A Look at the History of Wrought Iron Pergolas

From the roaring fires of ancient Rome to the vibrant patios dotting suburban yards today, pergolas have long been a treasured element of outdoor design. 

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Wrought iron pergolas are particularly popular across residential landscapes due not just to their timeless aesthetic that brings both function and fashion together, but also because of their rich history. 

To celebrate this time-honored structure and understand its place throughout culture, let’s take a look at how wrought iron pergolas evolved from their early days as part of an extensive Roman villa complex into a luxury feature available for all homeowners looking to set themselves apart with classic and understated style.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of the wrought iron pergola and explore its many benefits.

But first…

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure that consists of vertical posts or pillars that support a lattice of cross beams, usually made with wood or wrought iron. 

Wrought iron pergolas are particularly popular because they offer the classic look and strength associated with this timeless material, while also providing an elegant and airy aesthetic that is suitable for any outdoor space. 

Wrought iron pergolas are ideal for providing shade during the hot summer months and offer a sense of privacy in your backyard. Whether you opt for a traditional or modern design, wrought iron pergolas can help create an inviting atmosphere and transform your outdoor living area into a luxurious retreat.

How Did Pergolas Originate?

The earliest evidence of pergolas dates back to Ancient Egypt. Historians still debate their initial purpose and whether they were designed only for their aesthetic or for minimizing the effect of the weather. 

Many researchers are convinced that Egyptians used the structures for growing figs and house vines. The Chinese were also designing and constructing similar structures around the same time. They, however, used the pergolas as sunshades for their temples and housing.

Once the Romans conquered Egypt in 30 BC, pergolas became a prominent feature in Roman architecture. They built them in elaborate villas and gardens to provide shade and break up large outdoor spaces. These covered walkways were often decorated with climbing vines, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Romans and Greeks actually incorporated pergolas in a much more lavish manner, often to grow grape vines used for wine-making.

The term pergola comes from Latin and it means “projecting eave”. The word was first officially used back in 1645 by John Evelyn at the cloister of Trinita dei Monti in Rome.

Pergolas gained prominence during the Italian Renaissance in the 17th century. During this period, they were often used as support for grapevines. As time passed, pergolas made their way through Europe and onto American shores, taking on different designs and uses as they traveled.

At first, wrought iron pergolas were only available to the wealthy who could afford them. As manufacturing processes improved, however, these structures became more accessible to the general public. During the 18th and 19th centuries, pergolas slowly fell out of fashion, when more naturalistic gardening styles were favored. The structures nevertheless found their way back into modern architecture and are often used today to provide shade and extra outdoor space for houses.

Today homeowners of any budget can enjoy a luxury wrought iron pergola in their yard, whether they’re looking to provide shade on a sunny day or create an inviting outdoor living space for entertaining.

Why Choose Wrought Iron Pergolas?

Thanks to their timeless beauty and durability, wrought iron pergolas have been a favorite of homeowners for centuries. From the elaborate villas of Rome to the sprawling gardens of Victorian homes, these structures have provided shelter and shade throughout history. 

Wrought iron pergolas are usually made from metal rods that have been heated and bent into shape. This gives them a unique look that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With its classic beauty, timeless design, and superior strength, a wrought iron pergola is a perfect way to make your outdoor living space beautiful, functional, and special. Available in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, wrought iron pergolas can be customized to suit any taste. If you are looking for a way to add a bit of charm to your outdoor space, a wrought iron pergola may be a perfect choice.

On top of that, the modern pergolas are designed with style and function in mind, incorporating both classic designs and modern elements to create a unique and inviting outdoor space. 

Bear in mind that building a pergola that is structurally sound and secure is a tricky job, so we recommend you work with an expert. A professional iron crafting company will help get a pergola that is sturdy and matches your exact design expectations. In addition, a properly built and installed wrought iron pergola will offer enjoyment and peace of mind for years to come.

The Benefits of Having a Wrought Iron Pergola in Your Garden

Wrought iron pergolas come with several awesome benefits. 

First, wrought iron is extremely durable. Thanks to advances in engineering, today’s wrought iron structures are capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions for years to come. Their unique construction makes them ideal for areas with high wind, as the material’s flexibility allows it to bend and move rather than break or crack in extreme weather.

Second, wrought iron can also withstand prolonged exposure to the sun, making it the perfect material for a structure that is aimed to offer shade, so you can enjoy your garden on a hot summer day under your pergola. 

Finally, wrought iron requires minimal maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about spending hours sanding and painting it every year. 

How to Choose the Right Style and Size for Your Needs

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right pergola for your needs. 

First, you’ll need to decide on the size and style of a pergola that will best suit your space. For example, if you have a small yard, you may want to choose a compact wrought iron pergola design. If you have a large backyard, you may want to opt for a larger pergola with more elaborate details. Whether you choose a large pergola as part of an outdoor living space or opt for a smaller model to provide a private corner for conversation and reflection, a wrought iron structure will help lend your outdoor space timeless style.

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Second, you’ll need to decide what type of material you want your pergola to be made of. While we believe wrought iron to be the best material, some other common options include wood, aluminum, and PVC. 

Finally, you’ll need to take your budget into account. Pergolas can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and budget. Have in mind that investing in sturdier materials might be a better and longer-lasting choice. 

Are you getting inspired to start creating your outdoor oasis today? 

With a little bit of planning and the help of an experienced professional, you can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor pergola made from wrought iron that will last for years to come. 

To Wrap Up

Originally, wrought iron pergolas were used as grand entrance ways to palaces and manor houses. Over time, they have evolved into popular garden features, providing shade and privacy while also adding a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. 

Some examples of the timeless beauty of these ancient structures still exist today, showcasing the sturdiness of wrought iron. These particular pergolas are ambassadors of classic garden features that add value and style.

And if you’re looking to recreate their elegance in your own backyard while providing a shady corner or relaxation, Cacciola Iron Works can help! Anthony Cacciola’s team we’ll help you design, construct and install the perfect pergola for your garden. 

We service the New York and New Jersey areas and will gladly help you get your custom wrought iron works project off the ground, be it pergolas, railings, doors, gates, or fences! 

Get in touch with us today!

BY GRETCHEN MCKAY PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

Gazebos, arbors and pergolas can provide a private backyard getaway, with the added benefit of giving a plain yard some architectural pizzazz. When covered with climbing ivy, wisteria, grapes or honeysuckle, their canopy of leaves and blossoms can also offer respite from the hot afternoon sun.

Having a garden structure custom-made will cost you a pretty penny, but ready-made shelters are much less expensive and are becoming increasingly common, turning up at stores like Home Depot, Lowe's and Target.

The open-sided gazebo, which usually has a roof, is probably the most familiar of the three. A modern version of the Chinese garden pavilion, these buildings can be freestanding or built into a deck or patio. The wooden Victorian version, often with lots of gingerbread trim, remains the most popular. But shoppers can also choose more contemporary versions made of iron, aluminum, fiberglass and vinyl. Some come equipped with decorative valances and curtains or roll-down netting to keep those dreaded mosquitoes at bay. A growing number are wired, allowing for a ceiling fan, lights and even a sound system.

A pergola - long a favorite in Mediterranean climates - also resembles an outdoor room, with plenty of space for a table and chairs or benches. Most feature a flat roof constructed of lattice or beams that can be left unadorned, creating dappled, partial shade, or used to support climbing vines. Many are attached to the side of the house but they can be freestanding.

An arbor is similar to a pergola but much smaller. Designed to be covered in climbing plants, these doorway-sized structures typically have four posts that support a curved arch on flat top. They're most often used as a decorative entrance to a yard or garden. But an arbor is also a pretty way to frame a small seating area, with a bench or swing.

A cozy place to sit is what Ethan West had in mind when he commissioned Peter Lambert and Ed Parrish of Red Star Ironworks in Garfield, Pa., to craft an arbor two years ago for his back yard. Though the house had a side porch, he wanted additional shade. He also wanted something "cool" that could support a small wisteria.

Cool, indeed. Organic in design, the three-sided, 1,200-pound steel structure looks a lot like a tree, with three main trunks that "grow" together into a branch-like roof. Finished in a rust patina that's completely obscured in spring and summer by wisteria, it's also incredibly strong.

"When my daughters get older, boys invariably will come over and want to do pull-ups," says West. "So I wanted something that could take some abuse."

Iron Eden in Bloomfield, Pa., has a whole line of one-of-a-kind ornamental iron pieces for the garden. Arbors start at about $300 for a simple model with a lattice-work design. A delightfully twisted 7-foot-tall "tree branch" arbor is priced at $1,500. Owner John Walter can also be commissioned to create custom pieces.

More elaborate (and expensive) are the European-flavored gazebos available at Molto Bella Ceramica in Shadyside, Pa. They're constructed in Perugia, Italy, of galvanized steel and topped with a durable PVC fabric. One of the most popular styles is the Tramonto, which ranges in size from 10-by-10 feet to 16-by-16 feet and costs between $8,900 and $14,000.

Mail-order companies also are an option. Iron Accents' hand-forged iron arbor with attached seats, available in nine different finishes, runs $1,300, while its pineapple-adorned "Hospitality" arbor costs $390. The Georgia company also sells wrought-iron pavilions and gazebos. One of the most interesting is the circular Royal Pavilion ($2,000), which features four arched openings and is embellished with realistic-looking rope and tassels.

Maryland-based Garden Artisans also offers a selection of copper and steel pergolas, arbors and gazebos. The four-sided Nottingham gazebo ($787), for instance, features a rounded canopy and four "ladders" for climbing plants. Its 8-foot Gothic gazebo is crafted in England out of vinyl-coated galvanized steel tubing ($899 on sale).

What if you're on a budget? Don't forget about Target, Home Depot and Lowe's. The 8-foot steel "Numark" gazebo costs just $129 at Lowe's and includes an insect net; the store's more elegant 10-by-10-foot aluminum gazebo from the Boli Co. ($299) features a water-repellent canopy and planter shelves on each of the four corners. Target also has a good selection of low-priced garden structures, including the 10-by-10-foot steel "Prairie" gazebo ($180) and the Arts and Crafts "Stone Lafleur" pergola ($400), which comes with built-in flower boxes. Its umbrella-like "Instant Gazebo" costs $300.

Home Depot's steel "Leaf Gazebo" ($189) measures 11-by-11-foot and features a two-tier fabric roof, corner planters and a lovely leaf pattern on the sides. Best of all, it snaps together in just a few minutes.

Worried about the upkeep associated with wood or metal? Home Depot's 10-foot-wide HomePlace Structures gazebo is crafted out of maintenance-free vinyl. Available only by Internet, it costs $3,498. Or try USA Vinyl Fence Co., whose vinyl gazebos start at about $4,600 on sale. If space is a problem, the company also carries a large selection of vinyl arbors and pergolas. Prices begin at $360.

Finally, for those in the market for a more traditional wooden gazebo, the choices are almost endless. If you're handy, you might consider a kit from a mail-order company like Vixen Hill or Dalton Pavilions. Both Pennsylvania-based companies offer several different styles of gazebos in varying sizes and prices. Both Dalton's prefabricated 9-foot Classic model, made from Western red cedar, and Vixen Hill's 12-foot Victorian model, which comes with a single-tier cedar shingle roof, start at about $5,500, plus shipping. Vixen Hill also offers modular cedar entrance arbor for $1,800 and a "meeting point" arbor, with facing benches, for about $2,100. Both can be assembled in less than an hour.

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