How to Build an Overhead for a Patio
A custom-built overhead can enhance a patio space by providing sun and/or rain shelter, increasing privacy, and defining the space and adding a subtle sense of enclosure for an "outdoor room" feel. The most popular patio overheads are arbors and pergolas, both of which look right at home in any landscape, blend well with most home styles, and are relatively easy to build. Arbors and pergolas are simple lumber structures with vertical corner posts supporting horizontal beams topped with evenly spaced rafters. Adding roof slats (typically 2-by-2s) over the rafters is an option for increasing shade or privacy. While arbors are typically freestanding structures supported solely by their corner posts, pergolas are often attached to the house, with the house-side of the overhead frame supported by a ledger fastened to the house framing, much like the structure of a wood deck. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Carpentry tools
- Supplies for concrete footings (if applicable)
- Post bases and fasteners
- Lumber or timber posts and beams
- Ledger board, fasteners, and weatherproofing materials (for attached pergolas)
- Post-to-beam framing connectors (and fasteners) or through bolts
- 2-by-4 or larger lumber (for rafters)
- Rafter framing connectors and fasteners
- Joist hangers and fasteners (for attached pergolas)
- 2-by-2 lumber and screws (for slats; optional)
Instructions
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1
Set the metal post bases. For a freestanding arbor, you may be able to anchor the bases to an existing concrete patio slab (using masonry anchors), or you can bury the bases in freshly poured concrete footings. For a pergola attached to the house, you must support the posts with concrete footings that extend below the frost line (depth at which the ground freezes in winter). Depending on the size and design of the structure, the posts may be regular 4-by-4s or 4-by-6, 5-by-6, or 6-by-6 timbers.
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2
Install the posts, following the base manufacturer's specifications. Make sure the posts are plumb (perfectly vertical), and use temporary cross-bracing to support them during construction.
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3
Install the ledger (for pergolas attached to the house). For most projects, the ledger is a 2-by-6 or larger piece of pressure-treated lumber anchored to the house's wall studs or floor frame with lag screws. It's a good idea to get expert assistance with this step, to ensure structural soundness and prevent water damage to the house with appropriate flashing and other weatherproofing measures.
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Secure the beams to the posts. For solid-lumber beams, anchor the beams to the tops of the posts with metal post-to-beam framing connectors. For beams made with two framing boards, sandwich the boards over the sides of the posts and secure them with heavy-duty through bolts.
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Install the rafters perpendicular to the beams. For freestanding arbors, fasten the rafters to the tops of the beams with nails or metal framing connectors. For attached pergolas, fasten the rafters to the ledger with metal joist hangers and to the top of the beam with framing connectors.
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Add 2-by-2 slats across the rafters, if desired. Space the slats closer together for more shading or privacy or farther apart for more openness. Fasten the slats to the rafters with deck screws.
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Tips & Warnings
Turn an arbor or pergola into a rain shelter by adding corrugated plastic roofing panels. Check with the panel manufacturer for installation recommendations on rafters and other supporting members.
Arbors and pergolas are permanent structures that may require a building permit. Check with your city's building department to learn about permitting and important structural requirements for your project.
Some arbor and pergola designs call for permanent cross-bracing between the posts and beams, to provide lateral support.
