One of the best features you can have in your outdoor space or backyard is a pergola. This type of structure is ideal if you’re looking for a safe and fun way of enjoying the sunlight. It can add value to your property and will give you a nice place to relax.
Putting up a pergola will make your house the envy of the neighborhood.
But before installing a pergola, you will need to think about a few things first. We will be pointing out the main issues to consider before starting with the installation.
- Permits
- Different types of pergolas:
- Traditional (Open top)
- Gabled
- Arched
- Pitched
- Promenade
- Materials
- Steel: Steel is more durable than its timber counterparts. They don’t often need maintenance. The only downside is that they’re more expensive.
- Timber: With timber, you can paint or stain it to get the look that you want. The con is that it will degrade over time. Furthermore, it will need regular refinishing to prolong its life.
- Vinyl: They’re cheaper than steel and they resist the weather very well. The downside is they don’t look as good and classy as timber.
- DIY or contractor?
- Budget
Right after you decide that you want a pergola, find out if you need permits from your local council. Check if you need any council approval for the type of structure that you want. Not having the necessary permits can get you into trouble. You may end up having to pay a fine, pull down your pergola or make expensive adjustments.
Some contractors will take care of this for you. This way, you will be saving yourself the trouble of time and stress.
This is an important thing to do. This will make you understand all the options that the market has to offer you. Also, you can check which ones will work with the decor of your home. The most common types of pergolas are:
Compare styles and think about which will suit your aesthetics needs.
Comparing prices is important too. You need to be able to know what you can and can’t afford.
Choosing the right material is crucial for maintaining the home aesthetic that you want. For example, if you want a rustic look, then a steel pergola will not do. Also, consider how often you are willing to clean and maintain the pergola. Here are the pros and cons of common pergola materials:
Yes, we know that installing a pergola seems like something that you can do on your own. After all, what's difficult about putting up support posts and putting a roof over it? However, there are a few pitfalls that can cause you quite a bit of trouble. For example, while you’re installing the posts, you can accidentally damage water pipes or electrical installations under the ground. But, if you still want to do it yourself, don’t worry. There are services that you can use to find what’s under the ground of your property.
If you don’t think of yourself as someone with handyman skills, then hire a contractor who will do all the work for you. They will know which permits you’ll need, and they will give you useful advice. Trust the experience of the professionals in building such structures.
This is an important point. You don't want to install something that you can’t afford. To avoid this, make sure to do some market research. That way you can have an idea of how much it cost to install a certain pergola.
You can ask for quotes from several building professionals. This way, you can compare your different options. It will give you an idea of how much money you will need to get your dream pergola. With this information, you can easily create a budget and stick to it.
Also read here to know Wooden or Metal Pergolas: How to choose from these materials?
How to accessorize your pergola?
You can also add other elements that will make your pergola extra special. If you want it to be heat-resistant, then add a polycarbonate roof. That way you will still have sunlight but without the extreme Australian heat burning your skin. You can also put some climbing plants to integrate your pergola to your garden. With all of these improvements, you’ll have an amazing backyard where you can relax and spend time with family and friends.
