Having a pergola on your deck is a great way to create shade and add some value to your home. A pergola is different from an arbor in that it has four corners and has a roof that can be covered with vine or fabric for extra shade. What are some pergola ideas for the deck on your home?
Pergolas go great with lawn features but will really pop if they occupy a large space on the deck. Building or assembling a pergola could be an easy job for a handyman, but there might be some problems if you are on your own. Don’t sweat it! Read on and learn some great pergola ideas for your deck.
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Ideas for a Deck Pergola
Depending on your deck’s size, you can have a gigantic pergola that covers the entirety of the space or a tiny section to keep your hot tub out of the neighbor’s view. When choosing how big you want your area to be, you should also think about how many things are going to go inside of the structure.
Deck furniture or other features should fit inside the pillars of the structure so that if you want, you can add shades to the sides to create a more intimate cabana feel. Open tops and sides are great for fire pits and places that could work with wood or run off a pilot light. Measure your space before you sink money into a new pergola.
Types of Pergola
Before you can begin construction on the deck, you should know what kind of pergola you are going to have and how large it will be. Measure the portions of the deck that will house the shelter and be accurate. Repeat the measuring process as many times as needed before you start shopping.
Cedar is an Excellent Choice for a Deck Upgrade
A cedar pergola is one of the most breathtaking shelters you can place on your deck. When paired with a sweet-smelling vine or an autumn colored set of shades, there aren’t many other pieces that can rival its look and feel. Using a natural product like cedar also gives the deck a homestyle feel that could rival a night camping under the stars.
A Backyard Discovery cedar pergola is a great example of how well cedar looks. The slats along the top make a great platform for a roll of fabric shading or a lovely flowering vine. The color is a bit neutral, which means that you can add it to almost any style of deck, and it should blend in just fine.
Open Top Pergolas Shirk Roof Coverings for Fantastic Views
An open-top pergola is precisely the way it sounds. As other structures have slats or rails on the roof, an open-top leaves the Skyview unobstructed. The pillars make a great spot to hang flowers or mount a trellis that opens the area for some unique flower growing. An open-top is excellent for families looking for a bit of shelter for their fire pit.
One of the great things about an open-top pergola is that you can choose to leave the top open or hang some bits of shade in the corners. The Fly Hawk is the perfect example of what you can do with the extra space. The versatility of them makes it a definite option for those looking to spice up their deck.
A Steel Pergola is Exceptional for Severe Weather Areas
One of the great things about steel is that it will stand up to anything. A steel pergola will last for decades and can be an eye-catching piece on your deck. Steel is also great for having outdoor furniture. It creates a much better bit of cover for the furniture instead of being thrown out in the elements from day one.
Steel pergolas, like the Purple Leaf, also have moving pieces that can give them more functionality. This particular model has a set of louvers that can be raised or lowered to let in or keep out light. Extra side panels can also be attached to give it a bohemian outdoor feel good for any time of day.
A Lean To Pergola Takes More Building but is Worth it.
The last type of pergola is the lean-to. A lean-to is a bit of a roof extension that covers the four pillars of the layout. These are becoming more and more popular since they can be done with just about any material and can form a seamless line with your roof and back deck. Seek out a professional’s help with this one.
Another great thing about a lean-to is that there are free plans across the internet that will give you all the information you need to build them. Some of the designs are simple enough that a few extra boards and some nails will make them rise from the deck in a jiffy. Remember that if you are going to cut into the roof, you need a professional’s help.
Assembling the Pergola
If you bought a pergola that has to be assembled, get ready for the most gigantic puzzles you have ever undertaken. It is just as simple as a puzzle to put together, but some major differences must be followed to allow for proper installation. Read all the instructions before jumping into the deep end on your own.
The steps to assemble your pergola are:
- Unbox the Pergola – The box will be a large crate or a bundle of plastic pieces with the extra pieces thrown to the side. Take all the contents out and match the pieces with the instruction manual. Place them in an easy to reach area and set the attaching pieces where you won’t lose track of them.
- Set the Pillars – The thickest pieces of plastic should be for the pillars. They will cover 4×4 poles cemented into the ground or attached with metal clamps screwed into the ground. Make sure that the posts are level, or the rest of the pergola could not fit correctly.
- Install the Trim – Depending on the type of pergola you buy, there will be bits of trim that need to be installed before moving onto installing the slats for the risers and ceiling. Be careful as some trim bits could be made of thin vinyl or plastic and could tear or rip easily.
- Place the Risers – There will be a box atop the set of pillars. This square or rectangle section will be where the struts are installed inside or across the top. They will be made from thin flat pieces of covered vinyl and will need to be screwed or attached to the pillars for security.
- Time for the Struts – Once you have the risers secured, you can begin the time-consuming process of placing the struts. Ensure that the pieces of roofing are stable enough to hold the sheeting for shade and move freely if they are manipulated.
Conclusion
Putting a pergola on your deck is a sure thing to make the value of your home increase. They are modular and will only take a few hours to set up; once you have your deck measured and your budget in mind, you can begin to shop for one of several different kinds of pergolas to fit your need.
Of the four types of pergola, you should choose one that fits your needs and fits aesthetically with your deck. You will be the host of several outdoor parties that will feature your taste and style once you have a nice deck setup. Be sure to check out our article on different lighting ideas for your pergola.
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