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How To Install Pergola Cover

Cut The Canopy Support Bars

How To Install A Pergola Cover (Our Hercules SkyPoly) | Cover Your Pergola Installation

The canopy support bars will be attached to the top of the canopy with staples, and the bars will slide along the wire ropes on eye screws.

With a power miter saw, cut 2×2 boards to the width of the canopy. Generally, plan on one board for about every 18 inches of the canopy’s length, though the exact spacing is up to you. Increasing the number of boards creates a scalloped, ribbed look. Fewer boards produce larger, lower drapes.

What Material Is Best For A Patio Shade

We used a sunblock shade cloth that offered UV protection.

It is not waterproof and wont keep the rain out. We preferred this as that means it is breathable, so it doesnt get weighed down in the rain, and it allows hot air to flow up and out instead of trapping it underneath. This keeps the patio both shaded and cool.


The material is both fade and stain resistant, and incredibly durable. It does not fray when cut and is lightweight, which made it easy to work with and install.

How To Build A Pergola On A Deck Or Patio

Adding shade structures to your backyard such as pergola, pavilions, and arbors can enhance the entire atmosphere and feel of your homes outdoor space. Many homeowners or DIY deck builders, however, wonder, How do I design and build a pergola?

While building a pergola of your own can look and feel intimidating but with contemporary structural hardware and pergola systems from companies such as OZCO Ornamental Wood Ties and Wild Hog Railing Products it can be straightforward, simple, and strong! Find out how to build a simple pergola, pavilion, or arbor with steel pergola hardware to complete your homes outdoor living space can expand your usable living area.

Whether working with a clear-cut DIY pergola kit such as the LINX Simplified Pergola System by Wild Hog Railing with defined sections and pergola installation instructions, or hand-crafting your own unique pergola space, learning how to build a pergola is an easy task youll be proud to show off!

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Mark The Posts For Cutting And Trim To Length

The length of the posts is determined based on the offsets measured in the previous step. Begin by marking each post A through D, and then measure from the bottom of the post the offset length you previously recorded for each. Use a square to transfer this line across the width of the post.

Next, start with the longest measured offset lets say 10 for instance. The posts are 8 feet long, so the leftover length is = 7-2. Measure the leftover 7-2 from the offset marks you previously made on each post, and mark these at the top ends. Use a square to transfer this mark all around the posts so that you have a cut line wrapping around the post.

Using a circular saw, cut along this line on each post, then flip the posts to cut the opposite face from the first cut. Use a reciprocating saw to finish the cut, assuming that your circular saw doesnt cut all the way through with the first two passes.

How To Make A Pergola Shade

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When we renovated our backyard we decided to get rid of the existing pergola structure and build a cleaner, modern structure in its place. We knew we wanted a pergola shade so we could use the patio comfortably during the day in the summer, but when we looked into options for a permanent or adjustable shade the costs were astronomical.


Our only options left were pre-made shade sails, which we thought would distract from the new pergola design. So we decided to make our own, out of the same UV protective sun shade fabric, that we could tailor to accent the beams of our new pergola perfectly!

It was easy to make and has proved to be quite durable. It also cost us only a tenth of what custom permanent shade options could have run us. Heres how to make an easy shade for your patio, too!

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Plumb The Posts And Attach To Post Bases

Now to start making the pergola take shape!

Were going to start by raising and plumbing the posts. At one of the corners, place a post in the post base, but laying down on the ground. Pound in a wooden stake about 6 feet away from the post base next to the laid-down post, and another one 90 degrees around the post so that you can brace from both sides. Take two of the spare 2x4s, and attach each at each of these stakes with a single nail for now, and lay them down also.


Stand the post up and grab one of the braces you previously laid down, and bring the brace around into contact with the post. Using the 4-foot level, plumb the face of the post aligned with the brace. Once satisfied with the plumb-ness of the post, use a nail to tack the brace in place.

Grab the other brace, and repeat the steps above to plumb the post from the other direction. Double check that the post is still plumb in both directions, then go ahead and drive another couple nails into the brace at either end.

Now, take your drill with a drill bit slightly smaller than the HeadLOK screw, and pre-drill holes to match those in the post base. Drive in the HeadLOK screws into these holes. For these particular post bases, there are four holes total, with two on each side. At this point, your post should be secure top and bottom and shouldnt move when casually jostled.

Pergola Installation Made Easy With Pergola Depot

You dont want to be left with a terrible pergola installation that results in the wrong size or configuration. And you dont want to miss out on the fun and enjoyment a pergola brings. Thats why, at Pergola Depot, weve considered all these common mistakes and thoughtfully provided you with everything you could need at a great price. From detailed plans to a full line of accessories and award-winning service, we know youll be completely satisfied.

Once you learn how to install a pergola, your family and friends will be enjoying it for years to come! Contact us if you need any additional pergola installation tips to get the ball rolling. We look forward to providing you with the pergola youve always wanted!


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Live Plants And Vines

If dried leaves are not to your liking, then maybe you can use live plants and vines as your sun shade. Although it will take months for the plant to cover a sufficient part of the pergola, the resulting natural roof may be worth the wait.

Creeping vines with thick foliage like Ivy or arching plants like Honeysuckle are ideal plants to use for pergola covers. Flowering vines like Trumpet Vines and Chinese Wisteria will create an enchanting sun shade, especially when in full bloom.

For some backyard farming, you can even use String Bean plants and Bitter Gourd vines which provides shading and a cache of healthy vegetables.

Best Pergola Cover Ideas

How To Install Our Apollo Pergola Cover | Cover Your Pergola Installation

Covering your pergola with a waterproof cover not only keep out rain but also protect your structure from water based damages including rust, mold and rotting. The cover also block the harmful UV rays from the sun. Here are great pergola roof cover ideas for shade, privacy and protection from rain, UV rays and snow.


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How To: Easy And Removable Method

1. Tools Required

  • Ladder
  • Hammer this job is much easier if done with an assistant who also has a ladder.
  • Shade cloth
  • Sharp Cutting Tool
  • Wood saw for cutting battens
  • Drill to pre-drill batten holes
  • Fixings See full description below. Large head nails or screws and washers.
  • Battens 1 x 2 batten boards. Ideally, their length is the same as the width of your shade.

Note: There are various proprietary products that work in a similar way to using battens, in that they grip the cloth over a longer surface, making it easier and quicker to adjust the tension or remove the cloth. These are explained in greater detail with the fixings below.

2. Check your batten lengths

Place your battens on the top of the structure and arrange them so that they are completely around the perimeter without overlapping each other. Cut the battens as required but avoid having any that are too short . Mark on each batten the locations where the fixings will be. These should be within 3/10cm of the end of each batten and then spaced ~ every 18 / 45cm. Identify and label where each batten will be located.


3. Pre-drill your batten

Pre-drill each fixing location on each batten to avoid them splitting when installing. It is not necessary to countersink the holes as the fixings will be going through a washer to help spread the load.

4. Loosely Spread the Shade Cloth over the Frame

Pro Tip: For the best appearance, line up the knitted lines of the shade cloth mesh to be parallel to the structure.

Measure The Post Offsets Due To Patio Slope

If your patio is anything like mine, it slopes away from your house for drainage. This presents the obvious problem that the posts cant be all the same length, otherwise the top of the pergola wont be level. To mitigate this, the post offsets must be measured from a reference point and all measured and cut accordingly.

The sill of my patio door proved to be a convenient reference point. In order to measure off these, I put together a couple scraps of wood to extend the reference line out to the same line as the post bases. Then I clamped this extension to the door sill to hold it in place and tied one end of a string line to it. On the opposite end of the line of post bases, I drove in a wooden stake and tied the string line to it. Youll want to make sure that the string line is very tight and is also level. This string line is now at the exact same elevation as the door sill.

When youre satisfied with the string line, measure the distance between the string and the bottom of the post base, and record this number. Do the same with the next post base in line, then repeat these steps for the other side of the pergola. You should have four measurements written down that correlate to each corner of the pergola. It will be convenient to name these A through D to keep things straight or some other naming scheme that suits your taste.

In my case, since I had to contend with the second story overhang, I also measured this height with respect to the door sill.

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How To Build A Patio Pergola Attached To The House

Tools:

  • It took us 1 1/2 gallons to paint 2 coats on the patio pergola.
  • Installing the Posts

    We knew we were going to adding a pergola to our patio before we had the concrete poured. To give our pergola footings a strong grip, the concrete guys dug out where the posts were going to be so the concrete was deeper in those areas.

    Then when we installed the post bases, the bolts used to hold them wouldnt be longer than the cement was deep for a nice strong hold. This step is not necessary, but if you can, it doesnt hurt.

    To install the post bases, we drilled a 1/2? hole in the concrete with a 6? masonry bit. The hole was about 4 1/2? deep.

    Then we placed the base over the top and using a hammer, tapped in the wedge anchor. And we tightened it down with a wrench. Now we were ready for posts.

    I thought it would be easier to paint all the boards for the pergola before we built it, then I could just add the final coat once it was built.

    Well, because of the rain, I only managed to get a few boards painted. So you will notice some boards are white, but most are not. No worries, we remedied that when the sun finally decided to shine again.

    We attached the 4×4 posts to the post base. Then cut 2×4 boards to flank either side of the posts. These are for a bit more stabilization and to support the weight of the 2×8 beams to make installing them easier.

    Attaching the Header to the House

    Now, getting the siding back on may prove to be a challenge too. Ill be sure to share that too.

    • 16.0K

    Pergola Covers Can Be Installed Without Any Perimeter Hem And Grommet Work

    Bioclimatic Pergola Futura

    Year-round installations on wooden trellis, lanai, or pergola can be made with ‘raw material’ plain cloth stretched atop and held in place with 1by2 wood strips around the edges and interior, sandwiching the plain cloth between the wood trellis and outer trim wood batten board. Common practice is to roll batten boards into fabric, not just sandwich between batten and framework on the perimeter. This rolling of fabric onto perimeter batten board allows stretching and firm, even fastening without stressing and tearing. Start with two opposing sides, rolling batten boards that are at least a foot smaller than the fabric. Then roll the other two opposing sides with a batten board that is the same size as remaining fabric. This allows you to install without cutting the fabric at corners and leaves no cut edges exposed.

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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.

    How To Build Your Pergola The Simple Steps To Success

    Over the years, we ended up creating quite a few more pergolas for friends, neighbors and family. Below, we share the simple secrets and tips we have learned over the years to create a beautiful structure that lasts. All of course, with keeping an eye on the budget!

    Here is a look below at our biggest keys to success, step by step:

    #1 Choosing The Right Lumber

    Building a strong, attractive pergola all starts with choosing the right lumber. One thing we have learned is that 4? x 4? posts are simply not strong enough to hold up over time. Nor is wood that is 1? inch thick or less for the top of the structure.

    We use only 6? x 6? treated posts, and 2x treated lumber for building our pergolas. Although there are thinner and less costly options, the thickness of 2x lumber gives the piece massive long-term strength and durability.

    As for what type of wood to use, we have found treated lumber to be the most economical and durable choice. By far! Cedar is an option, but the cost of cedar is astronomical. And in many cases, cedar will still warp and twist.

    Treated lumber has come a long way in the past few years. Its also extremely versatile. It can be left to weather to a natural grey patina, or painted or stained to match existing colors. And it builds one beautiful, strong and affordable pergola!

    What Does It Cost To Build Your Own Pergola

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    Commercial Grade Polycarbonate Roofing Systems

    How to cover my pergola. Weave lengths of the drop cloth over and under the pergola slats. Attach the drop cloths to your existing pergola with grommets. You will have to measure the space for determining how much shade fabric or the number of roller shades you need to purchase for covering the area.

    Cover your pergola with a clear plastic roof panel. In that case, you would need to cut panels to fit between purlins and locate rafters more. A properly built pergola and deck and door will not ever have water coming through into the house.

    Measure the space that you need to cover to determine the number of. If you have a problem with your budget, you can also consider covering your pergola with tarpaulin for certain area only. If you opt for window roller shades, select thick fabric to have a durable cover.

    Check out trendhmdcr.com for more pergola roof ideas. Attach the fabric to the pergola from the above without stretching it too much. For creating a simple covering, attach roller shades or shade fabric to your pergola using a staple gun.

    The pergola covers from garden winds are a great option when it comes to purchasing a replacement canopy cover for your pergola. If you choose window roller shades, choose those made of thick fabric. The next one of my diy pergola cover ideas is to use outdoor canvas to create a stationary canopy over the patio.

    17 Elegant Pergola Designs Shaded To Perfection Modern Home Patio Design Modern Patio Design Modern Pergola


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