Things to Consider When Planning a Backyard Pergola

A backyard pergola is an attractive way to create a cozy outdoor lounge space. These versatile structures are affordable and can be built from a variety of materials. However, there are some important things to consider when planning your backyard structure.

If you love the idea of a pergola, but prefabricated or kit options don’t fit your style, consider making your own. A custom pergola is a great addition to any landscape design.

Cost

A pergola is an affordable way to create a beautiful focal point in your backyard. A landscape professional can design a custom pergola, but it’s also possible to buy a kit from one of many well-known manufacturers. These kits are not as customizable, but they’re still a good option if you want to save time and money on the project.

A typical pergola costs between $25 and $40 per square foot. Pressure-treated pine is a common material, but cedar or teak are available at a higher price. Some kits also include trellises for fast-growing vines to climb up the structure.

Backyard pergolas create a space to entertain guests and family members, and they can be a focal point for an outdoor kitchen or dining area. They can also be a great lead-in to other structures like verandas and gazebos. To make your pergola more inviting, consider adding lighting to the space for evening use. Chinese lanterns and string lights are popular choices.

Design

Unlike a deck, pergolas can define a defined outdoor space, creating a spot for lounging or dining that’s separate from the rest of the yard. They also provide shade from the sun’s harsh rays and create a sense of seclusion without blocking views or blocking out light.

Depending on your backyard design, you can add a number of decorative features to your pergola, including retractable grommet curtains for privacy, incandescent lighting for nighttime lounging, picturesque planters filled with fragrant herbs and flowers, or ornate trellises for fast-growing vines. You can even make your own pergola from a prefabricated kit, which comes with all the frame components, hardware and foundation materials you’ll need to complete the project.

While a pergola can be an ideal focal point, it’s important to consider its purpose in your garden and how it will fit into the rest of your landscape. For example, if you plan to surround it with climbing plants, make sure they can grow to cover the structure and block out the sun’s direct rays.

Materials

Wood is a popular material for pergolas, but it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking its best. It swells, warps and rots easily, and it needs to be regularly painted or stained to protect it from the elements.

There are many low-maintenance building materials that can be used to build a pergola, including aluminum and vinyl. Aluminum is resistant to the natural elements and can be painted any color to match your home and garden. It’s also less expensive than other materials.

Before digging, call 411 or your local utility company to mark any buried cables or gas lines. Then dig holes for the support posts using a posthole digger or shovel. Once the holes are dug, add a Titen HD concrete anchor to each hole and use a ratchet to tighten it. This ensures the anchor is secure and will not be knocked loose by a strong wind or errant footfall.

Time

When it comes to home renovations, most homeowners think of kitchens, bathrooms, repainting rooms, or even adding on. However, there are other options for major yard upgrades that can have just as big of an impact on your backyard space and home value.

Pergolas are the perfect addition to any landscape, and can provide shade and a place to entertain or relax. They also create a natural ceiling for vines like clematis, honeysuckle, ivy, and grapes to grow and intertwine into.

To build a pergola, you’ll need to prepare the area and purchase and gather all the necessary materials. This can take a few days, depending on the size of your yard and the complexity of the design.

It’s also important to check with your local utilities to ensure there are no existing gas or power lines in your yard before starting construction. Many DIYers have started digging into their yard without checking first and ended up running into these lines, which can be dangerous and expensive to repair.



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