Have you been considering installing a modern arbor or pergola deck on your property? Contact us at Bay Area Outdoor Living to help you decide which option works best for your property.   Of the many ways that you can elevate your property and add a subtle touch of modernism, decking most definitely comes on top. Installing a deck on your land is the easiest way to expand your living space, introduce a natural element, and create a perfect outdoor spot for fancy dinners and hangouts with friends. From an open-air kitchen and BBQ grill setup to an entertainment lounge or gaming area, this added space can be used to add so much life to your household. It is indeed a worthy investment. When you think of a traditional deck, you visualize a flat slab of wood; in reality, that is no longer the case. Nowadays, decks have been upgraded to include different materials, styles, designs, and textures. Many companies even allow clients to design a deck from scratch using elements that speak to the aesthetic of their property. Over the last year, two types of decks have gained massive popularity; these are decks detailed with Arbor and Pergolas. Often used interchangeably, arbor and pergola decks are totally different when it comes to design and structure. What is An Arbor Deck? Arbors are a historical piece of architecture dating back to the 16^th century when they were incorporated in most Roman and Egyptian gardens. The word arbor originates from the French word herbe, meaning grass or garden. In construction, an arbor refers to a free-standing structure that usually adorns the entry or gateway to a specific location. It is also intended to add shade and provide support for vines and climbing plants. Arbor decks have two to four posts with an arched or slightly slanted roof, with the side incorporating a trellis or lattice design to give the space an enclosed and secluded feel. Due to the intricacy of its design, installing an arbor on your own can be quite a challenge as it is a job usually best left to professionals. Arbors can be made from metal, wood, or vinyl. What is A Pergola Deck? Like the arbor, the pergola too is established on top of a deck with a similar post-and-beam structure. If your deck is attached to the property, the pergola extends from the exterior surface or side of the roof, linking the house's interior to the external landscape. Unlike an arbor, pergolas don't provide complete shade but rather create a semi-shaded space, including the elements of open-air space. The design of a pergola differs from an arbor because it can be connected to the house on at least one side. The posts standing vertically are intended to support the independent beams passing overhead to form somewhat of an open roof. The structure usually has four or more columns supporting the traditionally flat roof. While most individuals prefer to leave the roof open to allow air and sunlight to pass through, some choose to have it covered with weather-proof fabric and other lightweight materials. For the sake of privacy, you can also add cloth or vines to one side of the pergola blocking the view of your deck from a neighbor's yard. Create the deck of your dream with Bay Area Outdoor Living! If you live in the Pleasant Hill area and are currently looking for reliable decking services, feel free to contact us at Bay Area Outdoor Living. Our professionals have years of training and experience in designing and installing decks of all kinds. Whether you want a traditional style or a modern design, you can trust our team to understand your vision thoroughly.