Whenever we talk about wooden pergolas, the image that comes to mind is 4 poles on which a network of horizontal and transverse beams is placed. This framework is what gives strength to the structure and on which a cover, an awning, or a vine is arranged. So far very good, but what differentiates one pergola from others? Why do almost all of them seem different? Let's take an in-depth look.
Modern Designs
Regardless of the material used, wooden pergolas will have a more modern appearance as long as the ideal finishes are used; it is the same as the modern modular houses that are so fashionable today. The sleeper beams can be placed face to face or supported on the load-bearing beams. Colors also have unique importance when it comes to achieving a modern look; pergolas in white, black, or silver colors provide a greater sense of avant-garde. The upper part of the pergola is usually finished with straight awnings or sliding roofs with color finishes to match the pergola. Due to the way in which these pergolas are built, the awning or cover can be presented sometimes below the crossbars and sometimes above them.
Rustic Pergolas
Rustic pergolas are obtained with bevel finishes, usually at an angle of 45ยบ. They are usually assembled with large sections of wood that do not always obey safety criteria, but purely aesthetic ones. Rustic pergolas are usually finished in several different colors to imitate any type of natural wood.
Classic Pergolas
They are by far the most complicated to build due to the final finish of the deck sleepers. They have curved cuts and this makes them extremely difficult to work with. This type of design is more common in wrought iron pergolas than in wooden pergolas. Many times, you may have an outdoor space that you want to take advantage of, but it is not covered. Well, just by making wooden pergolas, you can enjoy outdoor activities. This space can be used with a simple wooden pergola that offers you shade to enjoy the patio or garden during the summer, and that you can use during the winter to let in the sun's rays and warm the house.
Basic Structure
Making a wooden pergola is simple because it is a basic structure to which you can put a drop-down roof made of canvas or a fixed one made of other synthetic materials. But it is not recommended that you affix it to your ceiling because it takes away the possibility of controlling the entry of light and heat; depending on the season of the year.
Making a Wooden Pergola
It is not recommended either that you make your own wooden pergola because of some of the intricacies involved. But, just so you know those intricacies, we have outlined below how you can make it. To add coverage to your outdoor space, making a wooden pergola might be a great solution for you. The sequence of how to make a wooden pergola would be more or less like the steps below.
1- Take the precise measurement to make an attached wooden pergola. There are two facing beams: the one that is fixed on the wall of the house and the one that goes in front, which must be the same. The slats will rest on them.
2- Take the measurement of the distance that goes from one beam to another (from the wall to the outer beam) and add the centimeters that you want to protrude. This is the measurement of the slats of the roof structure. As an aesthetic detail, you can make the cut called "pigeon chest" at the outer end of the slats
3- Measure the height of the pergola. This will give you the measurement of the four beams that support the roof. In two of them (the outer beams), you will need to make an angle cut to fit the front beam.
4- So far you have the wood for the structure: two horizontal beams and four vertical beams that form two inverted "u", one in front of the other. Supported on these, the roof slats are nailed. To be more secure, if you wish, make a small indentation on the support beam in the precise place where each strip will rest. It should have as many slits as there are slats in the roof.
5- If you are going to make a small pergola, you could eliminate the two vertical beams that are nailed to the wall and put only the two outermost vertical beams.
6- Once you have cut the entire structure, apply the coating: stain or enamel, preferably that includes a protective treatment of the wood if you have not worked with treated wood.
7- When the wood has dried, assemble the pergola.
8- To fix the vertical beams to the ground, use anchors to make a wooden pergola. To secure the wood joints you can also use metal wood brackets. This is recommended to make a large or insulated wooden pergola (not attached to the house).
9- You can roof the pergola with acetate, in which case you just have to screw it to the slats, with canvas, or with tongue and groove wood and tiles.
Contact a Professional
Now, you see that there are technicalities to making your own wooden pergolas. If you'd like to speed up the process and get some help, contact a professional pergola company that can take care of the heavy lifting and allows you to start relaxing under your new pergola right away.
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