How To Build A Pergola
This article was co-authored by Benjamin Hansen. Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification.There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 86,992 times.
A pergola is an open outdoor structure that is made up of wooden posts and has a trussed roof. To build a pergola you’ll need to prepare and measure a space in your yard before laying down the foundation posts. Once a strong foundation is in place, you’ll finish the project by constructing the roof. With the right materials and forethought, you can build a sturdy pergola that can add some style to your yard’s decor and can create a shaded area where you can relax and socialize.
Attached Pergola Blocking And Decorative Rafter Ends
- The rows of solid blocking is placed and nailed between the rafters. See the plans for dimensions.
- The decorative ends are a continuation of the rafters and the rows of solid blocking. They are secured in place with 2 90mm galvanized nails skewed, toe nailed through the lower part of the decorative ends and with nail plates fixed on the top edge.
Install Wood Plugs In The Pergola Columns
Family Handyman
Cut 5-1/2 in. round treated wood plugs to fit the inside of your columns. Glue and screw together a pair for each column top, then glue the plugs flush into the top of each column. Secure the plugs to the columns with 2-in. deck screws.
Note: Drive a screw into the top of each plug to use as a handle to position the plug.
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Big Kahuna Attached Pergola Kit
Big Kahuna Pergola Kit: Classic pergola design, built for maximum sun coverage and engineered for extreme weather conditions. The Big Kahuna pergola kit comes standard with:
- Double 2×8 Beams
If you think an attached pergola kit is right for your space, continue on by reading How to Order an Attached Pergola Kit below. We also build freestanding pergola kits in over 90 standard sizes and custom sizes, if you think that might be a better fit for your patio design. You can make that selection after you choose the size and wood type of your pergola kit.
Well walk you through how to order an attached pergola kit here, but you can always reach out and ask questions during the process.
Getting Started On How To Build A Pergola
Heres a summer project designed to keep you cooler on even the hottest of days. The classical columns support an overhead wooden lattice that works like a big shade tree, letting only a portion of the suns radiance shine through.
What looks like the toughest part of this pergola plans project is actually the easiestthe graceful, solid-looking columns. Theyre not wood at all but a hollow-core composite material with amazing structural strength and durability. Weve designed the pergola plans so you simply slip these columns over treated 4×4 posts embedded in concrete. When screwed to the wooden posts, these columns provide a stable, solid base for the overhead lattice framework.
These paintable precast columns are available by special order at home centers. They come in a wide variety of diameters and heights and architectural styles.
Pressure-treated dimensional 2x8s and 2x10s make up the majority of the upper framework, and the decorative end pieces are cut with a jigsaw from our pergola plans. The whole project can be built in a couple of weekends, with another weekend for staining and painting.
We built our pergola over an existing stone patio that saved a lot of patio work. If youre planning to install a patio as part of your overall project, youll need to allow extra time.
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Learn How To Build A Pergola In This Tutorial From Planning Designing To Materials This Tutorial Will Go Through It All
The front of our home always lacked any curb appeal or wow factor when you pulled up. It had always been on the on our wish list to complete but never a priority, until now. This year we updated our entire exterior siding, painted our window frames, and added new patio doors. When we first moved in we switched out the front door, but even with all that our entry was still missing something. So we went to the drawing board and came up with a plan to give the front of our home the curb appeal it was missing by building a pergola that was attached to the house.
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How To Build A Diy Pergola
Of all the structures you could build, a pergola is relatively straightforward and cost-effective. Usually using 4 main vertical beams or columns, pergolas are largely open-air however, to provide extra levels of shelter, you can also add walls or a roof.
Weve listed a bunch of helpful DIY tutorials, ranked from least to most detailed, depending on which pergola style youd like!
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How To Build A Pergola Attached To The House
If youve ever thought about using a pergola, there are some things that you should know before getting started with it. Keep reading to get all the information that you need and to learn how to build a pergola attached to the house.
A pergola is a trellis-framed roof structure for open porches, verandas, and garden rooms. They are a great way to create shade on your patio, deck, or in your garden. Heres how to build a pergola attached to the house.
Do I Need A Building Permit For A Pergola Attached To The House
Building codes vary by state, county, and city. A reputable licensed contractor will know the requirements for your area and be experienced with the intricacies of obtaining a building permit for the project. Many locales require building permits for structures such as a pergola, and some coastal regions often require outdoor living structures to be hurricane-rated.
The Azenco K-Bana can be one exception, as it typically does not require a permit. This fully customizable modular cabana can be installed in a few hours. With the K-Bana, you can mix-and-match varying-sized panels to scale the structure to your ideal dimensions before customizing the louvered roof and walls. The K-Bana does not require footings, often a benchmark for permitting requirements, and instead relies on its self-leveling posts to accommodate uneven ground. Fitted with manually-controlled dual-wall louvers the K-Bana allows perfect sunlight control in summer and protects from wind, rain, and snow in winter.
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What Are Your Options
To build an attached pergola, the very first consideration will be the location. Your lot, home design, and pergola location will determine what you can build and where. For example, you can build your pergola on a concrete pad, on the ground, or even on an existing deck. You will want to consider how you plan to use the pergola, the effect on the curb appeal, and how large the project will become. Another consideration is how you will connect your pergola to the house. You can attach your pergola to either an exterior wall, or to the fascia.
Attach The Columns To The Posts
Family Handyman
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.
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House Attached Pergola: Building Costs And Maintenance
So you have decided to build a pergola, but you are unsure if you want to attach your pergola to your house or build a stand alone version. Both designs have benefits, so how you plan to use it will likely determine which to build. Today, we will investigate the possibilities for attaching your pergola to an existing structure and how you might go about it.
What Type Of Sealant Should You Use To Waterproof Your Pergola
The type of sealant you should use to waterproof your pergola will depend on the material your pergola is made out of. If its wooden, then the most common choice is a polyurethane sealant or a water-based acrylic sealer. Both are easy to apply and offer great protection against rain and moisture. Here are some options:
- Silicone Sealant: This type of sealant is best for metal surfaces, as it creates a waterproof barrier that wont be affected by heat or cold. However, it can be difficult to apply evenly, so its important to follow the instructions carefully.
- Latex Sealant: Latex sealants are ideal for wood surfaces as they are easy to apply and provide a flexible, weatherproof seal. However, they must be reapplied regularly to maintain their water resistance.
- Polyurethane Sealant: This type of sealant is one of the most durable options, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Its also UV resistant so that it wont fade in direct sunlight. However, it can be tricky to apply and is best suited for experienced DIYers.
No matter which type of sealant you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
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Garage Door Attached Pergola
Compact and simple, this garage door pergola is an affordable weekend project and an easy way to dress up a garage. Two matching assemblies of horizontal girders and knee braces support a pair of long crossbeams, which are topped by a series of short 2×2 rungs, creating the appearance of a horizontal ladder.
For this type of attached pergola, proper mounting and support are critical. The two end assemblies feature stout timber screws that lock the components together and also secure them firmly to the wall by means of a vertical 2×2 cleat. It’s essential that the mounting screws attach to the wall framing itself and not to the surface trim of the siding.
Because of its lightweight and strong weather resistance, Western red cedar makes a good choice for this attached pergola. A pair of 2×4 crossbeams can safely span 8 feet, but check your local building codes. Wider spans will require increasing the crossbeam size to 2×6 or 2×8 lumber.
How Do You Choose Your Wood To Make A Pergola
You can, of course, buy the cheapest wood you can get at the hardware store, but I really don’t recommend that…
The wood of a pergola suffers a lot from rain and sun, and a cheap beam will bend very quickly. In addition, you’ll notice that it’s difficult to get wood in longer lengths at a DIY store, so making a pergola becomes very difficult!
Please pay attention to the following things when buying wood:
Always choose hardwood or pressure treated pinewood!
Untreated wood just rots very quickly outdoors and that is a waste of money.
Painting it well will not help you much since moisture will still penetrate at screw holes and seams. In addition, wood always works and rainwater and fungi will therefore get into the small hairline cracks that will form in your paint layer.
Choose the correct head size / section of the beam:
7x7cm beams are naturally cheaper than 9x9cm, but they also bend more quickly. A 7x7cm post is therefore not suitable for retractable canopies. The steel cables of these retractable canopies are under high tension and the beam will therefore bend. You can, however, use a 7x7cm pole for a small pergola with a shade sail or for a roller blind on your balcony.A 7x7cm beam will also warp faster than a 9x9cm beam.
We use following wood types and sizes for our pergolas with a retractable canopy:
Pressure treated pine 9x9cm for a max free span of 3 meters
Pressure treated pine 14x14cm for a max free span of 5 meters
7x7cm pressure treated pinewood:
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Where Can You Place A Pergola
Everywhere actually! Most people think of a pergola when they think of a pergola placed in the garden or on a terrace… But a pergola also offers many possibilities on a balcony! Especially on a balcony, you are often limited by the rules of the landlord or owners’ association and a pergola gives many possibilities to arrange good sunprotection, without having to drill into walls or ceilings!In our blog post “How to create shadow on a balcony?” we will give you more information about how to install a pergola, shade sail or blind / sunscreen on your balcony, without drilling holes!
How Can You Protect The Underside Of Your Pergola From The Rain
The best way to protect the underside of your pergola from rain is to use a waterproof membrane. How you go about this depends on the type of pergola and your budget. If you have an open-roofed structure, then attaching a waterproof membrane directly to the beams is the most effective way. This will keep out the rain and keep your decking area dry.
If you have a solid roof, then the membrane should be attached to the underside of the beams and covered with an overlay system to protect it from UV rays. You can also install plastic sheeting or tarpaulins to create a waterproof layer for added protection.
Another option is to install gutters around the pergola, which will direct the rainwater away from your deck and into a drainage system. You can also install downspouts that are designed to connect to your gutter system and allow you to divert the water away from your outdoor living space.
Finally, you can install vertical or horizontal louvers if you are concerned about keeping out wind-driven rain. This will allow the wind to flow through but not cause rain to enter your pergola area. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your pergola is protected from the rain and keep your outdoor living space dry and protected. Proper waterproofing allows you to enjoy your outdoor space for many years.
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How To Build A Pergola Attached To The House: A Step
A pergola is a great way to add some shade to your backyard. Its also a beautiful focal point that can be used for entertaining, relaxing and as a place to grill. But where should you put your new pergola?
When it comes to building a pergola, there are many different options. You can build one thats completely separate from your house or one thats connected to it. If you choose the latter option, the first thing youll need is an attachment point at least 10 feet off the ground. This will allow you enough space for attaching the top beam of your pergola.
Materials:
24 x 6 x 6 treated southern yellow pine lumber
1 1/4 diameter galvanized carriage bolts with lag screws
The pergola is a type of wooden structure that can be used as an outdoor room. It is often used as a place to sit and enjoy your garden. The pergola has two main parts: the columns and the beams. The columns are placed on the ground and support the weight of the beams above them. The beams are attached to each column, creating a support system for any plants you want to grow in your pergola.
The first step in building your own pergola is choosing where it will go on your property. You will need enough space for both the length of your house and how wide you want it to be. You should also consider how tall you want it to be as well as how much sun exposure you get in this spot during different times of day and seasons of year.
Attached Pergola Over Patio
An attached pergola extends living space into the yard and serves as a graceful transition between outdoors and indoors. As this pergola illustrates, the suggestion of shelter is sometimes an effective substitute for actual walls and a roof. By defining this patio area, the pergola and planters create the effect of an outdoor room. The overhead framing also provides welcome shade for the large windows.
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Is This Pergola Easy To Build Myself
Of course!
Even though the finished pergola looks stunning, it is actually quite straightforward to build once you know what size fixings to use and where to cut the notches. Just follow the plans and you will have this wonderful pergola installed in no time at all.
And you will be able to build it for around about £160, with all the timber and fixings included.
The beauty of building a diy pergola is that you can modify it so that it exactly suits you taste, style and situation at a fraction of the cost for someone else to come and build it for you. Buying a pergola kit is another option. You will pay more, have less control over the design details, and will have to install it yourself, anyway.
So if you feel confident, have a go. It’s a great feeling, making a pergola from scratch. And the end result is well worth it!
These particular plans were originally created for someone who wanted to build a specific pergola design for their garden, so they form part of the ‘Additional Pergola Plans Series’.
Of course, you can use the principles outlined in the free pergola plans to build any pergola or arbour.
But if you would prefer to have a step-by-step guide to building this particular pergola – which is a little more ‘involved’ – for the price of one of the rafters, you will have at hand detailed instructions on how to create an absolutely beautiful structure for your home and garden.
£12.97