The 10 Best Flowering Plants for Texas Pergolas

by Taha E.H | Sep 19, 2022 | Patio Covers

Turn your pergola into a showstopper—and a shady spot—with a lush flowering vine.

One of the most popular ways to add character to your backyard pergola is plant cover. You can train a wide variety of flowering vines to climb right up the sides and over the top. All that greenery creates more shade, and of course, those stunning blooms are a pleasure for the eyes. Springtime and summer meals al fresco become even more special when your flowers are at their peak.

We pulled together a list of 10 flowering vines that grow well in Texas. Some need more pruning and maintenance than others. A few varieties will likely attract hummingbirds to your backyard. You can choose the right plant to suit your lifestyle and your vision for your backyard.

Bougainvillea

The name’s a mouthful, but bougainvillea is a stunning choice for your pergola. You can count on bright, beautiful blooms from spring to fall, in every color from white to pink to purple. You can even get orange and burgundy varieties. Bougainvillea grows fast, so you’ll need to stay on top of pruning and tie up a few vines here and there. But this plant does great in the heat and doesn’t need constant watering. If your bougainvillea plants are young, they’ll need a little extra protection from the cold. But the mature ones are hardy and can handle a light frost.

Carolina Jessamine

Don’t let the name fool you! The Carolina jessamine is actually native to the Dallas area. This lovely vine will flower in sun or shade. So no matter where you put your pergola, you can count on bright yellow blooms. One important note: Carolina jessamine plants are poisonous, so be careful if you have pets or small kids. Of course, this also comes with a perk: The deer won’t snack on them.

Clematis

Clematis is a natural climber and doesn’t need any training from you to cover your pergola. Plus, this plant is a fast grower, so you’ll have lots of coverage and purple blooms in no time. Clematis is only picky about one thing: It prefers to keep its roots cool. If at all possible, plant your clematis in a shadier spot.

Climbing rose

If your heart belongs to roses, you might choose a climbing variety for your pergola. These plants may need a little babysitting to make sure they’re actually climbing, or they’ll just become shrubs. This is especially true of the climbing prairie rose. Otherwise, climbing roses are pretty low maintenance and quite resilient. Plus you can choose from a variety of colors.

Coral honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle is slightly easier to contain than some of its enthusiastic peers. This makes it a great choice for those looking for less maintenance. The blooms of a coral honeysuckle are vibrant and stunning—and hummingbirds love them. You can enjoy the company of charming little pollinators while relaxing under your pergola.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a fantastic choice if you’re in the market for something fragrant. The beautiful aroma of the jasmine flower can fill up your whole yard! A jasmine-covered pergola is a truly luxurious destination—right in your backyard. Plus, in warm areas like Texas, jasmine will grow year-round.

Passionflower

The strange-looking blooms of the passionflower vine may look like something out of the tropics. And while they’re tougher than they look, it’s best to do a little research before purchasing. Some passionflower varieties don’t do well with frost. So if your area is prone to chilly nights, you may want to ask about a hardy variety. This incredibly unique plant is worth it.

Sweet pea

Sweet pea vines grow fragrant, delicate-looking flowers in shades of pink, purple, magenta, and white. This plant does best with ample sunlight. Make sure you ask specifically for the vining varieties of sweet pea so it will actually climb your pergola. Otherwise, you might end up with a shrub!

Trumpet vine

Trumpet vine is a vigorous climber and will cover your pergola fast. Its trumpet-shaped flowers can range in color, including red, orange, and yellow blooms. Trumpet vine tends to be extremely attractive to pollinators. If you love to watch hummingbirds flit around your garden, trumpet vine is an excellent choice.

Wisteria

Wisteria is a beautiful, fast-growing vine that will cover up a pergola in a snap. However, because it grows so quickly, it may need more pruning to make sure it takes the shape you want. New wisteria plants may need a few years to flow, but the purple-y blooms are worth the wait. Wisteria does best on a sturdy pergola with full sunlight.

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Which plant would you pick to grow over your pergola? Take a look at your area’s grow zone to see which varieties will thrive in your backyard. The right plant will turn your pergola in a stunning destination.

Texas Home Improvement’s Ultimate Guide to Pergolas

by Taha E.H | Aug 31, 2022 | Patio Covers

Pergolas bring structure, shade, and an undeniable “cool factor,” transforming a mere yard into an outdoor living space. There are virtually limitless ways to customize a pergola, from size and material choice to furnishings and special features. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or lounging with a book and a coffee, a pergola can transform your experience.

So much variety can be overwhelming if you’re in the early stages of dreaming about your own pergola. And there are less romantic details to consider too, such as building permits and installation depth. We wrote this guide to help you choose the right type of pergola for your space.

What is a pergola?

A pergola is an open-air, outdoor structure often found in gardens and backyards. Most pergolas have thick, sturdy posts at each corner and a slatted or latticed roof. Some people add curtains, curtains, or a wall on one side.

In simple terms, the purpose of a pergola is usually a mix of aesthetics and enjoyment. Pergolas can be incredibly beautiful and make for a spectacular feature in your yard or garden. 

Pergolas are also a great place to relax. You might kick back with a book, enjoy a drink, or host a dinner party under a pergola. Especially in warm weather climates, pergolas offer another spot to hang out without leaving home.

Most builders use wood for pergolas, but there are many materials to choose from. It’s not uncommon to see pergolas made of vinyl, fiberglass, PVC, aluminum, composite, or a mix of several materials. Some people prefer the aesthetics of one material over another. But cost and weather durability also play a role in making your selection.

What’s the difference between a pergola, a patio cover, and a screen room?

Pergolas, patio covers, and screen rooms serve similar functions. All three structures provide a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors, usually with a little shade. And all three can be a practical, accessible choice for a residential home.

There are several key differences between these three structures.

First, a pergola is usually freestanding, whereas patio covers and screen rooms are extensions of the home. You can certainly choose to attach your pergola to your house, if you so desire. But you can place them virtually anywhere in your yard or on your property.

Second, a pergola is usually open on all sides. A screen room, as the name suggests, has screens on all sides, with a door to access the outdoors. A patio cover is usually open on three sides, with the house as the fourth side.

Third, you may or may not choose to outfit your pergola with electrical power. Screen rooms and patio covers are usually fairly easy to wire for electricity, since they’re attached to the home. Achieving this with a pergola may require a special project.

Fourth, a pergola rarely has a solid roof; most often it’s made of beams in a row or lattice pattern. Some people add roof covers, but generally, the structure is open. Patio covers and screen rooms can provide shade by extending the home’s roof.

The benefits of adding a pergola to your home

Pergolas can add tremendous value—literally. Installing a pergola can boost the resale value of your home. You can expect to recoup at least half your investment. 

This is especially true in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those early months really taught us the value of extra space, especially outdoors! And many prospective buyers look for outdoor space and backyard features when choosing a home. A pergola can really make your home stand out in the market.

There’s virtually no limit to the ways you can enjoy a pergola. It’s a great place to kick back and relax on your own or host guests. 

Pergolas are great for alfresco dining as a family or with a group of friends. If you have kids, especially teenagers, a pergola is a great place to host their buddies. You can give them their privacy and keep an eye on them at the same time.

Plus, a pergola can be good for you! Fresh air is great for everything from your eyesight to your mood. It’s much easier to cash in on those health benefits with an outdoor oasis in your backyard.

Learn more about the benefits of having a pergola > 

How much does a pergola cost?

It varies. Materials, special features, and size all affect that final price tag, as does professional installation vs. DIY. And of course, supply chain disruptions play a role, too. Lumber costs have fluctuated wildly over the past few years.

As a general rule of thumb, you can assume that most quality pergolas cost between $30 and $60 per square foot. So if you’re looking for a 10-foot by 10-foot pergola, the range will be $3000 to $6000. 

Of course, there are cheaper options. And you can certainly spend five figures on a pergola fit for a king. A professional can help you pick the right pergola for your budget.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to finance the pergola of your dreams. You can save up the cash, take out a home equity line of credit, apply for a loan, and more. Check out our five suggestions > 

If you’re really looking to pinch pennies, you can get something cheap online for under $1000 and build it yourself. But there are risks to consider.

Can I DIY a pergola?

Of course you can! You can also cut your own hair, clean your own house, and cook 100% of your own meals. We pay people to do many things we can do ourselves. But there’s a reason we hire hairstylists and go to restaurants: The pros do it better.

If you’re a pro at heavy-duty DIY, then you may be just fine building your own pergola. But you simply cannot rush the process. You need to consider:

• Whether you need a permit to build a pergola on your property. This is especially true if you’re planning to add any electrical wiring.
• Whether there are any utility lines running through your yard that you might hit while digging.
• The right materials for your budget, your preferred aesthetics, and the weather in your area. The local climate and frost patterns also affect how deep you place your posts.
• The right size and placement for your yard. You don’t want a crooked or odd-sized pergola.
• The time and physical effort needed to install a pergola. It’s not like putting together an Ikea bookshelf. You need to dig holes, wield power tools, and lift heavy beams.
• Whether you are comfortable using power tools safely.

Some people may not bat an eye at this list. For others, it’s simply too much. The risks of shoddy construction, hitting a sewer line, and injury are not insignificant. For many people, it’s best to leave pergola installation to the professionals.

Where to put your pergola?

For pergola placement, you may have many options. You could place it next to your pool or your wood-fired pizza oven. 

Hang curtains on the side facing the neighbors to get a little privacy. Place it near the house so it’s easier to carry dishes for dinner parties. You could place it deep in the backyard for privacy—or the best view. There are countless strategies to consider.

Set up lawn chairs in each spot you’re considering and spend a little time there. Or you might decide based on which feature, such as a hot tub or grill, you want to use while under the pergola.

Plus, a professional can help you tweak your decision by assessing the yard itself. If you have sloped areas or a high concentration of rocks, that might affect placement. Plus, you may simply have a small yard, with just one or two ideal locations.

Making your pergola special

There are dozens of creative ways to make your pergola uniquely yours. It all depends on what you want to use it for—and what makes you happy.

For example, if you have a green thumb, you can incorporate all sorts of plant life into your pergola. Train leafy vines to climb up and over the slats, or install hooks for hanging plants. You’ll get extra color—and extra shade. Want even more sun protection? Consider adding a roof cover or billowy curtains.

You can even add luxury features, like a flat-screen TV or elaborate lighting. Of course, you’ll need to protect those things from the elements. But a pergola can be a really special destination for family movie night. Plus, there are many lighting options, such as lanterns and rope lights, that are made for the outdoors.

Pairing your pergola with another amenity can make for a stellar experience. This might be a pool, a hot tub, a wood-fired oven, or an outdoor fireplace. The comfort of a nearby pergola may make your other amenities even more enjoyable.

More ideas to make your pergola special > 

Thinking about adding a pergola to your space? Got any questions for us? Let us know in the comments!

What is the Best Backyard Pergola Location?

by Taha E.H | Aug 29, 2022 | Patio Covers

Five ways to think about the ideal location for your new pergola.

A pergola can be a fantastic addition to your home. Pergolas are aesthetically pleasing and incredibly practical all in one. But there’s one big question: Where should you put it?

Sometimes, a small yard or a specific obstacle may limit your choices. But the possibilities can be overwhelming if you have a big yard and many options. Plus, you may be feeling the pressure to get it exactly right.

Ultimately, the ideal placement of a pergola is a personal decision. But here are five location ideas to consider that may nudge you in the right direction.

The sunniest part of your yard.

A pergola’s primary function is to provide shade. So it stands to reason that you might make your pergola placement decision based on the sun’s rays.

Is there a section of your yard or patio you never use because it’s simply too hot and sunny? Ask yourself whether you’d spend more time there if shade were an option. If the answer is yes, consider putting your pergola there.

Be sure to watch the sun’s movement closely for a few days before committing. It would be a shame to discover that the coverage isn’t what you thought it would be.

Near a water or fire feature.

A pool, jacuzzi, fireplace, or wood-fired oven may be the crown jewel of your backyard. You can increase your enjoyment of these luxuries by placing a pergola right next to them.

Imagine hopping out of your pool and directly into a shaded area full of comfortable lounge chairs. Think about sharing a delicious meal, fresh off the grill, with friends under the beautiful canopy of a pergola. You can capitalize on the pleasures of these unique features by pairing them with a pergola.

Somewhere with privacy.

No one likes prying eyes at home. A pergola is an attractive way to gain a little privacy without putting up a fence. To create a visual barrier, you can add plants, flowering vines, curtains, and lattice walls.

It’s a great way to create a sense of seclusion while still allowing the outdoors to be part of your home.

In a prime dinner party location.

Everyone uses their pergola a little differently. If yours is your go-to spot for family meals and lively dinner parties, that may affect where you put it. Carrying heavy platters and hot dishes across a big yard can be risky and stressful. The cleanup haul can be a chore. The mad dash indoors can feel like a marathon if you get hit with bad weather!

If you’re dreaming of al fresco dining, consider putting your pergola closer to the house. You might even add a stone path directly to the kitchen door so no one will trip on yard debris. This will make hosting much easier.

Wherever the best view is

Deciding on the best backyard pergola location may be very simple if you’re fortunate enough to have a stunning vista in your own backyard. A sparkling lake, a sweeping valley, a towering mountain range? It would be a real shame to put your pergola somewhere that keeps you from enjoying that view.

And… it’s possible to put your pergola where it will have the best views AND still have easy access for guests or family members. All you have to do is build an elevated platform for it.

Take a lawn chair outside and test out a few spots to see where the best view is. Once you’ve found the best seat in the house, you can plan construction around it. 

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We have experience building and installing custom pergolas. Learn more >

Should You Choose A Classic or Trendy Home Exterior Color?

by Taha E.H | Aug 29, 2022 | Patio Covers

A brief guide to the latest trends, the long-standing classics, and how to choose the right one for you.

Choosing the right color for your home’s exterior can be a bit daunting. After all, you’re committing to the same look for at least a few years. If you pick wrong, it’s not necessarily cheap—and certainly not quick—to fix it.

And with exterior color trends changing all the time, there’s extra pressure to strike a balance between cool and classic.

We’ve written a brief guide to help you decide whether you want to go bold or stick with a classic. Plus, we’re sharing a third, middle-ground option you may not have considered.

Craving something wild? Now’s the time.

According to the experts, people are more willing than ever to experiment with bright, bold, surprising colors. We’re seeing vibrant shades and unusual hues in neighborhoods that have traditionally stuck to neutrals and classics. Blues and greens are especially popular from home exteriors, as are pastel shades.

Another show-stopper trend: All black exteriors. The look has been hailed as extremely modern and fresh compared to past trends. While it may be impractical for warmer climates, many people are embracing the bold move.

If you’re hesitant to go big, paint your door instead.

The color of your front door is arguably more important than ever. More and more homeowners are opting for sharp contrasts, bright colors, and visual statements when choosing a front door. And for good reason.

An eye-catching front door is excellent for boosting your home’s curb appeal. In fact, a charming front door can actually increase the perceived value of your home. Plus, if you invest in a new door, you’re likely to recoup at least 75% of that cost when you sell.

So if you’re itching for a change but not ready to go big, think about a front door makeover instead. There are two benefits to going bold with your front door over your entire house:

1. You can be a little more bold. A lemon yellow house is pretty outrageous in most parts of the country, but a lemon yellow door is charming.
2. If you go a little too bold, it’s affordable and fast to redo it.

You can’t go wrong with a classic.

We may be experimenting with more wacky shades, but the classics are still going strong. Earthy neutrals are popular right now, along with navy and gray. And of course, warm whites and creams will never go out of style.

There’s nothing wrong with opting for a tried-and-true home exterior color if you’re not excited about a brighter hue. You’re never obligated to make a dramatic choice for the sake of trends.

Plus, you may simply want to protect yourself from a fleeting fad. Many people may repaint in a year or two when their chosen color goes out of style. The risk of such an expensive fix is much lower when you choose a classic color.

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Regardless of the color you choose, consider exterior coating over classic house paint. TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating systems last much longer than traditional paint products. Plus, COOLWALL® actively deflects the heat of the sun away from your home. The result is more efficient interior climate control—and a lower utility bill.

Want to talk colors or COOLWALL®? Talk to an expert at Texas Home Improvement. We can advise you on trendy and classic shades and walk you through the exterior coating installation process.