Pergolas are beautiful and functional, bringing some shade and style to your outdoor space. Whether you are considering building your own or hiring a contractor, putting a pergola on your deck or patio is a great choice.
A pergola can be designed and built by:
- Choosing the right materials
- Planning according to the space
- Carefully constructing the columns and covering
- Installing the individual parts
Your pergola will be the pride of your backyard and can be fairly easy to install. Keep reading to learn more about the building and design process, as well as some things to keep in mind if you are considering doing it on your own or hiring a contractor.
Designing and Building a Pergola
Their natural elegance and minimalistic design make pergolas a popular choice for any outdoor deck and patio. The following sections will discuss the steps necessary for designing and building your outdoor pergola.
The steps to designing a pergola are as follows:
- Find your materials
- Plan it out
- Build the columns and the cover
- Assemble any other individual parts.
However, there are some nuances to pergola building that any prospective builder should know.
The Design Process
Your pergola design should be the very first step in planning the outdoor structure of your dreams.
A good pergola design should take the following things into account:
- Size: You can only build a pergola within the space you have. Carefully measure your deck and patio, and see what dimensions you can use for the pergola. You will also need to have careful measurements in mind for the height of the columns, and the length and width of the lattice boards.
- Material: Many pergolas are constructed from treated wood due to their durability. However, many may choose to install columns made from synthetic or stone-based material. Regardless of what you prefer, make sure that you are choosing a material that is weather-proof and suited for outdoor conditions.
- Availability: Certain materials or quantities of materials may be difficult to come across, and you may find yourself needing to preorder things to complete your project. Keep this in mind as you set a timeline and make your design.
While designing, you can also think about what the surrounding landscaping will look like and any additional features, such as plant hangers, that you may wish to add.
Building Your Pergola
Once you have the design ready and the materials, you can begin the installation. Wait until a time of year when the ground will be soft and the weather appropriate for your construction project.
You can follow these steps to construct your pergola:
- Install the columns: These are the most essential part of the structure and can be fairly easy to install. You may choose to install them directly into the ground or affix them to the patio or deck surface. Regardless of which you choose, make sure they are anchored and stable.
- Install the beams: The beams will be the next crucial step, providing support for the lattice structure. The beams can be directly affixed to the columns. Just make sure they are level and suitable for load bearing.
- Add the lattice: The lattice effect can be created by installing interlocking wood beams that will filter out the sun. There are many creative designs for a pergola lattice, so you can truly design this to your taste.
- Add any finishing details: Small things like cornices or rail ends can put the extra design touch on your pergola. These are usually easy to install directly to the beams.
Your pergola will be a big project, but hopefully a fun and enjoyable one.
Choosing to Go With A Contractor
If you are unsure of whether to DIY your pergola or seek the services of a professional, you can make this decision by thinking through a few things.
They are:
- Experience: If you have never done a construction project, it may be best to seek help from a contractor.
- Complexity: If your pergola has a complex lattice or other construction considerations like difficult pillar installation, you may wish to contact a construction professional.
- Size: A giant pergola will be a backyard hit, but it may require a lot of work on your part.
If you do choose to hire a contractor, keep in mind that this will be an added expense to your project and you should budget accordingly.
Conclusion
Pergolas are a timeless backyard fixture that will bring lots of joy and practicality to your outdoor gatherings. If you are considering building your pergola, you can do so by carefully considering a design and installing it one step at a time. Whether you do it on your own or by hiring a contractor, you will soon have a pergola to last for years of backyard fun.
