Pergolas have become quite the DIY projects for homes across the US, and why shouldn’t they? They create an ambient space to relax in and spend more time outside, while adding value to your home. Not only are they an attractive garden feature, you don’t have to pay through your nose to be a proud owner of a pergola. You can easily get a DIY pergola kit that comes with illustrated instructions, pre-cut panels, and the necessary hardware to fix the panels together.

Here are some things you have to consider before you rush off about your garden building one.

The Purpose of Your Pergola

One of the initial things you have to think about is what will you use your pergola for? This will give you a clearer picture as to the kind of space you require, the amount of shade you might receive, access to it and how private you want it to be. A pergola may be used to highlight a walkway, give shade to fernery or act as an extended outdoor living space to have barbeques or entertain guests.

When choosing the best Pergola design for your garden the size and shape of your pergola entirely depend on the space you have at hand. Some prefer to have it attached to their homes, while others prefer a freestanding structure. Whichever structure you choose, keep in mind that it should also be compatible with the size and architecture of your home to give it a more authentic and aesthetic look and feel.

The Shape and Design of Your Pergola

While a basic pergola in itself is enough to add flair to your garden or backyard, an additional design or two with a splash of color helps give it a more aesthetic feel. There is an array of shapes to choose from – hexagonal, circular, square, and rectangular. The square and rectangular shapes are more common in homes.

In the case of an attached pergola, be mindful of using a circular shape, as it will not fix properly. It is best to go with a semicircle, since it attaches perfectly to your home.

We live in interesting times, times where you can enter the store and purchase a do-it-yourself kit to build your own pergola with a specified design. Today, DIY kits offer a range of shapes and designs, so you are never restricted.

 

The Right Material for Your Pergola

Wood: This is the most conventional and common material used to build a pergola. Since wood is available in a wide variety, individual choices differ, and help in creating a fresher design.

Hardwoods are costly, but more durable and add an appeal to older homes. Softwood, on the other hand, is cheaper and comes treated. It can be made use of in building posts and beams. Wood stains can be used with softwood to give it a rich texture. Just remember the wood has to be planed if you intend using wood stain. No worries, most wood comes so you can stain it quite easily.

You may want to stain the wood before assembly or before you begin forming the pergola. This way you will know you stained all the spots and there will be no hard to reach areas if you do it this way.

Timber can give the pergola a more organic or rustic feel, but it does require adequate maintenance to protect the wood from fungi, moisture and/or termites. So use a good wood coating and wood preservatives. Oil-based preservatives are ideal for wood, being used outdoors. In case of rot, you need a remedial treatment of wood. Alternatively, you can opt for Western Red Cedar that is naturally resistant to pests and moisture.

Steel: Unlike wood, steel does not decay. Using chemically treated steel will also prevent oxidation of the material that results in rusting. You can install steel quicker than wood and it also is more convenient to install, as it has lower volume and needs less support. Steel is, hence, a more contemporary choice.

Aluminum: This alloy is lightweight and easy to maintain. It is the perfect choice of material for pergolas if you live near the sea because humidity and salty air can give way to corrosion. For extra protection and color options you can choose to go for a powder-coated aluminum.

 

The Roof & Lighting of Your Pergola

You can press the button to put a roof over your pergola to get protection from the sun and rain. If you’re looking to completely block off the sun, wind, and rain, you can point your finger towards a steel or thatched roof. This is also more viable if you particularly live in a storm- or rain-prone part of the country.

If you want partial protection and a little bit of sunshine coming in, transparent panels or sails are just the thing for you. You can also choose to hang vines, as they’re lightweight and attractive. A few majestic options are honeysuckle, trumpet vine, wisteria, and clematis.

Installing lighting in your pergola allows you to enjoy your outdoor living space after sunset. It could be a sensational way to spend time with family and friends when it is dark. Make sure you get a licensed electrician to install the lighting.

Pergolas are turning into more of a trend and will continue to do so. And, if you are the kind of person who loves being outdoors – reading a book or having a barbecue – amidst nature, a pergola just may be what you’re missing in your garden.

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pergola designs A garden or backyard can be magically transformed in to a stylized living space with a pergola that matches your personality. If you you are looking for pergola designs that won’t break the bank here are some budget friendly pergola design ideas to do just that. In the end you should have a personalized pergola that is unique and can be proudly shown off to both friends and family. For the most part, a pergola is a living space constructed on four lengths of timber known as joists. They are usually made from cedar wood and can have trellis made from a variety of materials. The roof of the pergola is a wooden grid that is traditionally open to the skies.

Add some pergola decorations

Now that you have taken care of seating, it time to add stuff that will make people notice the pergola. Pergola decorations like vines and flowers can add color and form to the pergola. It would be prudent to add a trellis that will allow vines to lattice one or two sides of the pergola, making it look elegant.

A quiet nook

Your pergola can be made into a quiet nook by placing suitable patio style furniture. A center table along with some patio seating such as benches and hammocks can transform an ordinary pergola into an impressive one. You can also place your hot tub under the pergola and make it a relaxing hot tub pergola. hot tub pergola

Paint the pergola

Most often, pergolas come without any paint on the surface of the cedar wood, which could make it look dull over a period of time. You can paint the pergola to brighten it. Choose a color that matches the patio furniture inside the pergola. Make sure to use acrylic paint that will endure the seasons and not damage the vines.

Add flowering plants to the pergola

Spring and summer are a terrific time to spend on your gazebo. Make some patches around the gazebo and fill it up with flowering plants. This will transform the gazebo into a very special place once the flowers bloom. If you are a gardening enthusiast, try landscaping the area around it and the sides of the path leading to it. If you are not sure of the type of flowers to plant, visit your local nursery and ask for a list of suitable varieties conducive to the climate. During the festive season appropriate decorations can be added to match the festivities.

Wedding pergola designs

If you are planning a wedding ceremony a pergola can be transformed in to a beautiful wedding pergola for the bride and groom with just a few personal touches. Use leftover roles of colorful vinyl and paper ribbons along with painted plastic flowers to decorate the place. You can place vases of fresh cut flowers inside. Use your imagination to convert the pergola and make the day even more special for the newly weds. Wedding pergola designs

Pergolas for all the year round

A pergola can be an enjoyable and individualized living space for use all the year round. You can use it to enjoy a couple of meals with the family in an outdoor environment. If you live in a location where it rains often, add a roof to the pergola to prevent the vagaries of the weather from interrupting its use.

Pergolas with swings

A pergola with a swing can truly transform your outdoor garden setting into a fun filled space. A lot of pergolas are built with a roof and lattice with a swing to accommodate two. Those who do not have sufficient space or do not want to give their yard a crowded look and yet have some fun can always choose a smaller pergola swing.

Pergola with hanging seats

Some pergolas come with hanging chairs instead of regular stationary seating. Hanging seats in the pergola add an element of fun to the living space making them more attractive and enjoyable. These chairs are fixed to the rafters, so make sure that they are positioned well for you to enjoy views of the sunset or even the landscape around your home and beyond.

More pergola designs

It is true that most people who are compelled to stay indoors for a greater part of their lives enjoy the thought of spending some time outdoors. Remember, the outdoors could be your very own backyard with a pergola that is personalized to add a special touch to your surroundings. There are so many interesting pergola designs that will personalize your pergola without spending too much. Make a plan to decorate your pergola in a way that it blends with the rest of your décor. Pillows, tables, seating and lots of potted plants all around the pergola can truly transform it into a comfort zone that can be enjoyed all year round.
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