How to Decorate a Pergola on Deck
Adding a pergola to your deck is an easy way to create a shady outdoor space. It can also add a romantic, southern feel to your home.
The most important consideration when installing a pergola on a deck is choosing hardware that will hold the structure stable in heavy winds. Ideally, this hardware should be thick galvanized steel.
Adding Lights
When deciding how to decorate your pergola on deck, consider the overall vibe you want. Whether it’s a rustic retreat for reading, a secluded lounge, or an irresistible gathering spot for family and friends, adding lighting fixtures, decorative greenery, and other personal touches will elevate your space to its true potential.
Use string lights to create a magical canopy by draping them in a crisscross pattern across the top of the structure. You can also intertwine them with climbing plants like grapevines and rose bushes to add another layer of texture and color.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, install concealed channels within the pergola’s structure that will house electrical wires. This will allow you to keep the lighting neat and tidy without distraction from visible cords.
Creating an Outdoor Dining Room
Whether you choose to go the DIY route with a pergola kit or build your structure from scratch, you’ll need some key components: posts, beams and rafters. Start by clearing the deck surface and making sure that it can support the weight of the timber you’ll be adding to the structure. Once that’s done, assemble the posts and use bolts and brackets to firmly connect them together.
Pergolas don’t just offer shade—they can also be used to create a space for eating, lounging and entertaining. Add a grill, a dining table or even a hot tub to create a cozy, intimate setting perfect for family dinners and entertaining guests. You can also add some ambiance to the area by adding lighting, such as lanterns or string lights. Decorative touches, like flower pots or a runner rug, can elevate the look of the deck even more. Choosing greenery that grows well with the area is another great way to tie the look of the deck and pergola together.
Adding Curtains
If you want to create a more intimate atmosphere on your deck, adding curtains to your pergola is an easy and attractive way to do so. Just make sure to select durable fabric that can withstand the elements and the daily use of your outdoor space.
Another option for your pergola is to train a trailing vine or plant to grow over it. Ideally, this will require a trellis across the top or side of the structure. Just be methodical when training the vine so that it grows in the direction you want it to.
When choosing the design of your pergola, you should consider the local building codes regarding roof loads. A pergola is similar to a gazebo in its open-air style, making it susceptible to damage from heavy rain and wind. It’s important to review the pergola design and install guide for kit-based structures or contact a code official for proper fastening guidance.
Adding Furniture
Create an inviting hangout for lounging and entertaining by integrating a hanging daybed swing into your pergola. This will provide a whimsical, romantic retreat for relaxing on the deck in the gentle breezes.
Whether you’re using a pre-made kit or building a DIY pergola, you will need heavy-duty bolts to firmly connect the posts to the beams that lie across the top of the structure. Since these bolts will be visible, choose ones that are designed to be attractive rather than your standard silver-colored, hot-dipped galvanized fasteners.
Be careful not to go too top-heavy with your roof, as this will cause the structure to become unstable and prone to damage from storms or heavy snowfall. Ensure your pergola is as stable as possible by choosing light wood lattice for the cover instead of a heavier timber or fabric roof. This will also help reduce the weight on your support posts. This will make them more resistant to weathering and aging.
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