How to Build an Outdoor Pergola

A pergola offers versatile shade and sun protection. Its traditional lattice form provides part-shade, but you can add more shade with wisteria or other vines that produce dense foliage; or use a canopy.

A custom pergola can integrate seamlessly into your landscape. Or, you can buy a kit that your local landscape professional will install.

Design

Pergolas are a fantastic addition to any outdoor landscape design. They provide a beautiful focal point where people gather, a spot for guests to sit and enjoy the view, and a place to hang some of your favorite flowering plants.

Unlike the rigidity of some traditional landscape elements, pergolas are flexible enough to let you add your personal touch. A local landscape professional can help you design a custom pergola or purchase one from a kit that is ready to install.

This eclectic pergola has a thatched roof instead of wood slats, creating an orchard-like feel for the space. Billowing curtains hung from tension rods lend the structure a come-hither bohemian flair and can be lowered for romance or tied back to allow air to circulate. Wooden patio chairs and vases, as well as striped hallway runner, echo the colors of the canopy’s fabric.

Materials

Choosing the material for your pergola is one of the most important steps in the construction process. It determines whether the structure will fit your aesthetic preferences and provide the strength and durability you need.

Wood, for example, is a natural material that offers coziness and texture to your space. It is also durable and versatile, allowing you to stain or paint it for further customization options. However, it is important to note that some types of wood have lower shear strength than others.

Aluminum is another popular pergola building material. It is rust-resistant and requires little maintenance, as it can be easily cleaned with a yearly power wash. Fiberglass is also a durable option for your pergola, as it is resistant to moisture and does not sag when exposed to different temperatures. Moreover, it is not affected by pests or fungus. It comes in a range of colors and can be powder coated for a custom look.

Budget

Pergolas can be costly to build, especially if you choose a more luxurious wood or opt for a solid roof. However, having some wiggle room in your budget opens up other options that can make your pergola truly special.

For example, you can add a decorative gingerbread-style detailing to your pergola’s columns, or if the structure is part of a larger deck, match it to the color scheme of your house and garden. Adding a retractable roof is another way to enhance the functionality of your pergola. A louvered roof with adjustable slats can shield you from the sun, while a solid roof can extend the seasons during which you can use your outdoor lounge space.

If you’d rather not spend a fortune on your pergola, try a simple DIY version with concrete cinder blocks. Purchase a kit that includes cinder blocks, wood posts, stain, white net curtains and hooks for coated wire. Then grow shade-loving climbing plants, such as wisteria, to fill the lattice and provide coverage.

Installation

A pergola adds interest to your backyard and shade from the sun. It’s a great place for climbing plants and can be decorated with billowing curtains that create a romantic bohemian feel to the space. String lights and wooden patio chairs can also enhance the ambiance of your backyard.

If you want to make the structure more permanent, you’ll need to build a base or pour concrete footings. You’ll also need to determine whether the pergola will be fastened to your house or stand free of it. If you plan to install it freestanding, you’ll need to call before digging to have any buried utility lines marked.

Using a power auger or hand-held posthole digger, dig holes about 4-1/4″ in diameter for each post. Set the posts in their appropriate locations and use a ratchet to tighten Titen HD concrete anchors to secure them in place.



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