Winter?
Yes, especially if they are properly built and made with premium wood. It is not practical for anyone to disassemble their pergolas and bring them inside the home to prevent exposure.
Pergola are wood structures after all. They are strong, but snow and ice can make them weak if they pile up too much. It’s important to check your pergola often, especially after it snows.
If you see snow sitting on the top, gently brush it off so it doesn’t get too heavy. Heavy snow can make the pergola break! You can also cover the top of the pergola with a tarp or a waterproof cover to protect it. This keeps snow from building up.
If you know a big winter storm is coming, it might be a good idea to take off any fabric or hanging decorations from your pergola. That way, they won’t get damaged or make the structure weaker.
So, yes, you can leave a pergola up in winter, but you need to take care of it.
A beautiful wood pergola made of very durable douglas fir. Buy the Douglas Fir Pergola Kit
Can a Pergola Withstand Snow?
Yes, a pergola can handle snow and winter storms. A little snow buildup will not be a problem.. Pergolas are strong, but note that snow can get really heavy when it piles up. If too much snow sits on top, it can break the pergola.
If you want your pergola to remain standing in the snow for many seasons, here is what you need to do:
- Clean wood before winter sets in. Powerwash to remove dirt, leaves, or debris. This helps the wood stay dry.
- Use a sealant or waterproof stain to protect the wood from rain, snow, and ice. The sealant keeps moisture out, which stops the wood from rotting or cracking.
- After it snows, check your structure. Use a soft broom to gently brush off snow. Don’t let snow sit too long because it can make the wood heavy and weak.
- During winter, look at your wood structure for any cracks or weak spots. If you see any, fix them right away before the damage gets worse.
Made of gorgeous cedar, this is a gorgeous addition to your yard. Buy the Cedar Pergola Kit
Buy a Pergola from Black Beards Woodworking & Sawmill
Pergolas are perfect entertaining spaces and lounging spots outdoors. Hey, during the winter, it might still have some use. You can put hanging lights to make your outdoor space feel cozy and magical, especially when it gets dark early.
Or, you can have a fire pit under your pergola where it becomes a perfect spot to gather around in the cold. It gives you a structured area to enjoy the warmth and maybe roast marshmallows
As always, you don’t have to worry about winter snow bringing down your pergola if you bought it from a good builder, like us at Black Beards Woodworking. Buy one now!