Patios and pergolas are common sights across the United States these days. It seems that homes and businesses in all corners of the country can benefit from these structures. After all, they give people more usable space and allow them to enjoy more time outside. They can be customized in endless ways as well, so even if every home in a specific neighborhood has both a patio and a pergola, chances are no two are exactly alike.
At this point, there’s an endless range of patio and pergola designs to choose from. They can be made of various materials, and they come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can be simple, functional structures or incredibly elaborate spaces. You can even incorporate the latest technology into them, such as smart features, cooling systems, and infrared heaters to name a few possibilities. When and where did all this start, though? Who is responsible for bringing these outdoor features into our lives? Read on to learn more about the origins of patios and pergolas.
Exploring the History of Pergolas
First off, let’s take a look back in time to see where pergolas got their start. Long before easy diy pergola kits were readily available to homeowners, these structures were bringing beauty, comfort, and functionality to people’s outdoor spaces. They’re believed to date back to about 1400 BC, and the earliest examples of these structures were found in Ancient Egypt. Even then, pergolas were used to escape the sun’s heat, which is certainly fitting for a desert climate.
One of the oldest pergolas discovered thus far was found in Thebes in what was once a garden. It belonged to a member of the Egyptian nobility. Of course, many people, including both royalty and commoners, likely had pergolas in that area during that timeframe. No doubt, members of other cultures used them as well.
Early pergolas had roofs much like the traditional versions we see today. People didn’t cover them with fabrics and synthetic materials, though. In fact, they often had living roofs made of grape vines and other types of plants. Pergolas gave those plants extra support, and the plants supplied the pergolas with plenty of shade.
In the early days of the pergola, which is actually a Latin term that means “projecting roof,” these structures were made of various materials. Those included wood and stone, both of which are still popular today. Of course, several other materials have also entered the mix. If Ancient Egyptians could see the vinyl, composite wood, and aluminum pergolas we have today, they’d probably think they were the work of evil forces.
Pergolas likewise appeared in Ancient Rome, where they were also built in gardens and public spaces to provide shade and beauty. Over several hundred years, they spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. They made appearances in elaborate gardens, lavish estates, and many other locations. Though their popularity faded for a time, it experienced a revival during the Victorian Era. From there, they became sparse yet again, but they’ve certainly made a comeback. They’re popular across the globe now, and they’re not likely to fall out of favor any time soon.
Discovering the Origin and Olden Days of Patios
Now, it’s time to take a closer look at patios. The word “patio” originally referred to an inner courtyard, and this type of outdoor space has roots in ancient cultures as well. By some accounts, patios began in Ancient Rome where homes had central courtyards with spaces for people to find shade or gather with others. Courtyards were also an important component of Ancient Islamic architecture, and this culture spread the concept throughout the Middle East, Northern Africa, Central and Southern Asia, Turkey, and parts of Eastern Europe.
At the same time, Ancient Romans and Islamic empires brought their architectural styles to the Iberian Peninsula, where they took hold in Spain. Patios became integral to Spanish architecture and spread into Latin America when Spain began colonizing that region. Naturally, they branched out even further along the way. In time, patios, in the original sense, began to evolve. They veered away from the elaborate courtyards the term once referred to and ultimately began to more closely resemble the structures we know today.
Early patios were made of a variety of materials. They varied by region depending on the types of resources that were available. Some were made of marble, which is beautiful but was mainly reserved for the wealthy in those days. Others were made of more accessible types of stone. In areas where clay was readily available, brick patios were more common. Clay tiles also came into play, and people used them to create beautiful patterns in their patios. Ancient Romans were known to use a version of concrete to construct their patios.
While versions of patios inundated the globe over time, they didn’t begin to gain true popularity in North America until the 1950s or so. Once they started gaining ground, though, they quickly rose to fame. Now, they’re as important here as they were in other countries centuries ago. Of course, the reasons are a bit different. In many of the countries and cultures where patios originated, they were essential for escaping overbearing heat. Today, with central air conditioning and tightly sealed homes, they could be considered more of a luxury. They give people an extension of their living spaces. They’re wonderful places to relax, have a nice barbecue, and entertain guests.
Into the Modern Era
Both patios and pergolas have been around for thousands of years. They’ve evolved over time, though. They may not be quite as ornate today as some were in ancient times, but they’re certainly more diverse. More materials are available than ever before, and more patio and pergola accessories are on the market. An array of advanced features can be built into these structures as well. Though they’ve only taken hold in America over the last several decades, they’re undoubtedly here to stay, and they’ll continue to gain popularity and branch out in the years to come.
