How to Design Wooden Pergolas
Pergolas define outdoor spaces. They often accent a garden sitting area or backyard patio. Pergola design can range from contemporary to rustic styles that match the character of a home's exterior. In addition to complementing the style of the house, a pergola should suit the scale of the yard and other surroundings. Consider the function of the pergola when thinking about the overall design.
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Instructions
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Evaluate the purpose of the pergola. For example, you may have a patio that you would like to highlight and transform into an outdoor dining area. In this case, the pergola would have to fit the patio, provide shade and accommodate food preparation and dining.
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Draw a sketch of the space where the pergola will be positioned in the yard. Sketch several different options for pergola shapes, such as a square or rectangle with a flat, sloped, peaked or curved roof. Place each sketch into position on the overall sketch of the yard. Compare the sketches and select a basic style for the pergola.
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Draw a detailed drawing of the pergola design. Pergolas typically have four larger corner posts. The roof frame is made from large boards and a grid of smaller boards. Achieve straight lines in your drawing with a T-square.
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Draw in the details for the sides. Some pergolas have latticework or other grid-work added to the sides or corner areas. Include details in the design, such as how the parts will be fastened together. Joist hangers are often used to connect roof frame boards to the corner posts.
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Add measurements to each part. Provide as much detail as possible. Include options for wood. Contemporary designs may suggest cedar or teak, while rustic designs may call for reclaimed wood or natural tree branches. Base your wood and finish choice upon the overall style of your home's exterior.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different design elements to help you flesh out the best possible design.
Design a pergola so that it can actually be built. A complex design may look good on paper, but if it cannot be executed, the design is not of any use.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pergola di glicine image by Andrea Todeschini from Fotolia.com
