Do you desire to build a pergola yourself today? Read this article today and get your creative juices flowing, and in no time, you will build one yourself.
Table of Contents
A pergola is a structure built in the garden, park, or extension of a house that consists of a metallic or wooden framework.
It acts as a shaded pathway or sitting area that makes it enjoyable to spend more time outside. A spot to enjoy a barbecue and some outdoor tea and snacks with friends and family but within one are living space. Pergolas also add value to one’s house in case one decides to sell in the future.
Pergola comes in many designs and shapes and is made from various construction materials such as metal, wood, and other construction materials.
Metal pergolas are the most beneficial to construct since metal pergola come in a range of designs and sizes, and they can be made in many powder-coated colors.
A metal pergola is also very cheap and easy to maintain since all you have to do is wash it every time it gets dirty, unlike wood pergolas that need refinishing every once in a while. Although pergolas can come custom-made, pergola kits are available for sale. Some people prefer to construct their pergola.
When choosing a pergola design plan option to construct, one should consider their basic construction skill set and have the necessary protection and construction tools.
Some of the pergola design plans are;
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Budget pergola plans
These types of pergola plans are constructed on budget, and they mostly take a minimal budget and less time and space to construct.
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Unique pergola plans
This type of pergola requires a lot of creativity both in construction and interior décor. They are most preferred for those who have a more advanced construction skill set or supervision from those with an advanced construction skill set.
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Traditional pergola plans
These types of pergolas are built with a traditional making and finishing, interior décor, and general structure of the pergola.
Here are some of the top pergola designs you can DIY today.
Budget pergola plan.
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Single string light pergola
This kind of pergola is mainly built for weddings and can be made in a few hours. It is built having lights hanging over it in any desired pattern, and it can be built at any preferred size. The project is beautiful and low budget.
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Super frugal pergola.
This kind of pergola also takes a few hours to construct. It is a simple and full-size pergola since it is built as an attachment of the side of the house with enough space to fit a table and a few seats or a bench. It can be designed as preferred by the owner.
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Skilsaw pergola.
This type of pergola can be constructed in a day and requires a ski saw and a few other tools. The pergola has its posts dug deep in the ground, and the top poles are chopped at one edge and aligned in a parallel manner.
Unique pergola plans
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Round fire-pit pergola plans.
This type of pergola takes a longer time to construct, two weeks or more. It is an open space with the roofing mostly circular, although this is not always the case, with a fire pit at the center and seats around the hole. This kind of pergola is suitable for hosting outdoor parties and bonfires.
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Outdoor kitchen pergola.
If you are quite the entertainer or would love to show your cooking skills, this is the best outdoor place. This pergola provides a space for your grill and kitchen workspace, and it also shields you from sun and rain while cooking. It is suitable for outdoor dining with loved ones.
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Hammock stand pergola.
Building this kind of pergola takes a few days. If you enjoy taking a nap outdoors, reading, or having a drink while enjoying the beautiful outdoors, then this is the best pergola for you. It is built when one does not need to construct a full-size pergola. It is designed with a hammock hanging, and the stands are installed to the ground with cement for stability when resting on the hammock. It is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoor breeze and have some sunlight to enrich your skin.
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Modern pergola plans
These types of pergolas are built with a modern design in mind, from decor to construction. It is fitted with stylish sofas and pillows, and it is a fantastic way to chill outdoors without losing the comfort from indoors.
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Arched pergola plans
This pergola is built in the shape of an archtop to provide a much-needed shed for reading, working, enjoying some snacks, and chatting with loved ones. One’s creativity is beneficial for decorations and inner fittings such as seats lighting and arrangement.
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Deck pergola with plant hangers
A few plants and flower pots would look amazing, especially if they are hanging around you. It is better if they are in your favorite hanging outdoor place. This type of pergola is quite the view and the best chilling place for the outdoors with whichever design the owner wishes. The plants are a fantastic way of bringing nature inside one’s outdoors.
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Garage door pergola.
Fitted at a garage door, this type of pergola is beneficial for outdoor chilling. This type of pergola is an excellent outdoor chilling spot to enjoy the outdoor weather. Once the roofing and lifting are fitted, all needed are portable seats, a table, and some family and loved ones to enjoy the great outdoors.
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Pergola with curtains.
Pergolas are primarily designed to enjoy the great outdoors and weather, but that does not mean you cannot have a little privacy.
In cases where one needs some privacy, this kind of pergola comes built just like any other pergolas, but one fits some curtains.
These are installed from one stand to another and can be opened or closed when need be. Some seats and a table are fitted and the inside fitted with whichever decor of choice.
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Transparent roof pergola plans.
This pergola is built with any design one desires and is fitted with transparent roofing to allow light in and keep out on rainy days.
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Pergola swing
This is like a pergola hammock, except this type is fitted with a swing seat to swing as you enjoy the day. One could also choose to fit in some interior shelving to hold a book, coffee mug, and other things. The roofing provides a shade from sunlight and rain.
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The louvered pergola shade.
This kind of pergola is quite a unique design since it comprises a set of poles running in different directions or a straight line for better sunlight. This pergola can also be fitted with an outdoor bench setting and incorporates some shade for a better outdoor experience.
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The Japanese style pergola
If you admire the Japanese style of building houses, then this plan is the best for you. However, this kind of plan is not easy to construct and needs someone with advanced skills in construction experience.
This pergola features a Japanese roof styled with some supporting beams on the sides. Both the beams and ceiling can be made from the wood of choice. The side beams should be deeply rooted to the ground using concrete for maximum support.
One can also opt to build a wall from pine or bricks around the perimeter to make the pergola look more unique, add some interior décor mostly of a Japanese design, and enjoy your outside experience.
Traditional pergola plan.
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Patio pergola.
How awesome would it be to fit your pergola over your patio? This type of pergola plan helps add beauty to your outdoor space, turns that hot patio into a much more excellent area, and makes it very enjoyable to spend some time outdoors.
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Rustic pergola
As the name suggests, this type of pergola is built to have a rusty and traditional look. The pergola may be made in different designs and shaped depending on one’s creative mind. The trick is to have the entire structure look rustic and antique.
The roofing would be made entirely in small twigs with the interior décor as antique as it can get with decors such as clay fire pots, woven mats, woven seats, etc. What better way to enjoy your outdoors while feeling like you are in the late 60s?
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Grass thatched pergola roofing.
If you want a simple and small and traditional outdoor space, then look no further. This pergola plan is built with four non-polished tree poles firmly on the ground using concrete with the roof made of grass. Wooden seats are the most preferred perfect traditional look.
Conclusion
Engaging your creativity to build something is probably the best feeling in your life. However, it is crucial to ensure that the materials you choose for your DIY are fabricated from the best companies so that your structure can last a long time.
Contact us for any pergola material needed for your DIY’s.
Frequently asked questions
How Many Posts Will My Pergola Have?
One frequent question we’re asked is how many posts a pergola of a given size or dimensions will have. In general, a square pergola will have four posts, one at each corner. However, this depends on several factors, including:
- Whether the pergola is freestanding or attached to another structure such as your home.
- How far the pergola needs to span.
- The shape of the pergola.
How Are Pergolas Anchored?
Pergolas are extremely strong and durable, but they don’t stand on their own. The strength of a pergola depends in large part on how it is secured to the ground. Because every person’s needs are different, There are different anchoring solutions to fit your situation. This can include cementing the posts into the ground, securing them to concrete pads with brackets and bolts, or using rebar or auger-style anchors to secure them over the soil.
Can I Add Anything to My Pergola?
Many customers make custom additions or changes to their pergolas to suit their needs. For example, we often run wire and supports for ceiling fans in pergolas, which increases their utility as an outdoor room. Other common additions include additional support for a porch swing or plumbing for a plant misting system, and we can always work with you in the design stages to help you get exactly what you want as well.