Pergolas, Arbors, and Screens

Functional Beauty That Defines Your Outdoor Space At Windwhistle Landscaping, we specialize in creating outdoor structures that blend form and function—adding shade, structure, and style to your landscape. Our custom pergolas, arbors, and privacy screens are thoughtfully designed to complement your home’s architecture and enhance your outdoor living experience.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy retreat, a striking garden centerpiece, or a stylish way to add privacy, our team brings craftsmanship and creativity to every project.

1. Pergolas

What They Are:
Open-framed structures that provide shade, architectural interest, and support for climbing plants. Can be freestanding or attached to a home or deck.

Use Cases:

  • Over patios or outdoor dining areas
  • Along walkways or transitions between garden zones
  • As a frame for vines (clematis, wisteria, grape, honeysuckle)

Design Options:

  • Square, rectangular, or custom-shaped layouts
  • Beam sizes and spacing adjusted for sun/shade balance
  • Can include integrated lighting, curtain rods, or canopy systems

2. Arbors

What They Are:
Smaller archways or framed portals, often used as a focal point or entrance. Typically 3–5 feet wide and 7–8 feet tall.

Use Cases:

  • Entry into a front garden or pathway
  • Between sections of a back garden
  • Supporting light climbers or vines (rose, clematis, sweet pea)

Design Notes:

  • Can be integrated into a fence or stand alone
  • Often paired with natural stone or stepping paths
  • Great for creating a “moment” of transition in the garden

3. Screens

What They Are:
Vertical structures that offer privacy, wind protection, or visual division — can be solid, slatted, or decorative.

Use Cases:

  • Blocking views from neighboring properties
  • Creating a backdrop for planters or garden beds
  • Softening the edges of patios or decks
  • Hiding utilities (AC units, garbage bins, composters)

Design Options:

  • Tight horizontal or vertical slats
  • Decorative laser-cut panels (metal, wood, or composite)
  • Integrated planter boxes or lighting options
  • Modular panels that can be added onto over time

🎨 Finishing: Raw vs. Stained Wood

The look and longevity of your structure depends a lot on how the wood is treated. We work with you to choose the right approach based on your preferences, exposure, and desired level of upkeep.

🌲 Raw (Unfinished) Wood

Pros:

  • Natural, organic look — weathers to silver-grey over time
  • No ongoing staining or touch-up required
  • Works beautifully in rustic, woodland, or naturalized settings

Cons:

  • More exposed to the elements (especially UV and water)
  • Eventually shows checking (surface cracks) and color fading
  • Less protection against mildew or mold in shaded areas

Best for clients who appreciate natural aging and minimal upkeep.

🎨 Stained or Painted Wood

Pros:

  • Adds a refined, clean finish
  • Can match or contrast your home’s palette
  • Protects the wood from sun and water damage
  • Helps prevent mold or discolouration in shady/damp zones

Cons:

  • Requires re-staining every 2–4 years depending on exposure
  • Labor-intensive to apply properly (especially on slatted surfaces)
  • Priming is essential if using paint — otherwise it can peel prematurely

Staining Tips:

  • We always recommend using a high-quality penetrating stain (semi-transparent or solid) rather than paint
  • Surfaces should be sanded and cleaned prior to staining
  • Horizontal surfaces (top beams, railings) weather faster than vertical ones
  • Clear finishes offer minimal UV protection — best for covered or shaded structures

🧭 Choosing the Right Structure

A few guiding questions we often walk through with clients:

  • Do you want full shade, partial shade, or just a visual frame?
  • Is this about privacy, plant support, or ambiance?
  • Do you want something natural and rustic, or clean and architectural?
  • How much upkeep are you comfortable with over the years?
  • Are you open to integrating lighting, planters, or vines into the design?

🖼️ Visual Examples (for Website or Portfolio)

Include a small gallery with photos like:

  • A freestanding pergola over a flagstone patio, softened by vines and underlightingA cedar arbor at the entrance to a gravel garden path
  • A horizontal screen along a deck, paired with lush planting for layered privacy
  • A raw pergola with sweet autumn clematis spilling over the beams
  • A modern stained structure beside a composite deck with integrated lights

Each image can be captioned with key materials, dimensions, and context (e.g., “Urban privacy screen with tight cedar slats and planter integration”).

💬 Final Thoughts

Pergolas, arbors, and screens are more than structural — they shape the feeling of a space. They slow the eye, frame the view, and create a sense of refuge. Whether you want something minimal and modern or earthy and romantic, we’ll help design a piece that suits your space and stands the test of time.

Transform Your Outdoor Space Today