How to Build a Covered Pergola

A covered pergola brings shade, protection and aesthetic appeal to your backyard. It is also a great place to plant climbing vines that thrive in our climate.

To get the best out of your pergola, consider adding a retractable canopy to it. This will let you extend the cover on sunny days to protect yourself and your furniture from harmful UV rays, while leaving it open to enjoy the sky above.

Material

A pergola is a shade-providing structure. Adding a roof to this design allows the space to be shielded from sun and rain, creating more usable outdoor spaces that stay in harmony with nature and are less susceptible to harsh weather elements.

The best material for a covered pergola depends on the design and functionality. A number of materials are available for pergola roofing, including shingles, metal and polycarbonate sheets. Each type offers different benefits and advantages, depending on the intended use of the pergola and surrounding yard.

Shingles are a popular choice for covering pergolas. These roof tiles come in a variety of colors, and can enhance the look of any garden. Unlike other types of covers, shingles allow light through and help keep the pergola cool. Metal roofs are a more durable option, with aluminum and steel offering durability and easy customization. Polycarbonate sheets are another excellent choice, as they offer both UV and rain protection.

Design

Whether you’re shading your patio dining area or adding a relaxed lounge nook to the backyard, pergola ideas provide both structure and style. The open framing of the structure allows you to bring in a variety of materials, finishes, and hues.

Hanging curtains and other fabrics add color and a sense of intimacy to outdoor spaces. In this pergola idea from 2022 House Beautiful Whole Home, breezy white drapes delineate the seating zone from a dining and cooking nook beneath.

You can also hang string lights for nighttime lounging and plant fast-growing flowering vines to create a natural canopy over your pergola. In addition, you can line the perimeter of your structure with decorative box planters or hanging planters filled with herbs and fragrant flowers. The possibilities are endless! Just be sure to consider a contractor or DIY approach depending on your skill level and budget. If you choose to DIY your pergola, choose a set of wood pergola plans that include clear directions, supplies lists, 3D illustrations, and links to other resources and tools.

Installation

A large pergola’s expansive roof and significant weight require a solid foundation. To ensure that the structure remains steady and flush with the ground, you’ll need to install a concrete patio anchor and set each post base. A hammer drill with a carbide tip will allow you to make a precise mark at each corner, where the posts are anchored. Once the holes have been drilled, replace the posts’ base and secure it with a ratchet and appropriately-sized socket.

Choose a type of wood that can stand up to your local climate, whether low-cost pressure-treated pine or durable cedar. You can also purchase metal pergolas as ready-to-assemble kits, made from modern materials like powder-coated aluminum or Corten steel that won’t rot.

For the first roof layer, cut two three-by-eight beams to support four of the six second layer beams. Use a jigsaw to notch the ends so that they butt up against the ends of the main beams. Repeat this process with the remaining two.

Maintenance

Wood, plastic, and vinyl pergolas require regular maintenance to stay reliable, safe, and attractive. Cleaning, staining, sealing, and repairing damages can extend their lifespans and increase the value of your property.

Hose Down Pergolas Regularly hosing down your pergola will keep away debris that promotes mold and mildew. This also keeps insects from nesting in the structure.

Sealing and Staining

When your wood pergola starts to look gray, apply a stain that is formulated for hard woods. This will restore its original color and protect it from the elements.

Trim Vines

Many people grow vines on their pergolas to add a touch of greenery and boost its visual appeal. However, these should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too heavy and cause damage. Additionally, they should be trimmed to ensure that they don’t block sunlight or hide cracks or rusty screws. Similarly, other plants should be pruned to ensure that they don’t hang over or damage the structure.



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