What Kind Of Timber Pergola Should I Build
Many of the DIYers who come into our Brisbane location are undertaking their first project. We recommend starting with a simpler project, like a pergola, which has less pressure associated with it. Pergolas are both simple and attractive and a mistake wont cost you too much! They can provide an alfresco living area or simply brighten up your garden.
Two popular types of timber pergolas, which are both functional and straightforward to build, are decorative garden pergolas and alfresco pergolas.
Plans For A Large Wooden Pergola
Pergolas can be small for a swing or aslarge as a deck. You can make it as huge as you want it to be or just as simpleas something to hang your plants on. This is a plan to construct a very largewooden pergola.
This can be a structure placed on your deck,near your pool, as the highlight of your garden or a venue for an event orparty. But no matter what or how you want to use this pergola you will surelylove its wide roof area with plenty of promising styles to create.
Fixing The Upright Posts
Clear the area where your pergola is to be situated and dig holes for each upright, about 300mm x 300mm wide and 600mm deep. Prop posts in two of the holes, balance a crossbeam over the top and use a spirit level to ensure they are level. Remove or backfill mud if you need to level one of the posts.
Repeat this process for the other posts. It will help if you have some scrap pieces of batten you can screw to the posts to support them. Ensure all the posts are in line with one another as well as level. Fill in the holes with a stiff mix of concrete, or ready-mixed post-crete, making sure each post is level upright using a plumb line. See our Concreting Fence Posts project for more information.
Let the concrete set for two days before continuing with the build. This time can be reduced if you are using ready-mixed, quick-drying post-crete.
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Should I Use Pressure
When planning for their garden, many people are drawn towards pressure-treated wood. Usually, these woods provide more upfront cost savings than one of the timbers listed above.
Although they can be viable, its worth bearing in mind that the chemicals used to treat these timbers can be harmful to pets and little ones. Pressure-treated woods also tend to have a somewhat unappealing green and blue streaky appearance, and can quickly require frequent maintenance theyre not naturally weather resistant.
When youre contemplating your pergola project, it can be worth remembering the saying buy cheap, buy twice. A high-quality pergola, made of the right naturally-durable timber species, can give you many decades of service negating the need for pressure-treated wood.
Cost Of Buying A Pergola
If you choose not to build the pergola yourself, hiring a professional is always an option. However, there are a few price considerations to take into account before contacting a professional.
Buying a pergola and having a contractor install it for you is the easiest and most expensive. Because building a pergola is labor-intensive and requires some skill, we would have to pay for the labor, which in some cases can cost almost as much as the pergola itself.
Like building a DIY pergola, Ill go over a few of the most significant aspects that can affect the price.
From experience, I found that the most common pergola types are either wood, fiberglass, or vinyl and often include an aluminum support structure.
Wood is the most expensive option, as it looks the best. However, it must be pressure treated, which can add a high cost to the project. I found that vinyl and fiberglass are also great alternatives, and in most cases, are much more durable.
So, I dove deep into researching the costs of buying a pergola, and the estimated price came out to around an average of $3,500 in the U.S. However, the total cost could range from anywhere between $2,500 $6,000 depending on which type of material the homeowner chooses.
To put this more, in contrast, the average wooden pergola, spanning around 10 square feet, will often cost about $3500, including labor, delivery, etc.
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Why Should You Use Wood For Pergolas
As I said, a pergola has to go through extreme conditions throughout its life. Other options like affordable metals are vulnerable to rusting and corrosion, whereas corrosion-resistant metals are extremely expensive. Therefore, wood is a great choice because it is not only a cost-effective solution but is also easy to work with, artistically beautiful, and durable. It can stand the outdoor conditions efficiently without decaying.
Building A Wood Pergola 5 Simple Steps To Success
#1 Select The Right Lumber
Creating a sturdy, long-lasting pergola all begins by selecting the right lumber for the project. To create a wood pergola that will stand up to the rigors of outdoor life, that means staying far away from wood that is too thin, or wont hold up over time.
Thick, rough-sawn cedar is a beautiful look, but can certainly be expensive. Treated lumber is an excellent, durable, and cost effective option to cedar for creating a strong and beautiful pergola.
Treated lumber is by far the most economical choice of all. Although prices have soared over the last year, it is still the best option when it comes to creating your outdoor masterpiece. Although cedar is rot resistant, it can still have warping and failure issues if too thin, or if not treated or stained. And the price of cedar? Well, astronomical is probably the best description of all!
Treated lumber has come a long way from the wavy, warped board available years back. Not only can it be left natural for those who want the a weathered look, it can also be stained or painted to match any decor. Rough-sawn untreated pine is an option, but it must be stained or painted.
The rough texture of rough-sawn wood will hold up better that planed wood. If using untreated wood, the posts should always be mounted above ground.
#2 Use Sturdy Posts
Like any structure, a pergola is only as strong as its framework. And for a pergola, that means investing in thick, strong posts and frame boards.
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Pressure Treated Wood Pergolas
The greatest number of color options paired with the most budget-friendly price its easy to see why pressure treated wood is one of the best pergola materials on the market. Able to be stained or painted, wood pergolas can complete an elegantly simple rustic design or stand out as a bold accent piece. But although our wooden pergolas are pressure treated to resist rot, mold, and bugs, they are more susceptible to these than other pergola materials.
- Can be stained or painted for the most color options
- Match both rustic and modern decor
- Budget-friendly price tag
What Is The Best Roof To Put On A Pergola
Metal pergola roof materials are considered to be the most durable, thus they are also more permanent than many of the other types of roofing materials. The best thing about metal roofing material is that it can be cut down or sized to fit any size or shape structure.
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A Simple Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers
A pergola is a ersatile outdoor structure.It can be used to beautify your outdoor area and at the same time, serve apurpose. This can be used as a structure to shield plants from direct sunlight.
You can use a supports to hang aerialplants as well. This first pergola DIY plan is a simple one, with basicinstructions on how to construct the pergola lower and upper supports.
Is Cedar Good For Pergola
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. Likewise, people ask, how long will a cedar pergola last?
Maintaining a PergolaTraditionally, pergolas are built from cedar wood which is strong and can last for many years. However, being outdoor structures, the wind, sun and rain can take its toll on a pergola.
Likewise, how do you seal a cedar pergola? Clean the pergola well before applying any wood stain and sealant. Spray the pergola with a translucent oil-based wood stain suitable for cedar. Allow the stain to dry before applying a sealant. A coat of wood stain every alternate year will help boost its appearance.
Also question is, which wood is best for pergola?
Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar and Redwood are both naturally stunning woods and often lumped together.
What is the point of having a pergola?
Generally, a pergola is a wide-open structure with four support beams, no walls, and a decorative roof design, such as a lattice. For shade or even a touch of shelter from the elements, screens can be added to the roof or walls, although the primary purpose of a pergola is not to shelter its users.
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Staining Or Sealing Right Away Wood Type Matters
Pressure treated pine requires that you install the pergola, then let the wood dry out completely before staining or painting. You will see it turn from green into a golden brown when the pressure treatment has dried. This could take 2-4 months depending on your location.
If you order a cedar pergola you can stain the lumber before or after installation, and you can stain or seal right away. So if you want to stain or seal right away, cedar will be your best choice.
Best Pergola Material: Wood Vs Vinyl
Youve admired pergolas for years. You love the look and the elegance that they bring to a backyard space. Now that youre finally ready to buy one, you have one question: whats the best pergola material? Vinyl, pressure treated wood, or cedar you have a few options. The pergola material you choose determines the pergola price, the style, the maintenance needs, and how long your pergola will last. At The Backyard Showcase, we are the headquarters for all things outdoor living, and were here to help you find the best pergola for your yard and your budget!
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How To Maintain Your Pergola
No matter what type of wood you decide to use, you cantenjoy your pergola if it becomes faded, dull, or damaged. Maintain your pergola materials to protect your investment for a lifetime of use.
Carefully read the instructions for your chosen paint, stain, or sealant. Most brands recommend re-applying every two to three years. Dont let dirt, bird droppings, and other contaminants build up on your pergola, or it could affect its lifespan.
Trust Outback Landscape With Your Pergola
At Outback Landscape, we love enhancing properties with beautiful pergolas. Our pergola design and construction experts would love to meet with you and discuss your pergola design needs.
Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, we serve residential and commercial properties in Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Pocatello, Idaho, as well as Bonneville, Madison and Bannock counties.
Call us at 208-656-3220 or fill out our contact form to schedule a no-obligation meeting with one of our team members.
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Can A Pergola Be Built On Decking
Yes, it can. Its actually advisable to do that, because you can secure it to the ground with metal brackets far more easily than if you were just going to put it straight on grass.
The only real way to secure it on grass would be to put down cement posts down in the ground as a foundation for its legs, so you can actually use metal brackets to secure them.
That, of course, is extra effort. Especially because it involves digging.
Pergolas Are Easily Installed
Easy installation is also an attractive factor. Its not out of the realm of possibilities for you to do it yourself if you have some basic DIY skills. The ease of installation also contributes to the low cost and limited hassle of having a professional do it. Pergola installation is usually less involved than that of a .
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Best High End Pergola: Backyard Discovery Oasis 14 By 10 Cedar Pergola
As you can pretty much figure out already, the actual core design of this pergola is the same as the 14 by 10 version of the top pick in this guide.
But, if youre looking for a more complete luxury outdoor area, then it really does make sense to have a bar area to accommodate eating and some benches to chill out on especially when it doesnt cost that much more on Amazon than the regular 14 by 10 one.
I mean, most people use a bar like that for drinks, but theyre actually far better for eating than having a plate on your lap or attempting to eat off that low coffee table youre almost certain to have in the middle of your pergola.
Of course, if youre thinking of having an outdoor dining table in the middle, then this is a less important feature for you, but then it still stands that its better to relax with drinks at the bar area or on the benches than at a dining table. Besides, I think the whole cushioned garden chairs and coffee table setup is the best anyway. Its just so versatile for when you have friends over.
What We Like:
- Accommodates Eating You can eat at the bar. Thats pretty much a complete solution to the problem of outdoor spaces not being particularly suitable for eating plated food that isnt just easy-to-eat barbecue food or something.
- The Benches are Spacious And theres an extra-wide armrest / drinks rest in the middle, which is a nice touch.
Things to Consider:
How To Build A Simple Pergola In Central Texas
Posted on May 15, 2014 by Sumner Adams
Are you in desperate need for some additional shade this summer? Want to define a space in your otherwise wide-open yard? A pergola is a great project for a weekend warrior that has already tried their hand at other backyard structures like a deck or planters.
With proper planning a simple pergola can be built in a few days for a fairly affordable price. To ensure a successful build here in Central Texas follow the four steps below.
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Best Pergola Building Material #: Wood
Wood is perhaps the most customizable and strongest material for a pergola.
Wood can be painted, stained or allowed to weather naturally. This natural look blends perfectly with the very popular rustic landscape design style thats very common in Idaho Falls. These are two of the reasons wood is so popularbecause its so adaptable and easy to mesh with the local home and landscape look.
Many people in Idaho Falls love hefty, oversized pergolas, and wood is the way to create these customized, beefy landscape structures.
Pergolas made of wood are strong enough to attach to homes they also blend in better. However, the material is more expensive to ship and the customizability of it extends its installation time. For that reason, wood pergolas are the most expensive material, ranging in cost from $7,500 to $18,000. The price varies based on materials and size.
Wood pergolas last a long time, but they do require some maintenance. To increase its longevity, annual or biannual staining or sealing may be necessary.
Pros:
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Requires regular maintenance
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 youd like, but these four primary types are the best options for a professional-quality structure.
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The Only Hard And Fast Rule Of Rafter Spacing
The key thing to remember when it comes to determining pergola rafter spacing is that you cannot go more than 16 inches from center-to-center between rafters. Even though most pergolas dont have anything going on top of the rafters, most building codes require them to have the same spacing as structures that support floors or roofs. This is because it is very common for roofs and other add-ons to be placed on a pergola at a later date. Since a foot spacing is what is used for joists under greater loads than normal, you can safely expand your spacing beyond this. However, 16 inches is considered the maximum spacing for surfaces under normal loads, so you cannot expand beyond this without violating building codes.
One example is the Laredo Sunset hardware from OZCO Building Products. Its a line of solid steel hardware hot-dipped galvanized for corrosion protection and given a black layer of powder coat for a beautiful, rugged, straight-from-the-forge look that perfectly complements and lends heft to a pergolas timbers. This hardware is designed to work and look good beside OZCOs OWT timber screws and bolts for a complete, cohesive look.