2019's DIY Pergola Plans: How to Build Them and Which Materials to Use

Whether you’re looking to add shade and extend the season, or just need a way to support a climbing vine or some other kind of leafy addition to your outdoor space, a pergola is an excellent choice. Pergolas are available pre-built and shipped to your house, but they’re much more cost effective if you build one yourself. A pergola is essentially an overhead structure with columns that supports vines, leaves, climbing plants and even light fixtures for illumination at night. In general, there are two main types of pergolas: freestanding and attached. Freestanding pergolas stand alone as their own structure in the yard; attached pergolas are built on top of another structure such as a deck or patio. There are plenty of ways you can create your own DIY pergola in 2019 that suits both your taste and your budget. Let’s take a look at some of them…

What You’ll Need to Build a DIY Pergola

When constructing a pergola, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got all the right materials on hand. The key components are the posts, beams, support brackets, cross pieces, and roofing materials. Here’s a quick run-down of what you’ll need: – Posts – These are the vertical supports that go on the ground. Depending on the type of pergola you’re building, posts can be made of wood, metal or concrete. – Beams – These are the horizontal supports that sit atop the posts and help to bridge the distance between columns. – Support brackets – These are the ends of the posts that are buried in the ground. They can be made of a variety of materials, including metal, wood and concrete. – Cross pieces – These are the diagonal braces that sit between the posts and beams. – Materials for roofing – Most pergolas have a roof; this is the material of choice.

Freestanding Pergola Plans

These pergolas have no attachment to another structure, and they can be freestanding or removable. If you live in a place that regularly experiences high winds, you might want to consider a freestanding pergola rather than an attached one. Pergola plans for freestanding structures usually consist of four posts made from wood or metal, a top made from wood or metal as well, and a support beam in the middle. The width of the posts will depend on the materials used. The posts can be any length, but the minimum height should be 8 feet so you can stand beneath it. pergola Northern Ireland

Attached Pergola Plans

An attached pergola is one that is attached to an existing structure, such as a deck or patio. This is the most common type of pergola and is great for adding shade and making your outdoor space feel cozier. Attached pergola plans normally consist of posts made from wood, metal or concrete, beams made from wood or metal, and support brackets made from metal or concrete. You’ll also need diagonal cross pieces made from wood or metal. Attached pergola posts should sit on the ground and be buried in the soil underneath. The posts should be secured to the deck, patio or house with concrete or metal brackets.

PVC Roof Pergola Plan

One of the easiest materials to work with when creating a pergola is PVC. This is because you can cut PVC and mould it into any shape you want. You can also paint it to match your home’s exterior. – Post Material – For PVC posts, use wood boards or metal posts. – Beam Material – Use wood or metal beams. – Brackets – Use wood or metal brackets. – Cross Pieces – Use wood or metal cross pieces. – Roofing – Use corrugated plastic sheets.

Timber Roof Pergola Plans

If you like the classic look of wood and want to build a pergola with a more natural feel, timber is a great choice. The type of wood you use will depend on your climate: cedar, redwood, cypress, and fir are excellent options. – Post Material – Use pressure treated or rot-resistant wood posts. – Beam Material – Use rot-resistant wood beams. – Brackets – Use rot-resistant wood or metal brackets. – Cross Pieces – Use rot-resistant wood cross pieces. – Roofing – Use cedar shingles or redwood shingles.

Concrete Roof Pergola Plans

If you’re looking for a super-low-maintenance pergola and don’t want to invest in regular upkeep, a concrete roof pergola may be the way to go. – Post Material – Use metal posts with a concrete coating to protect against corrosion. – Beam Material – Use metal beams with a concrete coating to protect against corrosion. – Brackets – Use metal brackets with a concrete coating to protect against corrosion. – Cross Pieces – Use metal cross pieces with a concrete coating to protect against corrosion. – Roofing – Use metal sheets.

Summary

Pergolas can be a great addition to any home, providing shade and a comfortable outdoor space. There are a variety of ways to build a pergola, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a pergola plan, make sure you consider your needs and tastes to find the best option for you.

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