Giving Your Pergola Some Style
To conjure up the feeling of being in a fabulous Spanish hacienda by the sea , we shamelessly copied a simple, curved line from a neighbors pergola, drawing it freehand on the first header, then using a cardboard template to trace it onto the rest. We did the same for all the joists, then made all the cuts with a sabre saw. By this time, the sun was fading, and so were we, so we wrapped up and rehydrated ourselves in an appropriate fashion.
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How To Build A Timber Pergola
Home> How to Build a Timber Pergola
Pergolas are an open outdoor structure made up of wooden posts and have a framed roof either open or covered. They were common features of 17th-century Italian gardens, often covering walkways and today, the same design is used to frame a focal point in your garden.
Pergolas are fast becoming Australias favourite versatile outdoor structures they can be built against the house or freestanding.Without solid walls or roof, a pergola defines an outdoor space by placing you both inside and out at the same time.
With the right design and consideration, you can create a beautiful, functional space for the Australian Summer where you can relax and socialise.
Do You Need Planning Permission For A Pergola With A Roof
If you are planning on installing a pergola with a roof in your backyard, you may need planning permission and a permit. This depends on your local laws, HOA rules, and the size of the structure you plan to install.
If your pergola is small and placed in your garden, you probably wont need as many permits or permissions to install it. This is especially true if you select a lattice roof. If you have a more permanent and flatter roof, you want to check with your HOA rules and local ordinances to determine if you need a permit.
Most likely, you will need to place the pergola a certain number of feet away from your fence. This will be mandated by the HOA. Other than that, planning permits will be minimal if the pergola is small and not attached to your home.
On the other hand, you will likely need much more permission and planning if you are attaching a pergola with a roof to your home. Anything that is attached to the building will need to be approved by your city or state officials. More so, certain HOA rules will stipulate how it should look and more.
To find out exactly what you need to do when installing a pergola with a roof, it is best to begin by contacting your city officials. Your city officials will give you the basic code requirements based on your city, county, and state. They can also give you more resources so you can find out more information.
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The Right Way To Attach A Pergola To A House Roof
Traditionally attaching a pergola patio cover to a house meant fastening the pergola directly to the roof, sidewall or eaves of the house. However, these options create multiple challenges that include weatherproofing the connection, allowing for air circulation and dealing with debris accumulation.
Screw On The Roofing Panels
Then youre ready to start attaching your panels.
Put up the first panel so that its lying straight across the horizontal supports and the last raised groove is running on top of the vertical strip .
Make sure that you have the proper side up. There should be a label on the panel that tells you what side that is. Remove the label before attaching the panel.
Since my panel was a little bigger than my pergola roof, I let it overhang on both sides. That way if my roof isnt perfectly square , I can trim the panels later to end at the edge of the pergola roof line.
Then use a quarter inch drill bit to drill holes through the panel where the screws are going to go. These screws will be installed in the raised part of the horizontal supports and along the vertical supports.
You dont need a screw in every raised section of the horizontal closure strip.
For the strips that run along the outside edges of your pergola roof, put a screw in every other raised section.
For the closure strips that are in the middle of your pergola roof, put a screw in every third raised section.
Then screw in the screws with rubberized washers using the socket bit.
The washer should be resting firmly on the plastic roofing panel, but not tight enough to cause a dimple in the panel.
When you get to the edge where the next panel will join, dont put the screws in yet.
Put up the next panel so that the first raised section of the new panel overlaps the last raised section of the old panel.
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Fix The Main Beams Into Place
Once the concrete has dried and the uprights are secure, the main beams can be fixed. To do this, wed recommend cutting out a section on top of the uprights, in which the main beam will rest. Check the main beam is level, then fix it to the uprights using nails or screws. Another option is to drill through both the upright and main beam, and then use coach bolts to secure them.
Do You Need Planning Permission For A Pergola
If youre UK-based, you wont need planning permission for a pergola so long as it meets the following criteria.
- Height is no greater than 2.5m unless its a pitched-roof structure which ca be up to 4m high .
- Its within 2m of your gardens boundary.
- It mustnt cover more than 50% of the land around your house and existing outbuildings.
- It must not go at the front of the house or in the side return.
- You do not live in a listed building or in a conservation area.
- The pergola is not to go on a raised platform like a veranda or balcony
If you want to add a pergola to a deck like many of our ideas showcase, the deck shouldnt be more than 30cm above the ground and again, it shouldnt take up more than 50% of the land including other extensions, outbuildings and decking areas.
- Much like when building a garden room or other form of outbuilding.
A must for your outdoor space, not just in the summertime!
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Attach Lattice To Finish The Construction
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Prime the columns, and then paint them with a good-quality exterior trim paint. Dont use paint on the rest of the DIY pergola instead, roll and brush the wood portions with solid-color stain.
Cut and nail the 1×4 fascia strips flush to the top of the beams and in between each pair of tails. Next, screw the 5/4 lattice strips across the rafter tops, letting them project 3 in. past the fascia. Evenly space them across each section. Add more if youd like to increase the shade below.
Now cut the sub-base pieces from treated 2×4. Screw the corners together with 3-in. deck screws. If you havent already done so, fit the patio stones back against the footings and glue the subbase to the patio surface. Then screw the molded base to the sub-base and caulk the seams with acrylic caulk.
Ready To Build That New Pergola
Hopefully, youve found the information in this article helpful in how best to construct your new pergola. DIY work can be a fun and rewarding experience with plenty of benefits. If you want a little help, find someone to help build your pergola.
If you are feeling like a little DIY work, you may be interested in our tips to build a deck to go with your new pergola and some alfresco dining ideas for your home. We also have plenty of decking, patio and backyard ideas to increase your enjoyment of your space and the value of your home. Happy building!
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The Classic Real Cedar Vineyard Build
This Vineyard Pergola has somewhat of a different design. It is an elongated, rectangular option, in contrast to the Square designs weve typically seen. You can download a PDF file and print out the instructions which include a comprehensive material list, recommended tools and clearly delineated instructions to help you assemble this unique-looking option.
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What Kind Of Roof Should You Use For A Pergola
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First of all, its important to note that a pergola is different from a gazebo or an arbor, especially because of its distinctive roofing system. A pergolas roof is designed in a way that allows some sunlight to filter through while giving you partial shelter and shade. Therefore, you can enjoy the warm morning and evening sun in your garden or patio.
Pergolas have been providing homeowners with partial shades since the beginning of ancient Egypt. It was also a quintessential part of the Roman public and private bathhouses. Some of these ornate pergolas built with marble and rocks still stand to date. While the design and materials used in the creation of pergolas have changed over time, their slatted roofing design has remained consistent.
So, apart from providing your garden or patio with partial shade, the open louvered pergola roof brings an element of the old world to your outdoor space.
The current advances in technology have also brought innovative pergola roofing techniques like the use of mechanized roofs that automatically adjust themselves to offer maximum shade and sunlight. Todays pergola roofs also come with lighting systems that can easily be turned down or up according to your outdoor lighting needs.
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Cut Posts With A Jigsaw
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Transfer your mark completely around the post using a combination square thats set from the bottom of the post. Cut the post with a 10-teeth-per-inch wood blade in your jigsaw. Youll need a fresh blade for every post you cut. We found the jigsaw a lot safer, quieter and less dusty than a circular saw. This composite polymer is only about 1/2 in. thick but pretty hard, so expect to eat up a new blade on each column.
Note: To make cutting the columns easier, lay them on sandbags or mulch bags to keep them from rolling or vibrating as you cut.
How To Build A Pergola Attached To The House With Roof
The pergola is an excellent way to add shade and style to your patio. The structure can be built over an existing patio or deck, or it can be freestanding. The size of your pergola will depend on the size of your yard and budget.
Pergolas are designed to support plants and vines, but they are not just for decoration. Pergolas provide outdoor protection from the sun and rain, as well as privacy from those passing by. They can also help keep plants warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
Pergolas are ideal for adding greenery to any outdoor space without taking up too much space or blocking views. A freestanding pergola can be placed anywhere you want it, even if there isnt enough room on your property for a full garden or lawn. You can even use them in small spaces like balconies or patios that dont have enough room for large trees or shrubs but still want some green foliage around them.
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The Garden Party Backyard Idea
This patio pergola is a backyard option designed to jazz up your outdoor area. Its perfect for recreational use, though My Outdoor Plans cautions that youll need to judiciously place it, otherwise there could be negative landscaping consequences.
It makes sense to do your homework prior to beginning one of these woodworking projects- there are so many different styles available to choose from that many builders often decide to mix-and-match elements from different design plans.
The materials list helpfully includes all of the different items youll need to assemble this particular pergola, including wooden posts, support beams, carriage bolts, shading elements, screws, slats, braces, and footings. They cautioned that if your home is in a particularly windy area, you might need to embed the posts in concrete or even lock down the entire structure with braces.
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The Western Red Cedar Bench Plan
This western red cedar option includes bench seating and is marketed as a defining enhancement for an outdoor living area. It has an L-shaped layout that is two level.
The downloadable PDF provides comprehensive instructions for assembling the main pergola, the seating area and the bench. A helpful video walk-through provides additional feedback for woodworkers looking to embark on this fun, DIY project.
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Installing A Clear Pergola Roof Was The Best Decision Ever It Has Turned Our Side Yard Is A Three Season Patio That We Can Enjoy In Any Weather
We love our new patio pergola, but the only thing that could make it better was installing a clear pergola roof. Now even if it decides to rain for an entire month , we can still enjoy gatherings on the patio.
Adding a roof to a pergola seems like a big deal, but we partnered with the Home Depot to make it easy! Now we cannot wait for another storm so we can test out our new clear pergola roof.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
After installing the SunTuf corrugated roofing on the kids outdoor playhouse, I knew I wanted to use it again. It looks so nice and is absolutely DIY friendly.
But my favorite part is that it lets the light in but blocks out the UV rays. Blocking UV rays on the patio means all our patio furniture will last longer. No more fading and sun bleaching! And we can enjoy the patio even if the weather decides to rain out another of our parties!
The biggest decision we had was whether to use the same Solar Gray color on the patio as we had on the playhouse roof. I love that the playhouse has the extra shading so the kids can play in it all summer long and it stays a bit cooler.
Originally I had planned on using the shading color for the patio pergola too. Then I realized the patio is completely shaded by the house in the late afternoon on and our neighbors trees block most of the direct sun in the morning, so we would only have direct sun for a small portion of the day.
Make The Lattice Strips
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Now cut the 3 in. wide tail tops from 5/4 decking to make parts J. Round over the cut ends with a hand plane or a router. Rout a 1/4-in. round-over on each edge to make the lattice strips. Ease the edges of the tails and the tops with 100-grit sandpaper and then apply a solid-color stain. Make sure the treated wood pieces are dry to the touch before you pre-stain them. If they feel cool, let them dry in a shady spot for two days before applying the solid-color stain. Rushing the process could cause the stain to blister or roll off.
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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!
The Best Outdoor Entertaining Space With A Modern Pergola With Metal Roof
When it comes to creating the best outdoor entertainment space, you need to make it as large as you can afford. This means you can invite more people comfortably, and they do not have to cram together.
One of the most unique features of this pergola is the built-in fan and lighting. You can see the lights planted into the structure, as well as the fan that will help keep the space cool.
However, it doesnt mean you cant still add other lights and lamps around this outdoor area. For instance, there are still the mounted lanterns on the house siding.
For the furniture, try to keep it simple with a massive dining table and matching chairs surrounding it. This is a straightforward and deliberate designing choice, but very functional too.
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What Is The Best Roof To Put On A Pergola
A wooden roof is the best roof to put on a pergola in most cases. Durable once treated, it offers a plethora of different affordable and aesthetically pleasing pergola roof ideas. Whether you opt for solid wood, shingles or reeds, you can opt for the roof sets the right tone for your space.
There are also other materials that are suitable: from the modern wooden louvred roof through to versatile metal designs, each material bringing with it a unique set of benefits and drawbacks.
‘A combination of materials often works best because one quality can compensate for what is lacking in another material. For example, wood provides shade but doesn’t protect you from insects or the sun,’ says Ann Doughan, CEO of Patioland . ‘On the other hand, aluminum is more aesthetically pleasing but doesn’t offer much shade. By combining these elements, a pergola can be shaded from sun and insects and provide some insulation quality for events during cooler seasons of the year.’