Building a pergola in the garden is becoming very popular and the reason is not too difficult to find.
It is the perfect place to relax or entertain.
The only problem is the high cost of having it built.
However, there is no reason to lose heart.
You can build it yourself with the help of DIY Pergola plans.
A pergola is a kind of outdoor living room consisting of a passageway of columns supporting a roof, on which climbing plants are sometimes trained to grow.
Though it doesn't provide much protection from the sun, wind or rain, it is a unique architecture which defines outdoor space.
It was a common feature in Italian Renaissance gardens, and usually covered walkways and also served as grape arbors.
In the present day, a pergola is usually used to define a passageway or frame a central point in the garden or backyard.
When a climbing plant such as a wisteria or a grape vine is added, it can provide color and shade, too.
When starting out on your DIY pergola, the first thing to be done is to check with the local authorities regarding code requirements and permits.
Sometimes you may require a permit for which you may have to pay a fee.
Several types of wood can be used to build the structure.
Your DIY Pergola plans would help you in making a good selection.
As it is a furniture which will be kept outdoors, pressure treated wood is a good option to prevent rot and decay.
Redwood and cedar are also good choices which will look good and last many years.
But they are relatively more expensive.
If you are only starting out on DIY projects, it is best to choose a simple design such as a square or rectangle.
These are simple and easy to build.
For deciding the size of the DIY pergola, you would have to consider the size of your garden and the purpose you would be using it for.
If you intend to use it for entertaining, you would have to estimate the number of people, chairs and barbecue equipment it will have to hold, and decide the size accordingly.
Before starting to build your DIY pergola, it is best to have a plan of action on paper.
This would be modeled on your DIY plans.
If you are building it on the ground, you would have to first dig the holes for the corner posts at least three feet deep.
The depth should be even more if you live in a deep frost area.
Before doing any digging, you should call the water, telephone and electricity authorities to find the location of wires.
It is best to paint all the parts on the ground.
While painting, it good to use a spray gun.
Doing the painting by brush can be taxing.
During the construction of your DIY pergola, you would have to layout the placement of the four corner posts.
The bottom of the posts has to be coated with tar.
Next the beams are attached to the top of the arbor.
Once the construction is complete, vines and flowers can be grown on the overhead.
You may also enlist the help of your family and friends in the building.
It will make the work more fun.
Once the work is done, you would undoubtedly be proud of your DIY project.
Apart from the satisfaction, you would also have added to the value of your property and saved on the costs of hiring a professional.
It is the perfect place to relax or entertain.
The only problem is the high cost of having it built.
However, there is no reason to lose heart.
You can build it yourself with the help of DIY Pergola plans.
A pergola is a kind of outdoor living room consisting of a passageway of columns supporting a roof, on which climbing plants are sometimes trained to grow.
Though it doesn't provide much protection from the sun, wind or rain, it is a unique architecture which defines outdoor space.
It was a common feature in Italian Renaissance gardens, and usually covered walkways and also served as grape arbors.
In the present day, a pergola is usually used to define a passageway or frame a central point in the garden or backyard.
When a climbing plant such as a wisteria or a grape vine is added, it can provide color and shade, too.
When starting out on your DIY pergola, the first thing to be done is to check with the local authorities regarding code requirements and permits.
Sometimes you may require a permit for which you may have to pay a fee.
Several types of wood can be used to build the structure.
Your DIY Pergola plans would help you in making a good selection.
As it is a furniture which will be kept outdoors, pressure treated wood is a good option to prevent rot and decay.
Redwood and cedar are also good choices which will look good and last many years.
But they are relatively more expensive.
If you are only starting out on DIY projects, it is best to choose a simple design such as a square or rectangle.
These are simple and easy to build.
For deciding the size of the DIY pergola, you would have to consider the size of your garden and the purpose you would be using it for.
If you intend to use it for entertaining, you would have to estimate the number of people, chairs and barbecue equipment it will have to hold, and decide the size accordingly.
Before starting to build your DIY pergola, it is best to have a plan of action on paper.
This would be modeled on your DIY plans.
If you are building it on the ground, you would have to first dig the holes for the corner posts at least three feet deep.
The depth should be even more if you live in a deep frost area.
Before doing any digging, you should call the water, telephone and electricity authorities to find the location of wires.
It is best to paint all the parts on the ground.
While painting, it good to use a spray gun.
Doing the painting by brush can be taxing.
During the construction of your DIY pergola, you would have to layout the placement of the four corner posts.
The bottom of the posts has to be coated with tar.
Next the beams are attached to the top of the arbor.
Once the construction is complete, vines and flowers can be grown on the overhead.
You may also enlist the help of your family and friends in the building.
It will make the work more fun.
Once the work is done, you would undoubtedly be proud of your DIY project.
Apart from the satisfaction, you would also have added to the value of your property and saved on the costs of hiring a professional.
SHARE
