How the Terrace Became the Family’s Favorite Spot: The Story of a Pergola
Many homes have a large patio that, on paper, seems like the perfect place to relax. In reality, however, it’s often barely used. The sun is too strong, it starts to rain, the wind picks up, and suddenly the patio is empty.
In this article, we present a real-life customer story. Through the example of the Szabó family, you can see how a pergola can transform the usability of a terrace and turn the garden into a true living space.
Starting point: a large terrace that was barely used
The Szabó family lives in a quiet, green suburban area in a modern family home. Their property included an approximately 30 m² terrace connected to the garden.
At first glance, it seemed like an ideal place for relaxation or family activities. In practice, however, it was rarely used. The reason was simple: from the afternoon until evening, it was exposed to direct sunlight.
During the summer months, the flooring and walls became so hot that the terrace was practically unusable. They tried using a sun umbrella, but it didn’t provide enough shade, and in windy conditions it constantly had to be closed. In rainy weather, it was not possible to stay outside at all.
The family wanted the terrace to truly become part of their home—not just an unused space next to the garden.
“We were already thinking about a pergola during the construction phase, but we postponed it. Year after year, we felt that the terrace remained underutilized. In summer it was too hot, and in spring and autumn it was too windy.”
Searching for a solution: awning or pergola?
The family initially considered awnings. However, it quickly became clear that this would only partially solve the problem.
An awning provides shade, but does not offer full protection from rain. In strong winds, it must be retracted and does not create a true covered outdoor space. They then began exploring pergolas and requested quotes from several manufacturers.
In the end, they chose a TERO pergola based on several factors.
Why did they choose a TERO pergola?
Clean design and solid structure
The modern aluminum pergola fit perfectly with the style of the house. It was important that the structure be not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing.
Long-term solution
The 20-year warranty on the aluminum structure provided them with strong confidence. They were looking for a solution that would function reliably for many years with minimal maintenance.
Useful accessories
The pergola offered several features that enhance usability:
- motorized adjustable louvers
- built-in LED lighting
- hidden drainage system
- side zip screens
This allowed them to have shading, rain protection, and added comfort in a single system.
Local expert team
Another important factor was having a locally accessible installer. It reassured the family that they could maintain direct contact with professionals throughout both the design and installation process.
“We especially appreciated that they didn’t suggest a generic solution. They asked in detail how we planned to use the terrace and tailored the pergola accordingly.”
Installation process
After the survey and design phase, the installation went smoothly and quickly. The pergola structure was completed in a short time, and care was taken not to unnecessarily disturb the garden or surroundings during the process.
“Everything was surprisingly fast. The work was precise, and after installation they left everything tidy.”
The result: a new outdoor living space
After the pergola was installed, the previously underused terrace became an important part of the family’s everyday life.
An outdoor living room in the garden
They placed a comfortable seating set and coffee table under the pergola. The terrace essentially became a new living room. Mornings often start here with coffee, conversation, or a bit of laptop work.
A usable terrace even in the rain
During a Sunday lunch, they quickly experienced the benefit of the adjustable louvers. When it started raining, they simply closed the roof and continued their meal without interruption.
Evening life on the terrace
Thanks to the built-in LED lighting, the terrace remains comfortable after dark. The family often stays outside after dinner to chat or play board games.
Protection from wind and insects
The side screens proved especially useful in spring. When lowered, they reduce wind impact and help keep mosquitoes away in the summer.
Improved indoor temperature
The pergola shades the rear wall and windows of the house. As a result, the interior heats up less during the summer months. According to the family, this also reduced the use of air conditioning.
What advice does the family give to those considering a pergola?
Based on their own experience, they shared a few useful tips:
- Think in advance about how you want to use the terrace
- Consider the size of the pergola and the necessary accessories
- Motorized louvers significantly increase comfort
- Side screens are very helpful in windy areas
- Choosing a reliable installer is essential
“After the first summer, we said it was one of the best decisions we made. The terrace came to life completely.”
A pergola is much more than a shading structure. When properly designed, it creates a true outdoor living space that becomes a natural extension of the home. The story of the Szabó family clearly shows that a well-chosen pergola:
- significantly increases terrace usability
- enables more comfortable outdoor relaxation
- can improve the energy efficiency of the home
- and may increase the property’s value in the long term
If you also want to make better use of your terrace, it’s worth consulting an expert to determine which pergola solution best fits your home. The TERO quote request form can help you get started.
FAQ – Pergola installation and use
What does hidden drainage mean?
Hidden drainage is an important technical feature of modern pergolas. In this system, rainwater is not drained along the edge of the roof but collected in channels built into the structure and directed through the columns. This prevents dripping along the edges and keeps the structure visually clean.
What happens if the pergola motor fails?
Motorized pergolas are reliable systems designed for long-term use. Quality components are typically engineered for thousands of opening cycles. In case of malfunction, most manufacturers offer both warranty and post-warranty service, allowing parts to be repaired or replaced.
How much do extras increase the cost of a pergola?
The cost of accessories depends on the size and type of the pergola. In general, extras such as side screens or built-in lighting represent a moderate additional cost compared to the base price. It’s advisable to consider these options early in the planning phase, as this makes installation simpler and more cost-effective.
