When it comes to creating shade and structure in your outdoor space, two options stand out: pergolas and covered porches. Both add style and comfort to your backyard, but they serve different functions and suit different lifestyles.
At Reed’s Remodeling, we help homeowners across Murfreesboro and Rutherford County decide which option works best for their needs, space, and home design. If you’re trying to choose between a pergola and a covered porch, here’s what you need to know.
🌿 What’s the Difference?
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Pergola: A freestanding or attached open-air structure with vertical posts and a slatted roof (often wood or metal). Offers partial shade and a light, airy feel.
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Covered Porch: A solid-roofed structure that is usually attached to the home and supported by columns or posts. Offers full protection from rain and sun, often with options for screens or enclosures.
✅ Pergola Pros
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Stylish and modern — Adds architectural flair to any backyard
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Customizable — Add climbing vines, retractable canopies, lights, or fans
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Flexible placement — Can go over patios, gardens, hot tubs, or outdoor dining areas
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More affordable — Typically lower cost than a full covered porch
Pergolas are perfect for homeowners looking to add structure without enclosure and keep that open-air feel.
✅ Covered Porch Pros
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Year-round usability — Offers more protection from rain, wind, and harsh sun
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Blends seamlessly — Especially with traditional home styles
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Can be enclosed — Add screens, glass, or even heating for a true 3- or 4-season space
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Increases resale value — Often viewed as a livable extension of the home
Covered porches are ideal for those who want to maximize comfort and weather protection—especially if you plan to spend time outside year-round.
🏡 Which Is Right for Your Home?
Ask yourself these key questions:
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Do you want to feel completely outdoors, or protected and enclosed?
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Will the space be used mainly in summer, or across multiple seasons?
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Is the style of your home more rustic, modern, or traditional?
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What’s your budget—and are you planning to entertain often?
If you’re not sure, many of our clients combine both—a covered porch for lounging and a pergola nearby for dining or outdoor cooking.
Let Reed’s Remodeling Help You Decide
Whether you’re dreaming of an open-air pergola or a cozy covered porch, Reed’s Remodeling offers custom outdoor solutions that match your home, your style, and your everyday life.
📍 Proudly serving Murfreesboro, Christiana, Rockvale, and all of Rutherford County
📞 Contact us today to start planning your backyard upgrade—one post, beam, or roof at a time.
