Pergola: good to know for a successful build

A pergola is a great way to create a cosy and sheltered space in your garden. It is a simple structure consisting of poles, supporting beams and slats.

When choosing a pergola design, it is important to consider the material, size and placement in the garden to get the best possible results.

It’s easy to build your own pergola with the right tools and materials.

Pergola with recessed crossbeams environmental image

Deciding the size of your pergola

The size of your pergola should harmonize with the size of your patio and garden. A pergola that is too small can feel unbalanced, while one that is too large can take over the entire space. To find the right size, measure your patio and surroundings and think about how you want to furnish under the pergola roof. Let this be your guide when choosing the size of your pergola.

Place your pergola the right way

The placement of your pergola is another important factor in getting the best possible results. Consider the sun’s path through the seasons and time of day. You may want to maximise shade during the day but let in more light during the cooler hours of the evening.

Also, position the pergola so that it does not obstruct your view, but let it act as a screen in other directions. Perhaps by building a wall on one of the sides of the pergola.

Choose the right material

The choice of materials is crucial for the expression and durability of your pergola. Wood is a popular choice because it is natural and easy to work with, untreated wood requires regular maintenance and treatment for the pergola to remain durable for many years.

The choice of the dimensions of the poles, supporting ropes and ribs is important from the point of view of durability, but also influences the design of the pergola as a whole.

What do you need to build a pergola?

To build a garden pergola, you will need the following materials and tools:

Lumber
Screws
Miltersaw
Screwdriver
Measuring tools
Level
Clamps
Scaffolding or stepladder

You will also need to decide how the pergola poles will be fixed to the ground. It is important that the construction is properly anchored with e.g. concrete blocks or solid wooden ancor points.

Step-by-step guide to building a pergola

Decide how big a pergola you want to build based on your preferences, conditions and how and where the pergola will be placed.
Think about how you want the pergola roof to be designed with support beams and possible slats.
Also consider whether you want to create more roominess or privacy by building walls on a certain part of the sides of the pergola.
Cut and assemble the poles. Hold them vertically and mount them in the right place.
Cut and assemble the support lines that will form the frame of the roof.
Install 45 degree supports and mount in the upper corners between the posts and the outer beams. Make sure all posts are vertically level, adjust if necessary.
Build the pergola roof. Depending on your design of the pergola, this step is done in different ways. The roof is mounted between or on the pergola’s support beams.

Tips for a successful build process

Spend time preparing the design, drawings and dimensions of the pergola.
Make sure that the poles are even, in the right place and vertically level.
Make sure there are two people at the assembly and that you have a stable platform or scaffold to stand on.
Use heavy-duty screws to ensure a strong and stable construction.
Choose the right size and quality of lumber for a durable pergola.
Build the pergola in untreated wood, but make sure to apply finish properly for long life.

Add decorations and lighting

To make your pergola even more personal and useful, you can add embellishments such as lamps, plants in flower boxes or plantings in the ground. Nice lighting can create a magical atmosphere in the evening and make it possible to use the patio even after sunset.