As the temperatures gradually begin to drop and the evenings begin to get shorter, it can only mean that winter is just around the corner. Many homeowners prepare their homes for winter by power washing their driveway, cleaning their gutters, weeding their gardens, disposing of withered plants – the list goes on! However, one specific job that most homeowners forget to add to their to-do list is preparing their pergola for the winter, if they happen to have one. Some people might say this is unnecessary, but by doing so, you’re choosing to leave your pergola vulnerable to harsh rain and wind conditions throughout the whole winter, raising the chances of potential damage.

The good news is, there is no need to dismantle your pergola to winter-proof it. In this article, we discuss 4 ways to prepare your pergola for winter. When you make the investment of building a pergola in your garden, it only makes sense to maintain it properly at the end of each autumn to ensure it’s still standing on all four legs the following spring!

1) Apply A Wood Stain

Most, if not all pergolas are made from sawn timber, known to be sturdy and blend naturally into your surroundings. However, timber can start to rot and decay if it’s overexposed to rainy conditions over a long period of time. If you want to keep your pergola in good condition, you should consider applying a wood stain or a treatment suitable for pergolas. These are designed to add a protective coating against UV rays, moisture and temperature changes, as well as prevent colour fade and banish the growth of mould and algae.

2) Cover Your Pergola 

For those who want to keep their pergola as dry as possible during the winter months, the best way to achieve this is to add a covering. Luckily, there are different types of waterproof canopies and plastic side curtains available. With a canopy, you can still lounge out under your pergola and stay dry while watching the rain. Plus, a canopy will add some rain protection to your pergola. Make sure to secure your canopy properly and check it after stormy conditions, as strong winds can loosen or completely detach it from the pergola.

3) Install Gutters

Another way to prepare your pergola for the winter is to install a gutter system, similar to what you have around the exterior of your house. Gutters will redirect rainfall from the pergola, prevent rain buildup from dripping down the sides of it and protect the foundation of the pergola and its surroundings from flooding. However, everyone’s garden foundation varies. If your pergola sits on a downward slope or is surrounded by concrete, you may not need gutters.

4) Add A Heat Source 

If you’re planning on using your pergola throughout the winter, adding a heating source will keep you and your family or friends toasty during the cold temperatures. There is a wide selection of heat sources to choose from such as a fire pit, infrared heaters and other outdoor heaters. With one of these heat sources under your pergola, you can enjoy all that it has to offer, even in the coldest winter!

Beautiful Pergolas By Weston Sawmill

By following these steps, your pergola will withstand the winter ahead and provide long-lasting decoration to your garden. If you don’t have a pergola, you are missing out on its fantastic benefits. On the other hand, you might have an old pergola that’s not looking its best or has damaged parts – in this case, you might want to create or replace them with pergolas from Weston Sawmill in Weston-Under-Lizard, Shropshire. 

Our range of wooden pergola parts include crossbeams from 1.8 to 3.6 metres, legs from 2.4 or 3 metres, rafters from 2.4 to 4.8 metres and straight or curved corner braces. We cater our pergolas to match your specific requirements. We can manufacture beautiful pergolas of any size, from intimate and cosy structures to larger or more unusual outdoor living spaces. We can also arrange delivery to your home. For more information or a free quotation, please get in touch by making an online enquiry or calling us on 01952 850 383 today.