Pergolas - Why Not Build One Yourself?
Building a pergola yourself may be simpler and easier than you realize.
You may be one of many people who have lately become captivated by the resurgence of pergolas, those beautiful and unique structures that provide beauty, comfort and value to any property.
Yes, pergolas are becoming more popular as many people have discovered them as a way to enhance the landscape of their property.
Most homeowners look for ways to improve their landscape and make it more interesting and enjoyable. A pergola is an option that fills both those desires and that more and more people are considering.
Like most, you will find that a pergola will add to your property in many ways.
Are there pergolas in your neighborhood or community? You may see trellises which are usually smaller than a pergola and of a different design and construction.
For example, a trellis is often built as an arch of various materials including wood. Trellises certainly add diversity and beauty to a landscape. Trellises often have small vines and flowers trained to grow certain ways the owner desires. They are indeed beautiful.
Pergolas, on the other hand, are generally larger, sturdy structures, often built with 4x4 redwood support posts and 2x4 or 2x6 cross beams across the top creating an open roof.
You can see more information on pergolas and access pergola plans at http://www.mypergolaplans.org.
Smaller stringers or wood can then be placed over the cross beams creating a roof that provides more shade. Latticework on the roof and sides will provide greater shade.
Some people have gone to greater extremes in building a pergola more as an outdoor room, complete with lighting and furniture in a large intricate design.
You can find designs of all shapes and sizes and dcor. Looking through outdoor landscape magazines you can find examples of all these pergolas. But, if you are on a smaller budget and perhaps not a lot of space on your property, any size, design, shape and use will significantly add to the beauty of any property.
Leave the wood natural, paint it, stain it and do whatever your imagination can conjure, it doesnt matter, as long as you are pleased with the result.
One option for building your pergola is to find pergola plans that contain all the specs, patterns and a list of materials needed for construction. These plans are easy to find and usually at low cost.
Why not cruise through you neighborhood and community looking for homes or businesses that have placed pergolas on their property? This is a good way to see how many pergolas there are around you, see how they look and get some ideas you might use for your pergola.
You will need to determine how and where to construct the pergola on your property. Ask yourself:
How large of a pergola can your property sustain?
Are there trees, structures or ground contours to be taken into consideration?
Will it cover an existing deck or patio?
Should it be connected to a part of your home?
Once a general design is determined and plans obtained, you will know exactly what and how much material (wood) you will need, what type of hardware and tools you will need.
Now the owners job goes into high gear. You will have to decided if this will be a do-it-yourself project or if you will hire someone for the whole project or to help you.
If you are handy with simple building projects why not take it on yourself. If you need some assistance, there is probably someone you know who has some expertise who can help.
It should be mentioned that do-it-yourself will save you hundreds and perhaps thousands of dollars while giving a sense of pride and accomplishment in your effort.
If you do not have much experience and want to avoid the details of design, plans, etc., consider purchasing a pergola kit that has been pre-cut and has all the material you will need including step-by-step directions.
Then, find someone, such as a handy man or friend and pay them to put the kit together on your property at your determined location.
by: Frank Baldwin
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