A quick guide to
choosing pergola plans.
Just about anyone can build a
pergola in the backyard or garden using any of the
great pergola plans
which are available online. Because a pergola is
such a simple structure, building one is a great
home improvement project for everyone from DIY
novices to seasoned experts.
Before you choose your pergola plan, it’s
worthwhile taking a few minutes to consider your
options.
Top four
questions to ask when planning your pergola:
1. Natural timber or wood composite?
Natural timber has a magnificent look, and is
particularly suitable if your home has a
traditional, rather than a modern architectural
style.
Wood composites are less expensive to buy, and
your pergola will require a lot less maintenance in
the long term. Many modern wood composites are so
advanced they’re virtually indistinguishable from
natural timber.
2. Do you plan to grow plants on your pergola?
A pergola covered with a beautiful flowering
shrub or vine will make a magnificent addition to
your garden design. If you plan to grow a heavy,
woody type of plant like a rose, you will need a
pergola which is strong enough to support the weight
of the plant when it is fully grown.
You may need to incorporate a
trellis into your
pergola design to support climbing plants. Delicate
vines will grow well on a lighter, tighter trellis,
while thick, woody plants will require a stronger
trellis with larger gaps.
3. Freestanding, or attached to the house?
A pergola which is attached to the side of the
house will be more structurally stable, particularly
if you live in a windy area.
Whether you choose a freestanding or attached
pergola depends largely on how you would like the
pergola to look.
4. Do you plan to include pergola furniture?
Your pergola can be much more than just a
beautiful ornamental feature of your garden. You can
incorporate a bench or even a swinging seat, so you
have a quiet, peaceful place to relax and enjoy the
outdoors.
For more information on Pergolas, please read
this article Arbors,
trellises and Pergolas.
