pergola – The Garden Boss

How to DIY a Pergola and Save Thousands!

A pergola is a great addition to any yard, but it can be expensive to have one built. But if you do it yourself, then you can save thousands of dollars, as long as you know how to do it. The follow guide was brought to us by our friends at Popular Mechanics. Enjoy!

First, you want to place the posts and tightly secure the anchors into the ground so that the pergola is strong and sturdy. There are a few different ways to do this (and different materials you can try out), but the anchor is vital in order to have a safe pergola. Once the anchors are secure, place the support beams in them and attach securely.

After the posts are in, it’s time to attach the safety beams. These keep the posts securely in place and prevent them from toppling over in high winds or other inclement weather or sudden movement. Make sure the support beams are even and flush with one another so that the pergola is straight all the way through.

Next are the crossbeams for added support and a nice aesthetic appeal. If you’re handy with a saw, and want a nice look, curve the ends so that you don’t just have a straight piece of wood sticking out. Attach the other trim and braces around your pergola for maximum security and appeal.

Now it’s time to fit the slats into the top of the pergola to get that rustic and charming look that you’re probably going for. Make sure the slats are screw tightly to the frame in order to prevent them from falling out or breaking off.

Lastly, you can cap the posts to give the pergola a more finished look. This isn’t necessary, but I like it because it makes it look more elegant and professional. Go ahead and paint or decorate the pergola however you want. You’re all finished!

14 Backyard Pergolas Anyone Can (and Should) Have

Here’s a new twist to the classic pergola. Add a little arch to it to make it even more amazing. This adds some vertical height, but it also takes the pergola from a straight edge to a more fanciful curve.

I like pergolas, but sometimes the plain wooden posts just don’t look that good. However, you can add some decorative stone around the bases, and that solves the problem. Use whatever stone goes best with the floor and the other décor around the space.

I love pergolas that have comfortable seating underneath with a fire place. A nice thing about a pergola is that the open slots mean the smoke can escape, making it perfect for a fire pit. This kind of place is perfect for gathering at night to enjoy the company of friends and family.

If you want a pergola but don’t have much space, you can try this type. It uses pillars to get the height, but it only covers a bar, so it’s smaller than a normal pergola. Put this right next to the pool for some great summer fun.

You can also use pillars but on a normal pergola. The pillar material and the wooden slats complement on another. Also, considering adding hanging lights to make it even more romantic and magical.

Attach the pergola to the side of your house to save time and money. Just make sure your home can support the added weight. This is a nice idea because you can enjoy the pergola the moment you step outside, and you won’t need to be a full pergola.

I love the idea of having a pergola solely for a swing bed. There’s something that’s just so quaint about it. Get a big, cozy swing bed that holds lots of blankets and pillows. Doesn’t it just seem like a great place to hang out and relax?

Add some landscaping to improve your pergola. You can add it between the pergola and yard to make some privacy, or you can surround the pergola with the landscaping. Either way, it looks great and the landscaping can add some much needed color and style.

Take a normal pergola and add some curtains to it. This gives it color, but you can also create some privacy when needed. You can also get shade from any sun coming in. Choose curtains that are weather-resistant and match the décor in your pergola. You can choose between airy material or thick material.

Build a pergola over your hot tub. It blocks some of the sun during the day so it’s not scorching, but it also allows you to see the stars at night. This can be a really romantic way to spend the evening.

No one ever said you can’t have a pergola AND a gazebo. Make a combo out of the two. They both serve different functions, but they look good together side by side. You’ll love entertaining guests in your outdoor gala!

If you want a pergola for looks but don’t really care where it is, consider building one over your outdoor shower. It provides some shelter when showering, and it makes the shower look a bit more complete. It’s no longer just a spout sticking out of the wall.

This walkway pergola is probably one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. I love how it overlooks a little pond. I bet, at night, it feels like you’re all alone in the world. Some romantic lighting can really make this place wonderful.

Combine a privacy wall with a pergola. The pergola protects you from the sun and the privacy fence protects you from prying neighbor’s eyes. Use material similar in both constructions so that they match.

How to Save Money and Build Your Own Pergola

If you’ve decided to take on the task of making your own pergola, first off, congratulations! It’ll be a fun but difficult project. After you’ve wrapped your mind around the project (and decided what kind of pergola you want), it’s time to get the right materials. Make sure you get materials that are good for your climate. Lots of rain? Make sure you have sturdy wood. Loose soil? Make sure you get firm supports. Do some research and then buy the right materials.

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