All the SPF discussion means it’s summer.  SPF refers to the Sun Protection Factor mysteriously embedded in suntan lotion.  Of course, you already knew that.  Remember when having a bronze tan was super cool?  We still hope a little color looks healthy, but the scientific reality is that pasty is now the new cool.  Holes in the ozone, global warming and an army of left wing scientists are going to win this argument.  My SPF translation is Sexy Pergola Fun.  Ours hovers sexy over the massive grill station, supports 3 hanging baskets this time of year and is loaded with twinkly Christmas lights in another 5 months.  It’s often the ceiling of our fun.

Think of a pergola as a dappled spf 20.  The not-so randomly staggered overhead members designed to prompt subtle shade, also enhance the “outdoor room” sensation many are starved for.  Specialized spacing calculated via a neurotic internet program can produce almost complete shade, if that is the objective.

To paint or not to paint is a prevailing debate.  Sure, the fresh cedar is a healthy look ooozing a delightfully earthy fragrance.  Painting immediately formalizes the structure and ties it to the home.  Left natural, it leisurely blends in to the surrounding landscape and friends joining your party … just bring a bottle of something.
Cedar is the material of choice for local pergolas, although pressure treated pine, ipe Brazilian hardwood, synthetics and steel are commonly discussed alternatives, they are seldom employed.  Customization is easy with end details, arches in the beams and trim strategies on columns.
Most guys just don’t get it.  “It doesn’t keep out the mosquitoes, the sun still comes through and if it rains, we are going inside…I just don’t get it”.  “Of course you don’t dear” is the impromptu reply.  Weeks later the project is complete and another “ah ha” moment is born … he gets it.  Face it ladies, most of us are cosmopolitan neophytes. 
Still, the pesky sun penetrates too much for many, and more substantial solutions are necessary.  Guess what?  “Solutioneering” has fueled custom lattice, outdoor drapes, formalized canopies and other edgy SPF safeguards.  Anticipate those in a few weeks.  Until then have some sexy pergola fun!