Wooden Pergola & Gazebo Select The Right Wood For Your Outdoor Pergola And Gazebo
Pergolas and Gazebos are a wonderful accent structure to add to a garden, patio or uncovered deck. They are extremely versatile and the perfect way to set apart a seating or entertainment area from the rest of the yard. Additionally, pergolas tend to be fairly simple to construct, as the average design is rectangular, roofless and consists mostly of beams and pillars.
Wood is primarily used for Pergola and Gazebo construction since it tends to be readily available, easy to work with and durable when exposed to outdoor conditions. But before you rush to the lumber yard to grab your materials, you should consider which type of wood is best for your project and your needs.
You can build a pergola or a gazebo with essentially any wood you’d like, but these four primary types are the best options for a professional-quality structure.
Use Posts With Some Heft Especially If Your Deck Is More Than 2 Ft Off The Ground
Tall decks look spindly and awkward perched on 4×4 posts. Use 6×6 posts instead; they look and are more solid and substantial. They’ll also last longer and support extra weight if you add a structure to your deck somewhere down the road. And avoid posts that already have a twist or bow; chances are the defect will only get worse. Larger posts are better both visually and structurally.
When Buying Cedar Or Redwood Decking Select Decking Boards Cut From Heartwood
Heartwood contains the natural preservative oils that give these woods their resistance to decay and insect attack. Heartwood in these species is the darker core of the tree. Sapwood —lighter in color and cut from the outer edges of the tree—lacks these natural oils. If you’re purchasing redwood, you may find two grades. Look for lumber labeled “heartwood common,” which has more heartwood than “construction common.”
Install decking boards “good side up.” Some swear decking boards should only be installed “bark side up, ” the theory being, if a board cups, boards laid “bark side up” will warp into a hump that water will run off rather than a dip where water can settle. But tests have shown there are many reasons boards cup and they don’t always cup according to “bark side. ”
Aluminum Patio Covers Vs Wood Patio Covers Vs Alumawood Patio Covers
The Florida sunshine is gorgeous, but it can be unforgiving. That’s why many Floridians choose to add a roof to their patios by installing a patio cover. These popular features can keep the space pleasantly shady, reducing both the temperature there and your worries about sunburn. What type of patio roof works best? To find out, you’ll want to explore the pros and cons of the top three patio covers: aluminum patio covers, wood patio covers and Alumawood patio covers.
How To Build A Patio Cover With A Corrugated Metal Roof Dengarden
Nov 2, 2014 Before and after building and installing the patio cover. One way to save a bit of money is to take on some home repair and renovation projects yourself. Shopping around for the best prices for materials was absolutely necessary. hangars and a lower grade of lumber for the areas of the patio cover
What Weather Conditions Are Best For Staining And Sealing Wood
A general rule of thumb for the best type of weather and temperature for staining and sealing wood is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit . Deciding when to stain should be based on your extended forecast. The wood needs to be dry when you apply the stain or sealant, and a precipitation-free window of time after staining. Most types of stain recommend a rain-free window of around 24-48 hours after application. Follow the application guidelines on your chosen stain, sealant or paint.
Nothing Beats Douglas Fir For Structural Patio Cover Material
The Douglas Fir softwood is one of the strongest among all softwoods. Douglas fir weighs approximately 30 pounds per cubic foot with a 12 % moisture content. Furthermore, with its ability to withstand heavy loads, it’s closely compared to that of mild steel, yet lighter. This makes Douglas Fir the United States number one choice among all structural woods. Especially for the wood covered patio.
Moreover, the Douglas Fir wood can be used for both heavy structural and appearance grade projects and just about everything in-between. Widely considered for both Commercial and residential construction jobs, it’s also very versatile. When used within its structural limitations, the wood can give many years of great performance.
Traditionally, one of the most popular uses of Douglas fir wood is in residential construction, specifically the framing of rafters, wall studs, beams, and posts. When strength is needed as a primary factor in construction, this wood meets and exceeds all requirements.
Consider All Three Dimensions When Selecting Your Deck Boards
Some deck boards are thicker or wider and some have rounded edges. All perform a bit differently.
Width: Six-inch wide boards are ideal in most cases. Four inch wide material takes longer to install, creates more gaps and requires a lot more fasteners—but you can use it. Eight inch wide boards, because of their greater width, have more of a tendency to crack and cup; avoid using them.
Thickness: Radius-edge, 5/4 material has become extremely common. In most cases, it requires a joist spacing of 16 in. for proper support. If your joists are spaced at 24 in. or you’re running your deck boards at a diagonal, you may need to use 2-by boards. Avoid boards that are only 3/4 in. thick. They have a wimpy feel underfoot even with closer joist spacing.
Length: When possible, buy decking that can run the full length of your deck. All lumberyards and home centers carry 16-ft. deck boards, but many also stock or can order 20- and 24-ft. boards, though they may cost more. Full-length material allows you to avoid butting boards end to end, which can invite trouble; the ends of boards are more absorbent, slower to dry out and more susceptible to rotting, swelling and splintering. Fasteners driven close to the ends also tend to split the wood, making the ends even more vulnerable.
Method 1 Of 2:installing Different Types Of Patio Covers
Comparing Wood Deck Options: Cedar Pressure Treated Wood
Which is the best decking material for a wood deck—cedar, pressure-treated or composite Probably the most difficult decision to make when building a deck is what type of decking to use. How to Shade Your Deck or Patio with a DIY Awning Doctor Says Don’t Cover Up Your Dark Spots – Gundry MD.
Looking For Something More Modern Canvas Is The Answer
Canvas patio covers combined with a wood frame have exploded in popularity in recent years as more homeowners recognize the value of installing colorful, lightweight canvas canopies to cover their outdoor spaces. Canvas canopies create a fresh, breezy look with the added benefit of adjustability to permit your desired amount of sunlight.
At J&W Lumber, we carry the Infinity Canopy which features adjustable, easy-slide design to allow shade or sun instantly. This straightforward system can be installed on free-standing or attached patio covers constructed from nearly any material. Infinity Patio Covers come in multiple colors and patterns, so they’re simple to swap as seasons – or personal tastes – change.
Patio Cover Materials And How To Choose The Best One
So you’ve made the decision to add a patio cover to your outdoor space. The next hurdle: material type. Not all patio covers are made of the same material and you may feel confused about how to find the right one, considering the myriad choices available.
Your choice of material is crucial as this can determine the quality of your patio covers. Materials need to be strong enough to withstand the elements for a long time, but lightweight at the same time to keep you comfortable while you’re relaxing beneath it. Additionally, different types of patio covers offer your home different optical effects, which is why it’s important to pick the one that does what you intend. The patio, after all, is as much a decorative piece in your home as it is functional.
To help you out, here are three common patio cover materials along with their pros and cons:
So Confused On What Lumber To Use For A Patio Cover
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104 posts in 2400 days 01-31-2015 10:54 PM |
I think I’ve reached the paralysis by over-analysis stage. I’m going to build a patio cover. I was going to use an appearance grade PT wood for the posts and beam, a construction grade PT for the ledger board, and premium standard and better select douglas fir dimensional for the rafters. Then I got to thinking nothing would match . Now I’m wondering if I can use the premium standard and better select doug. fir on everything, and seal it before staining, or if I should move to the appearance grade PT lumber for everything. Help please! And on a side note…. what the hell is the official name for PT wood with the perforations, and the official name for the PT wood without the perforations? I can’t find it on google to save my life…… I’d like to read about the differences but without the official name I can’t do a google search that returns anything applicable to what I’m looking for. |
A Little Curve Twist Or Crown To Your Joists Is Ok
It’s actually preferable to use joists with a slight crown, an upward bow of 1/4 to 1/2 in. . Joists will settle and sag slightly as they support weight and movement. A perfectly flat joist will wind up with a dip. Check the crown by sighting along the edge of the board. Then check that crowned edge for scalped edges, called “wane” .Wane on the bottom of a joist is OK, but wane on the top means there’s less wood for driving fasteners into—and you can’t butt two deck boards on an uneven joist. Consistent joists make for a smoother deck.
The depths of joists can vary by as much as 3/8 in.; the 12-ft. long 2x10s at your lumberyard may measure 9-1/8 in. in depth, while the 16-footers measure 9-1/2 in. Deck boards secured to uneven joists will flex more and the fasteners will creak and pop. Use joists that vary less than 1/8 in.
Moisture Damaged Patio Covers And Termite Repairs
Termites love wood. With this in mind, that termite-infested, decomposed patio cover full of dry rot is a structural hazard. Time for maintenance to begin… time to get it repaired. Who better to repair your patio cover than us?
We’re patiocovered and yes, we repair covered patios here in Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, and the entire San Fernando Valley. There’s nothing out guys love more than repairing wood patio covers, seriously. We love wood about as much as termites do.
Avoid Treated Lumber That Has A Lot Of Heartwood
Since heartwood—wood from the center of the tree—is denser, it accepts pressure treatment less readily than sapwood—wood cut from the outer edges. This isn’t as great an issue with dimensional lumber like 2x10s and deck boards; these boards are thin enough that the preservatives are usually driven throughout. But with 4×4 and 6×6 posts, the preservatives may not penetrate the dense heartwood. However, it can be difficult to find posts not cut from heartwood.
About 70 percent of this post is heartwood, which did not accept the preservative treatment.
Patio Cover Contractors In Los Angeles Near Me
It seems as if everyone is building covered patios in Los Angeles. As a matter of fact, contractors, in general, are more abundant than water here in Southern California, right? Okay, so let’s be honest, even I hate dealing with contractors.
I mean, they can be a nightmare sometimes., even for us. And we’re contractors! We are different. No, really we are. Not to mention, we only build patio covers. We don’t do roofs, bathrooms, kitchens, or flooring. Occasionally, we’ll veer off and do a small job as a favor for mom… but 99.9% of the time, its patio covers and decks. We’re just humble servants. To us… you’re the boss. Just Build A Patio Cover Yourself
When in doubt, just build your own patio cover. What else are you going to do with those tools you got last year for Christmas? Unfortunately, we only offer Alumawood in a patio cover kit here in Los Angeles, but hey, I thought I’d just toss it out there as an option. One more thing to consider with aluminum covered patios… dry rot. The aluminum patio will not deteriorate. That moisture-damaged patio cover is now a thing of the past.
Every Type Of Deck Board Has Its Pros And Cons
There are three main categories of deck boards, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Natural woods: The rich, natural color of redwood and cedar looks fantastic when the deck is new. These woods are also naturally stable and tend to lie flat with minimal checking or cracking. But natural woods will turn gray within the first year or two unless you regularly maintain them with a sealer or finish. They’re also softer and more likely to get scratched and gouged when you drag furniture across them or shovel them in winter. This decking is more expensive.
Treated lumber: This material is strong, long lasting and the least expensive of your options. But often boards that aren’t kiln dried after treatment will shrink appreciably after they’re installed, creating wider spaces between the boards. And treated lumber has a greater tendency to crack once in place; apply a water repellent every year or two to stabilize it. Treated lumber is the least expensive.
Perfect Deck Lumber Doesn’t Need To Be Perfect
You can be too picky. It’s OK if 5 percent of your boards are “ dogs”. Lumber with moderate defects can be used. Use lower quality lumber where it’s not visible or for shorter spans. Sometimes you can straighten warped boards.
Deck boards: If a deck board isn’t perfectly straight, you can work the bow out of it as you nail it to the joists. And if there’s a foot or two of bad material, you can cut out the defect, then use the resulting two shorter pieces for a smaller area of the deck, stair treads or landings.
Framing: Set aside your straightest joists and use them for the perimeter of your deck. If you have joists that are curved or twisted, straighten them with blocking or as you install the decking . Extremely bowed or knot-filled boards can, again, be cut up and used as blocking or as joists for smaller landings and deck sections.
Tip: As you haul your material from the driveway to the back yard, stack it into piles of “pretty” and “ugly”, then use them accordingly.
Note: Figure A can be downloaded and printed from Additional Information below.
Are Wooden Patio Covers Still The Best Choice
Wooden patio covers are nothing new – there have been several innovations since their conception that may have made them outdated and made them a sub optimal choice to any homeowner..
In this article we delve a little deeper into the pros and cons of wooden patio covers, and try and help you decide if they are the right product for you
What Are The Best Materials For Patio Roofing
Metal sheeting might be used for patio roofing.
There are a variety of options for patio roofing materials including metal, wood, vinyl, and plastic. It is important for homeowners to carefully consider their needs as well as the region and climate to determine which option is best. Some materials are better suited to certain climates than others, and many homeowners rely on the expertise of a professional contractor or the local home improvement store staff to guide them in the best direction. The visual appearance of each of the roofing materials also plays a role in helping the homeowner chose which is best for his or her purposes. It is easy to view roofing options on home improvement websites or by visiting a local store before making a final decision.
One of the most popular options for patio roofing is metal. Metal roofing has several beneficial features, such as durability, fitting in with most patio styles, and wide availability at affordable prices. In most cases, metal roofs must be professionally installed to avoid incorrect installation, which may result in more expense to repair the roof itself, as well as money needed to replace other property damaged by water from a leaky roof. Metal roofs conduct heat very efficiently, and could make the patio underneath hot and uncomfortable for many people. When choosing a metal patio roof, it is also important to use only metal sheeting strong enough to support a person’s weight for easy repair and maintenance.
Wood Patio Cover Vs The Alumawood Patio Cover
Contrast this with the aluminum lattice patio cover or pergola. Yes, the aluminum will in fact block the sun just as the wood does, the single difference is it’s just aluminum. The installation is the same for the most part. What about the cost?
Is the wood lattice patio cover more expensive than the Alumawood lattice patio cover?
Yes, the wooden lattice patio tends to be more expensive than Alumawood for lattice patio covers. In some cases, the wood patio cover will cost almost double what the Alumawood lattice patio cover will cost. It’s not the lattice that’s expensive or the fact that it’s open. When considering wooden lattice covers one must take into consideration the fact that there is more labor when building these over Alumawood. Don’t get me wrong, Alumawood is a solid patio cover, but it’s still aluminum.
What type of additional labor? Well, there is painting, footings, hardware, and in many cases, engineering to consider. Your best practice would be to call us for an evaluation of your backyard. We can take a look at your outdoor living desires and try to come up with a few options.
Buy Straight Solid 2x12s For Your Stair Jacks
Be fussy here. Look for material that’s straight, with no splits or large knots. Stair jacks should be straight so that the stairs remain level and strong. You’ll cut deep triangles into each 2×12 to accommodate the treads; avoid splits along the top edge and knots along the lower edge, which can weaken the already thinned body of the jack.
Additional Information
Comparing The Different Types Of Patio Covers
A patio offers the perfect area to host parties, barbecues and other outdoor gatherings. Rather than staying cooped up indoors, you can go outside to enjoy the fresh air. But it’s difficult to fully enjoy your patio when it’s exposed to direct sunlight. Without some form of protection, the sun will beat down, creating an uncomfortably hot environment. Thankfully, there are ways to protect your patio from the sun’s glaring light, including the use of a patio cover.
What Are The Different Types Of Patio Covers
Asphalt shingles can be used for patio covers that have peaked roofs.
Several different types of patio covers provide shade and shelter for outdoor activities. Wooden covers may be designed in many different ways, but require frequent maintenance. Metal variants such as steel, wrought iron, and aluminum are more durable than wood, but usually less attractive. Vinyl patio covers are virtually maintenance-free and come in several styles and colors. Synthetic wood coverings have a natural appearance and also require very little upkeep.
Vinyl patio covers typically feature a simulated wood grain finish.
Wooden patio covers are the traditional choice for many homeowners because of their natural beauty. This material blends well into almost any landscape and may be painted or stained to further enhance its attractiveness. Homeowners often choose this type of patio cover to match the appearance of their home’s natural wood siding. Wooden patio covers can sometimes be designed to match the architectural design of a home. Some wooden coverings employ a colored canvas roof that matches the home’s paint scheme.
Patio cover can provide shade. Want to save up to 30% on your monthly bills? This tool helps you do just that.
Steps For Staining And Sealing Wood Pergolas
Here are the main steps and tips for staining and sealing your outdoor pergola. After you’ve double-checked that you’ll have a 24-48 hour period after you stain that you’ll be precipitation-free , you can get started. First, prep your pergola so it’s ready to accept the stain or sealant. Make sure it’s clear of surface dirt and is completely dry before applying any stain, sealant, or paint. Brush off any surface dirt with a cloth or soft brush. If you lightly hose off any part of the wood, make sure to let the wood dry completely before starting.
Get your preferred supplies set out and ready to go, including cleaning rags, stain or paint, brushes, safety goggles, drop cloths , and step ladder. Retract or remove any accessories from the pergola or use extra caution around those areas so the stain or paint doesn’t drip. Cover any furniture, outdoor kitchens, or patio surfaces with drop cloths. Work from top to bottom and apply your paint, sealant, or stain according to the instructions on your chosen product.
With these few easy steps, you can extend the enjoyment of your backyard by maintaining your outdoor structures. Wood pergolas are a wonderful feature that adds beauty to your garden and outdoor living space. Sealing or staining your wood pergola can enhance the enjoyment you’ll get and maintain the natural beauty of one of your most prized patio possessions for many years.
Customized Wooden Patio Covers And Pergolas
We build wood patio covers in Los Angeles, it’s what we do. Looking for a new wood patio or even an aluminum patio? Whether you have your own patio cover ideas or get them from the internet, we have the ability to turn your dream wood patio cover into reality.
Wood covers are timeless
There is nothing more beautiful or majestic than a patio cover constructed from wood. Wood patio covers will last decades if properly maintained. And, should your current covered patio take turn for the worse, we also repair moisture-damaged wood patio covers whether it be from termites or dry rot.
Method 2 Of 2:building A Wooden Patio Cover
Want Little To No Maintenance Try Aluminum
Aluminum patio covers have come a long way in terms of design and durability. Aluminum patio covers are available in multiple color options and can mimic wood to deliver a crisp, modern look. They also stand up to sunlight and moisture exceptionally well, requiring minimal maintenance. That said, because of their lightweight metallic construction, aluminum patio covers are more susceptible to denting, and rain and falling debris from trees can be noisy.
There are many choices when it comes to selecting the best material for your patio cover. Your decision will ultimately come down to your budget, personal style and future maintenance plan. As always, check your local city or county code before you begin construction to make sure the design for your patio cover conforms to all building requirements.
When you’re deciding on what type of patio cover material you want, the team at J&W Lumber is here to give advice, quotes or discuss pros and cons for each option.
After you’ve chosen your preferred patio cover material, you can either DIY it or hire a licensed contractor. Our team can connect you with preferred local contractors in your area.
If you’re ready to do it yourself, our team can assemble all the materials you’ll need and arrange for delivery to your home or easy pick-up at any of our Southern California J&W Lumber locations.
Ready to get started on your new patio cover? Contact us today and let’s get to work.
Types Of Wood For A Patio Cover Homesteady
Sep 26, 2017 Outdoor patios undergo a lot of wear and tear from the weather. By choosing the right types of wood, you can prolong the life of your patio and your patio cover. For ideal, longer-lasting outdoor structures, it is best to choose local woods. Local woods will The Types of Wood to Use in Building a Shed.
Aluminum Patio Covers Vs Wood Patio Covers
When you’re shopping around for the perfect patio cover, there are a lot of factors to consider. Of course, you need to think of where you want it and how much it’s going to cost, but there are so many other factors that should be contributing to your decision of what patio cover you end up with. Have you considered materials; wood or metal? What does your warranty cover? Are you getting what you are paying for? These are huge factors when you are shopping around for the perfect patio cover to fit your home and your lifestyle.
Traditional Wood Patio Covers
Wood is a beautiful and naturally strong material that has been a staple for many classic homes. Whether its painted or stained wood has a character like no other due to the artistic swirls and lovely wood grain lines. Wood certainly makes a good Patio Cover, no doubt about it.While it’s a surprisingly strong and sturdy material, just like all organic materials, it is a lot more susceptible to time and the elements than aluminum patio covers. In addition to having issues lasting much longer than a decade in the wind and rain, wood patio covers can also become a major source for termite infestations which could not only destroy your patio cover but could even potentially transfer to your home! While wood patio covers are typically very attractive in an aesthetic sense, they’re just simply not practical for your forever home. You want to be enjoying your patio not maintaining it right?
Insulated aluminum patio covers
Why Is Staining And Sealing Wood Important
With sturdy rot-resistant wood like pressure-treated pine and cedar, you can choose whether or not to add stain or sealant, but either type is best preserved by staining or sealing.
Without it, the wood will naturally turn to gray over time and will be more exposed to the elements.
For maintaining outdoor wood pergola structures in certain climates or simply a personal color preference for the appearance of the structure, you may want to consider staining and sealing the wood.
Stain and sealant adds a layer of protection to the wood, protecting it from UV rays, moisture and temperature changes, and helps maintain the wood’s color. Consider your climate, what type of wood, and the primary use of your outdoor space.
Then you can make your plan for staining or sealing your pergola, starting with color choice and the best time to get started.