Although summer is still upon us, many people are already beginning to consider plans to improve their gardens for next year. One of the best ways of doing this is by adding a pergola, either attached to your house, or free-standing.
The internet is home to dozens of pergola plans, often with accompanying photographs and easy to follow step-by-step instructions to assist you in improving the feel of your back yard and value of your home as a whole.When considering a pergola, there are many things which ought to be taken into account. Below is a guide to the basics when planning your own.
Size Matters
The first thing to consider is how large you want your pergola to be. Once dimensions have been worked out, then searches for pergola plans specifically tailored towards these requirements can be made. If there are none online, then a search at the local library for a DIY manual will be able to assist.
When it comes to buying timber, the majority of DIY outlets will be happy to cut ready-made pieces to specific dimensions if required.
Ten Steps to Perfection – How to build a pergola
Once the timber and tools are all purchased and on site, then following the ten steps below will provide anyone with a perfect addition to their back yard.
- Secure the metal post supports – These will provide you with the four corners of your pergola.
- Hammer the supports – Use a spirit level to ensure that the supports remain vertical and square as they are hammered in.
- Insert the posts – Place the posts into the supports again ensuring that they are all vertical, then secure to the supports with screws or nails. At this point make sure that the grooves at the top of the posts are in the correct direction for the vertical beams to lie in.
- Build Crossbeams – Making sure the overhang is the same length at both ends use a hammer to knock the crossbeams into the grooves on top of the posts.
- Secure Crossbeams – Once the beams are positioned precisely, use nails to secure them to the posts.
- Position the Rafters – Place a rafter across each corner posts at right angles to the cross beams. Then measure and mark where the two centre rafters will lay ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Secure the Rafters – After knocking the rafters onto the crossbeams in the correct place, use nails or screws to secure them firmly.
- Strengthen the Structure – Use a wooden brace to strengthen the pergola at the top of each corner.
- Finish – Remove any rough edges by using light sandpaper and coat cut ends of timber with weather-proof preservative.
Plant – Now the structure is complete, it is time to plan the plants to adorn the pergola.
In order for your new addition to be blooming in twelve months time, now is the perfect time to begin planning your pergola. Aim to have it completed by the end of winter so that you can give your plants the longest time possible to bloom and bring the best out of your back yard. Life will never be the same again.
