How To Build A Pergola On A Deck

Can A Pergola Be Built On A Deck

Pergolas come in a variety of styles. Additionally, you may install lattice work on the sides of your pergola to make a do-it-yourself privacy screen that gives your pergola the appearance of walls.

View in gallery

However, before settling on a style, you must first master the fundamentals. This entails selecting the appropriate hardware to ensure that the structure remains stable regardless of the circumstances.

Pergola construction on top of a deck is slightly more complicated compared to building one directly on the ground. When building on the ground, you can bury your posts and reinforce them with concrete, dirt, or gravel. On a deck, youll need to attach wood to wood, which may reduce the stability of the pergola.

Can A Pergola Sit On A Deck

View in gallery

Yes, but you will have to take some extra measures to make sure the construction is sturdy.

Invest in pressure-treated wood

Your posts will bear the entire structures weight, which means youll need wood that can withstand a great deal of pressure. The last thing you want are vulnerable major support beams to wood rot or termitesthis is harmful, and these are also the most difficult element of the pergola to replace. ACQ-treated wood is resistant to continued damage from the environment and insects, making it an excellent choice for a long-lasting building.

Single Level Deck Plan

Part one of this free deck plan from Handyman Wire includes a tool and supply list, planning and construction tips, as well as advice on designing and estimating your deck needs. In the second part, you’ll find detailed illustrations and blueprints along with step-by-step instructions to build your new deck. You’ll also have the option of asking questions from the experts on the deck plan in the Handyman Wire’s forums. These decks can be used on all types of terrains.

You May Like: Sliding Screen Door Sticks

A Pergola Attached To The House

An attached pergola looks like an extension of the home itself, similar to how a front or back patio functions. At least one of the sides of the pergola is attached to or shares the same wall, flooring, and/or beams as the home itself.

The pergola provides privacy even outdoors while still allowing ample sunlight and breeze to come through its open sides. You can decorate it with a lounge, a table, and some plants to create a relaxed space to entertain guests.

Design And Build A Wood Deck For A Pergola Base

Get 10 carpenters in a room and youll probably get 10 ways to build and detail a pergola.

However, when it comes to the pergolas basewhat our furniture and feet touch every time we enter the cross-hatched shadows of the posts, girders and raftersits safe to say everybody in the pretend group will opt for a hardscape. Cementitious or blue stone pavers are popular. And the variety, at least in my experience, ends there.

I take a different approach.

I frame a wood box and build what amounts to a deck for the pergola base. The box is the best layout tool imaginable . I frame it to wrap around each post. So when Im setting posts, theres no guesswork, and theyre easy to brace and plumb up. And, unlike a paver productwhich is the same temperature, give or take, as the middle of the streetwood remains cool, comfortable and easy to maintain. I used Cedar and pressure-treated lumber for this one.

While I build all my pergolas like this , the idea originated with the pergola Im repairing in this article. So even though the pergola is already there, the details are basically the same from digging to decking.

This is what running out of excuses looks like. Time to take this knotted weed farm and make it awesome.

Recommended Reading: How To Level Ground For Patio Pavers

Planning To Build A Pergola On A Existing Deck But I Don’t Know How To Attach The Posts

Laying Down Foundation Posts

You May Like: Cleaning Outdoor Cushions With Bleach

How Tall Should A Pergola Be On A Deck

Pergolas typically range in height from 8 to 12 feet. However, this is not always the case. For instance, for those of you that are aiming for an 8-food head clearance, the beams will increase it to at least 9 feet, and the rafters will easily total 10-feet.

View in gallery

Overall, it is critical to get the pergola height correct, as a pergola that is too high would be unable to provide adequate protection from the elements. However, if it is set too low, you risk impairing air circulation and illumination within the structure.

Ascertain that the height of your pergola complements your current landscape and architecture. For instance, imagine you want to link your pergola to your house. In that instance, the roofline and window proportions would dictate the size of your pergola, as you do not want the pergolas beams to obstruct your view through the window.

There Are Few Things That Can Define Your Space And Add An Architectural Element Like A Pergola

More planning and consideration may go into building an outdoor deck than, say, a bathroom. Read these 10 considerations before planning a deck. One of the first signs that your roof decking needs to be repaired is when it is al. Pergolas are structures that provide shade over a deck or a patio during the summer months. Planning your deck design 02:02 learn how to plan your deck. Decks serve as an intermezzo between home and nature. Building a deck is simple if you know the proper steps to take. A pergola can be a free standing structure or you can construct one that attaches to the side of your house. Deck styles vary widely, but the process is usually the same, follow this sequence for your own deck building project. Flickr decks and other outdoor spaces are different from ordinary rooms. Unless you are a roofing pro and have large roofing budget, the best type of deck roofing is an asphalt shingle system. Olivia page a chicken in every pot, a car in every garage a deck attached to every home? Deck styles vary widely, but the process is usually the same, follow this sequence for your own deck building project.

You May Like: Heavy Patio Furniture Wind

How To Build A Gazebo Pergola

Building the floor frame

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the gazebo floor. As you can notice in the diagram, you need to cut both ends of the 2×6 beams at 45 degrees. Drill pilot holes through the beams and insert 2 1/2 screws to lock them together tightly. Make sure the corners are right-angled and add glue to the joints.

Fitting the middle joists

Continue the project by fitting the intermediary joists to the frame. Cut the 2×6 beams at the right size and use joist hangers to secure them to the perimeter components. Make sure the corners are right-angled and leave no gaps between the components. Use 3 1/2 screws.

Fitting the posts

The next step of the project is to attach the 4×4 posts to the frame of the deck pergola. Plumb the posts with a spirit level before locking them to the frame. Drill pilot holes through the joists and insert 3 1/2 lag bolts into the posts.

Fitting the cleats

Attach 2×2 cleats to the posts, in order to add rigidity to the structure. Secure the cleats to the posts by using 2 1/2 screws.

Attaching the decking boards

Continue the outdoor woodworking project by laying the 2×6 decking boards. Place a nail between the boards in order to create consistent gaps and to make sure the water will drain properly. Drill pilot holes through the boards and secure them to the joists by inserting 2 1/2 screws. Countersink the head of the screws to get a professional result.

Building the support beams

Fitting the support beams

Attach Pergola Posts To The Footings

Take your post and set it into the saddle. Use a 48″ long level and set the post plumb to the soil.

Secure the post to the saddle by driving ¼” x 3″ lag screws through the vertically aligned and embossed holes. The post will now be set in place on the footing.

Just remember the post will not be fully secure while standing freely. If the post is wobbly use a stake and a scrap 2×4 to brace the post in position until you connect it to the other posts.

Install the other posts for your pergola the same way.

You are now ready to begin building your pergola. This will involve attaching beams to opposing pairs of posts and then securing rafters across the beams. The posts will begin to stiffen up as the structure becomes unified.

You May Like: How To Replace Screen On Sliding Patio Door

Protects You From The Weather

If you tend to avoid your backyard because of a lack of shade, a pergola will do the trick. Once youve got all of the climbing plants on the pergola, youll realize that itll provide you with the perfect shade. Whats great about a pergola is that its also not completely closed off like some outdoor structures so youll still get that outdoorsy feel without succumbing to the elements a win-win situation! Depending on the density of the plants on your pergola, it might even be able to protect you from the rain.

How To Build A Pergola On An Existing Deck

Have you ever seen a pergola on a deck? If you have a large deck, but lack shade, adding a pergola is an attractive option. You may have seen a pergola, arbor, or gazebo in a neighbors yard and wondered if you could add one to your deck. The short answer isprobably. Today, we will investigate how to add a pergola onto your existing deck.

Also Check: Installing Outdoor Ceiling Fan Pergola

Attach The Columns To The Posts

Now slip each column over its post. Strap a level near the base of each column and screw into the wood beneath. Predrill and countersink eight screw holes in the sides of the columns: four 6 in. from the bottom and four 30 in. from the bottom. Use 3-in. No. 12 exterior wood screws to anchor the columns to the wood posts. Plumb the column as you screw it to the post. Youll notice some play between the post and column. Opposing screws will tighten the entire assembly.

Madison Solid Wood Pergola

View in gallery

This pergola is crafted from solid wood and comes with a canopy in case youd like some shade. Youll also get both an anchor/mounting kit, and the pergola is incredibly sturdy, durable and long-lasting. Its easy to assemble and looks great with bar stools. If youd like, you can also add some flowers onto the pergola as an extra touch. In terms of space, you can easily fit a 6ft table under the pergola along with eight chairs around it. With the proper care, this pergola should last you for a considerable amount of time.

Recommended Reading: How Many Bags Of Concrete For Patio

What Is A Good Size For A Pergola

A standard size for large decks is 16 by 24 feet. Around 12 by 16 works nicely for backyard or freestanding pergolas. And a typical size for a modest backyard patio is roughly 12 by 12.

However, there are a few other things that you should keep in mind when opting for a particular pergola size:

• You will need to plan your outdoor furniture. You can either have or acquire it before even considering the pergola. This will let you know much area your patio furniture will occupy.
• After determining the potential pergola dimensions, mark the ground to create an outline. If your pergola is on a deck, you can use cones to mark the pergolas corners. This can help you visualize your pergolas location.
• After placing your markers, you should move your furniture into the space to see how it looks. So, you know if your furniture fits perfectly or if you need to acquire a bigger size.
• Once youre happy with the layout of your pergola furniture, mark it down. Afterwards, youll know where to place everything.

Types Of Pergola Over Deck Options

There are two configurations for deck pergola kits, freestanding and attached. Attached deck pergola kits can be attached to an existing wall to create a covered area that extends your usable outdoor area.

Pergolas can also be built so they are stand-alone on the deck in any corner or section that youd like to create a sitting area.

Allow enough space to create a dining area, as well as a place to create the gourmet meal youre serving. Expand the use of your deck with an attached pergola that adds protection and beauty!

Freestanding deck pergola kits also create an extra space on the exterior of your home. Add a touch of class to your backyard with one of our cedar pergolas and make your deck or patio the talk of the neighborhood.

One of the most popular outdoor structures, wood pergolas add a unique design feature to any backyard deck.

Our wood pergola kits are constructed using the highest quality lumber and hardware. Create a brand new look in your backyard thats also functional.

You May Like: How To Remove And Install Sliding Patio Door

Best Pergola Deck Kits For Your Patio Or Deck

The best pergolas for your deck are those that dont take up the entire deck area. The attached deck with pergola works well because it only has two posts on the deck and leaves plenty of room for a table and chairs.

Measure your deck and find the amount of space youll need to allow for installing some planter box kits, setting up your favorite dining table, and leave room enough for your backyard party guests to mingle.

If you live in a cooler climate, the best pergola kits to reinvent your outdoors are those that can extend out the back door onto your deck or patio. Adding a pergola on deck can stretch the length of time youll be able to spend time outside on your deck.

Add your own decorative touch with pergola deck accessories such as string lights, curtains or vining pergola plants. In the warmer months or warmer climates, it offers a welcome relief from the hot sun to create shade on your deck.

How To Raise A Pergola With 4 Posts

Have two adults on ladders lift the pergola top to its marked location. Insert pergola posts when the angle permits. Insert all top screws. Using a ladder, access the underside of the pergola top to insert screws in all empty holes, including both horizontal beam arms and upright posts. Repeat on all 4 posts.

Don’t Miss: How To Attach Patio Cover To House

Several Types Of Decks

DoItYourself offers several decks, such as decks that are perfect for entertaining, relaxing on patio furniture, and grilling out. Check out these plans from DoItYourself, including advice on choosing materials, instructions for preparing, laying out, and building the deck, as well as information on how to build the deck railings. These instructions include tips on how to build on a slope, too.

Adds Value To Your Home

Finally, a pergola can add some extra value to your home especially if youve otherwise got a relatively boring backyard. Not only does a pergola look great, especially if youve got some plants around the area, but it can also add shade, block out any unsightly values, and provide a stunning outdoor living space.

Read Also: Best Way To Clean Brick Patio