Choosing a pergola for your terrace or garden can be the perfect idea to completely transform your outdoor space. However, many homeowners make mistakes that end up costing time, money and comfort. At Ombrasole, with over 40 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing pergolas in Quebec, we share with you the 6 most common mistakes in choosing a pergola… and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing only for aesthetics, not functionality
A pergola must be beautiful, of course, but it must also adapt to its environment, the climate and your real needs. Many people fall in love with a structure without taking into account key factors such as UV exposure, wind speed or use of space.
How to avoid this: Choose a model that allows you to control light, ventilation and rain protection, such as a bioclimatic pergola with adjustable slats, and seek expert advice to help you consider the ideal product for your environment and lifestyle.
2. Don’t check resistance to local climate
A pergola designed for the Caribbean won’t always do the trick in Quebec. Some materials are ill-suited to cold, snow or humidity and can deteriorate rapidly, even endangering your safety.
How to avoid this: Make sure your materials are waterproof, corrosion resistant and adapted to the Canadian climate. At Ombrasole, all our products are designed to withstand the harsh Quebec weather without requiring winter dismantling.
3. Underestimating maintenance
Some pergolas require regular maintenance, delicate cleaning or special protection depending on the season and the material they’re made of. This can become a burden if you don’t think about it from the outset.
How to avoid it: Opt for aluminum structures and top of the range materials that require little or no seasonal maintenance. Our models are designed to make your life easier, not harder.
4. Failure to consider motorization options and additional accessories
Many people choose a basic pergola and then regret not having added features such as motorized curtains, roof-integrated screens, LED lights or heaters. Subsequent installation of these accessories may prove more costly or technically complex.
How to avoid this: Plan your pergola as a long term investment. At Ombrasole, our structures are modular and customizable, so you can include or plan for the features you need from the outset, safe in the knowledge that our warranty will ensure you enjoy the product for many years to come.
5. Don’t consult a specialist before buying
The most common mistake is to be swayed by an online offer or a standard model without talking to someone who knows about structures, functionality and customization. How to avoid this: visit a showroom, consult experts and ask for a quote tailored to your space. At Ombrasole, we’re with you every step of the way: From design to installation
6. Choosing a cheap pergola without considering the real quality
It’s understandable that many people are looking for cheaper options, but this often means ending up with a structure that’s fragile, ill-fitting or made from less durable materials. It’s common to see inexpensive pergolas that, while attractive in terms of photos and price, don’t last more than one or two winters, as they quickly warp, rust or lose their stability, forcing the owner to replace it completely in a very short time.
How to avoid this: Think of your pergola as an investment. Instead of spending every two years on a new structure, opt for a sturdy solution backed by a solid warranty and local support. At Ombrasole, we offer a 15-year warranty on our structures, because we believe in the quality of what we manufacture. It may be a bigger investment, but we assure you that in the long run, it will be much more profitable and satisfying.
Conclusion
Investing in a pergola isn’t just an aesthetic decision: it’s a real improvement in your quality of life outdoors. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll save yourself headaches and ensure a smart, long-lasting and functional investment.
We invite you to discover our Italian designed pergolas, made in Quebec and built to last.
Contact us or visit our showroom in Montreal to get started on your project.
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