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How to Create a Pergola: A DIY Guide for The Homeowner

Do you have a small outdoor space that could use some greenery and shade? How about adding a pergola to create an arbor or vine-covered structure that covers your patio, walkway or porch? A pergola is essentially an overhead covering made of wood. It can be as simple as a barebones structure with the support beams exposed or one that includes lattice panels for vines and climbing plants. Pergolas are cost-effective ways to add more green space to any home. Pergolas are typically constructed with wooden support beams in one of two styles: L-shaped (where the side pieces extend from the top and bottom of the parallel main beams) or V-shaped (where there are only two main beams extending from the top and bottom of shorter side pieces). No matter what model you choose, they’re both easy to build and fairly inexpensive. Let’s take a look at how you can add this architectural feature to your home’s exterior.

 

 

What You’ll Need

– Sketchpad- and pencils – Before you select any materials, you need to sit down and sketch out what you want your pergola to look like. Sketching out your design will help you determine how many support beams you’ll need, what size they should be, where they should go, and how they’re connected. – Measuring tape – You’ll need this to measure out the dimensions of your pergola. Make sure you measure the area you want to cover and any obstacles, like a path or walkway, in between. You’ll also need to measure the height of your existing home’s roofline or any nearby trees or utility poles. – Steel ruler – This is great for straightening out any measuring tape that may have been bent out of shape. You’ll also use it to mark the wood for cutting. – Pencil or chalk line – You’ll use this to mark the wood for cutting. – Saw or power saw – You’ll need to cut the wooden support beams for your pergola. – Drill and drill bits – You’ll use the drill to screw in screws or drill holes for screws. – Level – You’ll need this to level any support beams that may not be straight or plumb (meaning they aren’t standing vertically). – Hand or power tool – You’ll use this to drive any screws into the wood. – Nails or screws – Either one is fine, but you’ll need these to fasten the wooden support beams together. You’ll also likely use these to secure a metal roofing material. – Nail or staple gun – You’ll use this to drive the nails or staples into the wooden beams. – Roofing tiles or shingles – You’ll need these to cover the top of your pergola’s roof. – Corrugated metal roofing – This is used to cover the top of a pergola with a slanted roof. – Roofing nails or roofing screws – These are used to hold the roofing tiles or shingles in place. – Stain or paint – You’ll use this to seal the wood and give it a nice finish. – Stain or paint brush – You’ll use this to apply the stain or paint to the wood.

 

Pergola Basics

– Location – First, determine where you want to add a pergola to your home’s exterior. You can place it in front of a patio, walkway or porch, or along the side of your home. You’ll also need to factor in the amount of sunlight the area gets. If you want vines to climb your pergola, you’ll need to select a shaded area that gets a few hours of sunlight each day. If you want to grow climbing flowers, you can select a spot that gets full sunlight. – Dimensions – Next, measure out your desired pergola and make sure it’s not too close to any other structures or trees. Your pergola should extend at least 3 feet from your home. You can add an additional 10 feet if you’re planning on adding a vine-covered pergola.

 

Selecting a Framework and Roofing Material

– Frame – You can choose to build an open-framework pergola with exposed beams or a closed-framework pergola with lattice panels. The open-framework pergola has a rustic and modern design and blends in well with natural landscaping. The closed-framework pergola is more modern and tailored and adds some privacy to your pergola. – Roofing material – You can choose between a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing tiles and corrugated metal roofing. You can also leave your pergola uncovered for a more open design. pergola Northern Ireland

 

Build the Structure

– Draw the layout – You’ll start by drawing the layout of the support beams on your sketchpad. Make sure to account for the extra area needed for open-end posts at each end of your pergola. – Cut the beams – Cut the beams to the right length and then use nails or screws to attach them together with the right ratios. The main beams should be attached to the side beams at a 45-degree angle. You can also add cross beams between the main and side beams to give the structure extra support. – Attach the beams to the posts – Attach the beams to the posts either with nails or screws.

 

Add a Shading Coating

– Select a material – You’ll need to choose a material to add a shading coating to your pergola, like a tarp, shade cloth or outdoor fabric. Shade cloth is a popular choice for pergolas because it blocks out 90 percent of the sun’s UV rays and keeps the pergola and vines cooler. – Measure the area – You’ll need to make sure to measure the area of your pergola that needs to be shaded. – Cut the covering material – Once you’ve selected and purchased the covering material, you’ll need to cut pieces to fit the pergola structure. – Drill holes into the beams – You’ll need to drill holes into the beams so the covering material can be secured to the beams with ribbon ties. – Tie the covering material to the beams – Tie the covering material to the beams and secure it with ribbon ties.

 

Add a Climbing Support

– Select a support – There are a variety of climbing plants that work well with pergolas, including clematis, grapes and honeysuckle. – Measure the area – You’ll need to measure out the area of your pergola where you’d like to grow vines or other plants. – Cut the support – Once you’ve determined the length of support you need, you can cut it to size. – Attach the support – Attach the support to the pergola structure with nails or screws.

 

Add Planters or Ladders for Plants

– Select the planters or ladders – You’ll want to select planters or ladders that are made specifically for pergolas. They’ll have an open design that provides plenty of airflow to keep the plants healthy. – Measure the area – You’ll need to measure the area of your pergola where you’d like to add planters or ladders. – Cut the planters or ladders – Once you’ve determined the size you need, you’ll need to cut the planters or ladders to size. – Attach the planters or ladders – Attach the planters or ladders to the pergola structure with nails or screws.

 

Conclusion

Pergolas are a great way to add more green space to your home’s exterior. They provide shade and protection from rain, and they’re perfect for growing climbing vines. And they’re not very expensive to construct. You can build a basic pergola with just two main beams and a few side beams with some lumber, nails and screws. You can also add a shading coating and climbing supports to create a more unique design.

This article is provided by  https://www.creativegardens.com/garden-dcor/gazebos-pergolas

https://www.creativegardens.com/garden-dcor/gazebos-pergolas