Pergola Maintenance: 5 Tips for a Backyard Beauty [Infographic]

How seriously do you take your pergola maintenance? Like most outdoor living designs, a custom-built wooden pergola requires some maintenance. These essential steps ensure the longevity of your pergola and keep it looking beautiful. 

5 Pergola Maintenance Tips for a Beautiful Backyard

How Do I Maintain My Pergola?

Maintain your pergola by trimming any long vines and inspecting the surface. Then, eliminate mildew before gently scrubbing it and hosing it down. The final step is to renew any stains, paints, or sealants for a refreshed pergola. Enjoy your perfect pergola!

1. Maintain Foliage
2. Inspect Carefully
3. Eliminate Stains
4. Clean the Surface
5. Renew Sealants

1) Maintain Foliage

The first thing you’ll want to do is cut back any plants or vines that are growing on the pergola. Trim the plant canopy to keep it neat if it’s hanging too low. This first step ensures that you can see the surface of the pergola. It’s also important for reducing any additional weight put on the timbers.

2) Inspect Carefully

Then, you’ll check your pergola for any potential issues. Look it over for things like loose screws, rust, cracks, insect damage, or splintered wood. This step should be done carefully to gather information on what maintenance is needed.

3) Eliminate Mildew

Your pergola is bound to go through harsh weather at some point, especially during hurricane season. Any mildew stains you notice can be removed with a solution of warm water and oxygen bleach. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the affected areas.

4) Clean the Surface

Once any stains are removed, you can hose down the pergola to wash away dirt and grime. For an overall cleaning of the structure, wash with warm soapy water. This will also prevent mold and mildew from forming later on. Just be sure not to scrub too hard, or you may damage the wood!

5) Renew Sealants

Most wooden pergolas have a sealant put on when they’re designed and constructed. This is to prevent imperfections caused by Mother Nature. Your pergola’s waterproof sealant should be reapplied every 2-3 years for longevity.

Maintaining a Charming Pergola for Years to Come

Use these pergola maintenance tips to give your outdoor space some TLC. When you’re done cleaning, add curtains, outdoor lighting, and hanging plants for an even more attractive focal point.

Contact us today to ask any questions or to start designing a pergola for your home!