by Alden Smith
Google defines a pergola as "A covered walk in a garden, usually
formed by a double row of posts or pillars with joists above and
covered by climbing plants." However, a pergola does not need to be
strictly defined in this way. Pergolas can be attached to a house,
sit adjacent to a house, or used as a free standing focal point for a
garden. They offer a sense of place and privacy, and are much more
definitive than an arbor. The beamed roof of a pergola offers shade
yet allows sunlight to enter. If designed properly, they can be a
real comfort and focal point of any landscape design. Here, we will
discuss pergolas - different designs, types and their many uses.
Types of Pergolas
Pergolas have been around for centuries, and were used in the Italian
gardens during the Renaissance period. These elaborate pergolas were
used to offer shade to delicate plants, yet give a sense of openness
to the gardens, eliminating deep shadows which were though to lead to
melancholy.
There are two basic types - attached to the home and free standing.
You will often see pergolas on decks and patios, as a means to screen
users from the sun, and to add ambiance to the area. Pergolas offer
the homeowner the opportunity to have hanging plants or potted vines
on their decks which will climb the standards and intertwine with the
joists, offering a beautiful and relaxing setting and offering needed
shade. Free standing pergolas make a nice outdoor "room" to sit and
enjoy your landscaping, or simply read a book in the shade.
Building a Pergola
Building a pergola is easily accomplished by anyone with average do
it yourself skills and access to normal woodworking tools. A pergola
attached to a house that covers a patio or deck is usually a simple
matter of setting the corner posts and attaching the rafters. Use post
anchors that can be attached to either a cement surface. If you decide
to go further than the deck, install the corner posts in cement pads
on the ground, again using post anchors. Rafters should be installed
with framing anchors. Add pitch to the upper rafters to insure rain
runoff.
Finishing Touches
Pergolas can be easily personalized, limited only by your
imagination. People often put battens, a thin strip of wood used in
the construction trade, on top of rafters to secure a sun shade. Vary
the distances and intersections of battens to provide interesting
shade patterns on your deck or patio. Decorate with treated pine
lattice to provide privacy and a place for climbing plants and vines
to run.
Some Considerations
When deciding on building a pergola attached to the home, it is wise
to consult with your local building codes official to determine any
local regulations that may interfere with your building plan. Do so
before starting your project to insure that everything is up to code.
It may mean that you would have to have it unattached to the home, but
can be as close as 6" away. Don't make the mistake of building a
pergola attached to your home without knowing the rules and city or
local regulations. Some gated communities may even have regulations
against any permanent structure attached to a home. Better safe than
sorry.
A pergola goes a long way in adding not only privacy and shade to
your deck or patio, but adds value to your home as well. You can set
up formal walkways and add a pergola that is rather extensive if space
allows. The author has seen pergolas that have covered walkways
between two buildings, and have grapes planted as the climbing vines.
This variation provides good shade and the added advantage of having
fruit when it matures. Consider a pergola when you start your next
spring project.
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