The Pergola Glossary

Welcome to the pergola glossary! If you're interested in designing your outdoor space, you may already have considered installing a pergola. This architectural element is becoming increasingly popular due to its aesthetics and functionality. However, you may be unfamiliar with some of the technical terms and jargon associated with pergolas. This glossary provides an alphabetical list of useful terms and definitions to help you better understand the various aspects of pergolas, from A to Z. Whether you're a landscaping professional or a homeowner looking to install a pergola in your garden, this glossary is for you!

Definition of a pergola : A pergola, a feminine term derived from the Italian "pergola", designates a garden structure composed of columns or posts supporting trusses forming a trellis. This construction is designed to accommodate and support climbing plants, creating a shady, verdant outdoor space.

Pergola components

After that, you would be able to understand all the subtleties of this type of sentence about the pergola "The bioclimatic pergola equipped with adjustable aluminum slats and vertical roller blinds offers optimal protection from the sun and wind, while allowing you to take full advantage of the view thanks to its retractable slats."

• Bracon: A diagonally placed wooden element that connects the column to the purlin to reduce the span of the structure.
• Sunshades : An adjustable shading system that filters light while preventing heat from penetrating.
• Rain sensor A device that detects rain or snow and automatically closes the pergola's slats to make it watertight.
• Gutters : Pipes attached to the pergola to drain off rainwater, just like in a house.
• Adjustable aluminum slats : Aluminum slats that can be tilted to adjust the amount of light entering through the pergola roof.
• Retractable blades : Slats that can be folded to let in more light and offer an unobstructed view of the sky.
• Bioclimatic pergola : An aluminum pergola that uses its natural environment to protect against heat, sun and rain. Its special feature is its adjustable slats.
• Canvas pergola : A pergola with an aluminum frame that offers optimum comfort and freedom of use. The canvas is often retractable and easy to handle.
• Post foot : The end of the post which is placed on the ground to support the structure.
• Post : The vertical element that supports the pergola structure.
• Vertical roller blinds : Vertically-rolling awnings are often used in front of a bay window or at the front of a bioclimatic pergola to protect against wind and sun. The fabrics used are UV-resistant.
• Sandpit : A horizontal beam supporting the rafters of a roof, attached to the upper part of the walls.
• Ridge: The piece of wood or metal at the top of the roof that joins the two sides and makes the roof watertight.
• Counterfeit : An inclined piece of wood or metal, fixed between a post and a runner or ridge cap, to reinforce the structure and stabilize it laterally.

Another example sentence: "Wooden struts connected to posts, runners and ridge caps contribute to the strength and stability of the pergola, distributing loads and resisting lateral forces caused by wind."

Pergola glossary in alphabetical order

A - Frame: the structure that supports a pergola, often made of wood or metal. Example: The stainless steel frame of my pergola is very sturdy.

English translation: Frame

Spanish translation: Armadura

Arabic translation: هيكل

B - Sunshade: an element that can be added to a pergola to block direct sunlight. Example: The canvas brise-soleils on my pergola create a peaceful atmosphere in which to relax.

English translation: Sunshade

Spanish translation: Parasol

Arabic translation: حماية من الشمس

C - Canopy: the upper part of the pergola that provides shade. Example: The bamboo canopy of my pergola adds a natural touch to my garden.

English translation: Canopy

Spanish translation: Dosel

Arabic translation: السقف

D - Overflow: the distance between the pergola roof and the outer edge of the structure. Example: I've chosen a 30 cm overhang for my pergola to protect my garden furniture from the rain.

English translation: Overhang

Spanish translation: Voladizo

Arabic translation: الهمس

E - Slings: ropes or cables that help support a pergola. Example: The stainless steel slings on my pergola give the structure great stability.

English translation: Slings

Spanish translation: Eslingas

Arabic translation: حبال التعليق

F - Fasteners: the fasteners that hold the pergola in place, often anchored in the ground or wall. Example: The galvanized steel fasteners on my pergola ensure maximum stability.

English translation: Fasteners

Spanish translation: Fijaciones

Arabic translation: التثبيت

G - Gutter: an element added to a pergola to collect rainwater. Example: The aluminum gutter on my pergola efficiently drains rainwater.

English translation: Gutter

Spanish translation: Canalón

Arabic translation: قناة التصريف

H - Height : the vertical measurement of the pergola, which may vary depending on the model and design of the installation.
Example: I've chosen a high pergola to create an airy, spacious area in my garden.
English translation : Height
Spanish translation: Altura
Arabic translation : ارتفاع

I - Waterproofing : a pergola's ability to prevent water from seeping through its surface.
Example: I've chosen a pergola with a waterproof roof so I can enjoy my outdoor space even when it's raining.
English translation : Waterproofness
Spanish translation: Impermeabilidad
Arabic translation : مقاومة الماء

J - Planter: a container integrated into a pergola for growing plants. Example: The planters integrated into my pergola are perfect for growing aromatic herbs.

English translation: Planter box

Spanish translation: Maceta

Arabic translation: صندوق زراعة

K - Mounting kit: a set of tools and materials needed to install a pergola. Example: The assembly kit supplied with my pergola made installation a breeze.

English translation: Assembly kit

Spanish translation: Kit de montaje

Arabic translation: مجموعة تجميع

L - Blades: horizontal elements in wood, metal or PVC that create shade and regulate the amount of light entering a pergola. Example: The adjustable slats on my pergola allow me to modulate the light to suit my needs.

English translation: Slats

Spanish translation: Lamas

Arabic translation: شرائح

M - Mosquito net: an element added to a pergola to prevent insects from entering the covered space. Example: The mosquito net on my pergola is very useful for enjoying the outdoors without being bothered by mosquitoes.

English translation: Mosquito netting

Spanish translation: Mosquitera

Arabic translation: شبكة البعوض

N - Niche: a storage or display area integrated into a pergola. Example: The niche in my pergola is perfect for storing my gardening tools.

English translation: Niche

Spanish translation: Nicho

Arabic translation: مساحة صغيرة

O - Shade: a fabric stretched over the pergola to create shade. Example: The shade on my pergola is made of waterproof canvas to protect me from the rain and sun.

English translation: Shade sail

Spanish translation: Toldo

Arabic translation: شراع الظل

P - Posts: the vertical elements that support a pergola. Example: The wooden posts of my pergola are very elegant and blend in well with my garden.

English translation: Posts

Spanish translation: Postes

Arabic translation: الأعمدة

Q - Quality: an important criterion to consider when purchasing a pergola. Example: The quality of my pergola's materials is crucial to its durability.

English translation: Quality

Spanish translation: Calidad

Arabic translation : جودة

R - Resistance : a pergola's ability to withstand the elements, such as rain, wind and snow, as well as the wear and tear of regular use. Example: I chose an aluminum pergola for its high resistance to weather and wear.

English translation : Resistance

Spanish translation: Resistencia

Arabic translation : مقاومة

S - Store: an element added to a pergola to create shade and protect from the sun's rays. Example: My pergola awning is motorized for ease of use.

English translation: Awning

Spanish translation: Toldo

Arabic translation: مظلة

T - Roof: the upper part of a pergola that offers protection against the elements. Example: The polycarbonate roof of my pergola is highly impact-resistant.

English translation: Roof

Spanish translation: Techo

Arabic translation: سقف

U - Use: the different ways of using a pergola, depending on your needs and lifestyle. Example: I like to use my pergola as a place to relax and read.

English translation: Use

Spanish translation: Uso

Arabic translation: استعمال

V - Vegetation: adding climbing plants or other plant elements to a pergola to create a natural, green atmosphere. Example: Adding climbing plants to my pergola makes the space very pleasant to live in.

English translation: Greening

Spanish translation: Vegetación

Arabic translation: التخضير

W - Waterproof: an important criterion when choosing a pergola if you want it to be waterproof. Example: My pergola has a waterproof canvas roof to protect me from the rain.

English translation: Waterproof

Spanish translation: Impermeable

Arabic translation: مقاوم للماء

X - Xylophene: a product used to treat wood against insects and fungi. Example: Before building my wooden pergola, I applied xylophene to protect it against wood-boring insects.

English translation: Woodworm killer

Spanish translation: Xilofeno

Arabic translation: مبيد الحشرات الخشبية

Y - Including: a term often used to indicate what's included in the price of a pergola. Example: The price of my pergola includes delivery and assembly kit.

English translation: Including

Spanish translation: Incluido

Arabic translation: شامل

Z - Zinc plating: a surface treatment that involves coating a material with zinc to protect it from corrosion. Example: The steel posts of my pergola were zinc-coated to protect them against rust.

English translation: Galvanizing

Spanish translation: Galvanización

Arabic translation: تغليف بالزنك

The origin of the word pergola

The origin of the word "pergola" dates back to Roman antiquitywhere it was used to describe a lattice structure supported by columnsusually covered with vines. Over the centuries, the pergola has become a popular architectural feature in gardens, parks and public spaces.

The way we write "pergola" in Latin, the language of the ancient Romans, is "pergula".

Today, the pergola has evolved to become a multifunctional structure which can be used to create comfortable, elegant outdoor living spaces. Modern pergolas are often equipped with retractable roofs, side awnings and integrated lights to provide the optimum user experience. Construction materials have also evolved to include options such as aluminum, composite wood and PVC, offering a greater variety of styles and designs.

In short, the pergola has undergone significant evolution from its beginnings in Roman antiquity to the present day, but it remains a popular and functional architectural element for creating a pleasant outdoor space.

Pergola synonyms

Here are the most common synonyms for Pergola:

• Arbour A trellis-like structure supported by posts, often used to shade a garden corner or terrace.
• Kiosk A small, free-standing structure, often built in a park or public garden, used for resting or sunbathing.
• Gloriette A small decorative pergola, often used as an architectural element in formal gardens.
• Treille A trellis structure that supports climbing plants such as vines, roses or wisteria.
• Awning A protective structure against sun and rain, usually attached to the wall of a building.
• Belvedere An elevated garden structure, usually with a roof, offering panoramic views.
• Pavilion A large building or tent, often used for events or exhibitions.
• Garden pavilion A detached garden building, often with a roof, used for leisure or entertainment.
• Marquise A structure usually attached to a building, providing protection from the sun or rain.

Now you know exactly how to define your Pergola!