All about wooden pergolas

You can decorate the house adjoining area in various ways. A pergola made of wood turns out to be an interesting and bright decoration. Thanks to such a detail, the yard can be dramatically transformed, become more presentable and beautiful. In this article we will tell you all about the features of wooden pergolas.

The pergola is an effective decorative addition to the local area. If you want to decorate the courtyard in an interesting way, bring an original twist to it, then such a design will be a win-win solution. For the first time, pergolas began to be used as a decorative structure in ancient Rome. In the future, strong canopies, enveloped in greenery, became a frequent detail in parks and private areas. They have not lost their relevance and relevance today.

Currently, pergolas are understood as constructions of various types. They can have a standard straight or vaulted top. There are options in the form of free-standing structures or structures adjacent to the building. The sizes and shapes of garden pergolas made of wood can be absolutely any.

If a decision is made to make a wooden pergola on your own, you need to take into account some of its features and distinctive characteristics:

• there is a certain number of repeating sections in the structure of these structures;
• pergolas can have ceilings made in the form of lattices of different sizes;
• such products have supporting and arc structural elements.

The first models of pergolas were designed to provide effective protection from direct sunlight. In addition, such structures acted as a support base for climbing plants. Today, these products are used for decorating plots and for other purposes, namely:

• for effective division and zoning of the site into separate "squares";

• they are often used for decoration in a recreation area;

• pergolas have become one of the most original and striking decorations in landscape design;

• these structures can mask buildings that do not fit into the overall architectural ensemble;

• wickets and gates are decorated with pergolas.

A wooden pergola, like any other decorative structure for the local area, must meet a number of important requirements.

Let's get acquainted with their list.

• One of the most important requirements is the high strength of the wooden structure. The pergola must be strong, stable and reliable. If its structure turns out to be flimsy and dilapidated, then it will not last long, and it will not look the best way.
• A pergola constructed of wood must be treated with protective antiseptic solutions. Without this important procedure, the structure will quickly begin to deteriorate under the influence of negative external factors: sunlight, precipitation, attacks of tree parasites.
• The pergola should only be made of quality material. When choosing wood for its assembly, you need to pay attention to its condition. The tree must not show any signs of decay or decay of any kind. Perhaps, such raw materials will cost the master much cheaper, but it will definitely not work out of a good pergola, so excessive savings will be inappropriate here.

It is necessary to correctly choose the most suitable place for installing a pergola that meets all of the above requirements. If everything is done correctly, you will end up with a reliable and beautiful design that will last a very long time and will not lose its attractive appearance.

As mentioned above, pergolas can be very different. These climbing support structures can be of various designs and arrangements. Each variety has its own distinctive characteristics, which it is advisable to take into account when choosing a specific option.

Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular subspecies of pergolas, which are found most often in summer cottages.

• Tunnel. This type of pergola is the closest to the classic modification. Usually, a structure of this type is built directly above the paths and supplemented with climbing plants. Such pergolas look attractive and neat.

• Canopy. A great option for a summer residence. It differs in that it has a very dense upper half, becoming a resting place for household members in sunny weather. Often, under such a pergola, various kinds of garden furniture are placed, for example, tables with a bench or bench. You can equip a good playground here. If a pergola of this type is adjacent to the free wall of the house, then outwardly it will resemble a cozy veranda, however, it is technically allowed to install it separately from residential buildings.

• Fence. The design of such a pergola is very similar to the original screen. As a rule, such a detail is used to enclose a dedicated resting place or hide unattractive places of the site from prying eyes. It turns out to be both practical and attractive.

• Visors. This is the name of the varieties of pergolas, which are especially popular and widespread in warm Russian regions, where there is always too much scorching sun in the summer seasons. The main function of such structures is to protect a residential building from overheating. Visors help not to deal with excessive stuffiness.

• Arch. One of the most elegant and graceful are the arched wooden pergolas, which are designed with round details in the upper part. If you want to give your house area a more attractive and expensive appearance, you should take a closer look at this option.

Of course, the list of possible models of pergolas does not end with the listed modifications.

In order for the pergola to be of high quality, strong and attractive, it is necessary to correctly select worthy materials for it. Only if this simple condition is met, one can count on the fact that the resulting structure will last a long time and will not bring unnecessary worries to the owners.

Most often, pergolas are made of high-quality wood, but it is not forbidden to resort to the use of combined materials. For example, in the structure, the supports can be made of practical and durable metal, and half for landscaping can be made of wood. The result is very strong and solid structures.

The following are ideal as the main raw materials for the manufacture of pergolas:

• oak;

• larch;

• spruce or pine;

• maple.

It is strongly discouraged to use fruit trees for the construction of the pergola.And as support pillars, it is best to use a bar or round logs. For the upper half of the pergola arch, you can stock willow or pine boards.

As mentioned above, the choice of where to place your wooden pergola is very important. Homeowners must definitely approach this issue responsibly, since the level of ease of installation and further operation of a wooden structure will depend on this.

There are several optimal solutions for placing a wooden structure:

• by a pond, pool or fountain located in the area near the dwelling;

• in a barbecue area to provide shade on hot and sunny days;

• as an addition to the gazebo or terrace of a residential building;

• in the center of the garden or in the immediate vicinity of the garden trees.

For the construction of the structure in question made of wood, you can refer to its standard dimensional parameters:

• length - 2.5 m;
• width - 1.5 m.

Of course, these indicators can be changed in accordance with the preferences of the homeowners.

Before proceeding to create a pergola with your own hands, one must take into account the fact that its structure must be installed so that the input group of components is directed from the north to the south. Such a solution will make it possible to reduce the intensity of sunlight penetration, leaving it at a normal level for good plant growth and a comfortable stay inside.

A beautiful and strong pergola is not at all necessary to hiccup in the store, because it is possible to build it with your own hands. There is nothing prohibitively complicated in such works. The main thing is to act strictly in stages and not to rush, then there is every chance of getting excellent results.

Let's consider step by step how a home craftsman can independently and correctly make a high-quality pergola with his own hands.

To build a reliable and attractive structure, you first need to develop its detailed design. The master will definitely need to keep with him a detailed drawing with all the dimensions of the planned structure. Having a ready-made project, it is much easier to assemble such structures without making serious mistakes.

If you cannot call yourself an experienced builder, it is advisable to use ready-made projects of wooden pergolas. Here are some good schemes.

• The traditional pergola will become a versatile and win-win for decorating a summer cottage. It can be a reliable structure, supported by strong support posts with an additional foot. The upper part of the structure will be supported by struts, supporting beams and wooden lathing. The dimensions of such a building can be any, based on the free area of ​​the site and the preferences of the owners.

• For a not very large area, it is advisable to build a neat wooden pergola of a narrower device. The 2 side walls of this model should be made lattice, and the top should be laid out of the beams on the crate. The design will turn out to be pretty, especially if later it will be surrounded by climbing plants with multi-colored flower buds.

• If you want to complement the site with a more original and sophisticated constructionIt is possible to make a wooden structure with sides made of wooden "mesh", with round through "windows" and benches attached to the lower half. The width of the building can be either small or large. If desired, the benches can not be installed, leaving more free space between the side parts.

Having prepared a detailed project plan for the future structure, you can proceed directly to the work on its manufacture. The master must first prepare all the necessary materials from which the pergola will consist.

Consider what exactly is needed for construction work using the example of such a scheme:

• 6 support pillars with dimensions of 3,600x100x100 mm;
• 6 beams measuring 2,400x90x40 mm;
• 16 battens with dimensions of 2,400x90x40 mm;
• 14 struts with dimensions 800x90x40 mm.

Having prepared all the building materials and the corresponding tools, you can safely proceed to the next step - assembling the structure of the pergola.

• First, the supports are installed. Bars 100x100 mm will act as pillars. The easiest way is to fix the supporting parts by concreting them in prepared pits dug on a line below the level of soil freezing. The depth of the wells must be at least 1 m.

• The bearing beams of the future structure are installed on the pillars exposed according to all the rules with a thorn cut out at the ends with the help of self-tapping screws.

• The battens, in accordance with the selected drawings, must be exposed by means of cross-type connections. The boards will need to be fixed with self-tapping screws along the pre-drilled guides in their end part.

• To install the braces, you should use the usual self-tapping screws.

• The last stage will be the construction stage of the pergola - the formation of a decorative foot of the pillars from a 10 mm thick board.

As you can see, the assembly diagram of a wooden pergola is quite simple and straightforward. After completing the design of such a decorative element, it can be additionally painted in any color you like, which will harmoniously fit into the existing landscape design.

Before embarking on decorating a pergola with green decorations, it is recommended that you consult with experienced specialists or first familiarize yourself with information regarding the care of certain plants and flowers with which you want to braid the structure. This is very important, because in the region of your residence such climatic conditions may persist, which are not suitable for all living decorations.

In our country, climbing plants such as:

• wisteria;

• roses;

• grape;

• hop.

It is allowed to decorate the pergola not only with plants, but also with other decorative items. For example, next to a structure built of noble wood, it will be possible to place a decorative wooden well or some attractive garden figurine. A stone stream will be a spectacular addition.

If you have made the decision to build a pergola on your own, it is advisable to arm yourself with some useful recommendations on this matter.

• When assembling a wooden pergola, the best fittings are of the "thorn-groove" type. In this case, a prepared spike is driven into the end end of the beam, and a hole for the spike appears in the resulting installation site. As a result, the installed beam becomes more stable.

• When designing a future pergola, one should not forget about its proportions. The best solution would be if the level of the building's height exceeds or equals its width. Otherwise, the product will acquire a slightly ridiculous appearance.

• When making a pergola with your own hands, you must make sure that it is sufficiently stable and strong.If during the assembly you notice that the structure is shaking and does not seem so reliable, then all the existing shortcomings will need to be eliminated immediately. Otherwise, the structure may collapse or fall at some point.

• When making a pergola out of wood, it is recommended that you always keep a tool such as a level at hand. The best in determining horizontal and vertical are bubble or laser devices. If you do not pay due attention to these parameters of the building, then it can turn out to be a curve.

• When decorating and choosing paint for a homemade wooden pergola, it is important to build on the appearance of the existing landscape design. The design should harmoniously fit into the overall picture, and not be knocked out of it. If you cannot make the right choice on your own, it is advisable to seek help from a professional landscape designer.

A well-made and tastefully decorated pergola can become a real "queen" of a garden or local area. Such designs look gorgeous in almost any setting. Let's take a closer look at some of the successful examples.

• A tall wooden pergola, shrouded in climbing plants with small bright pink flowers, will look elegant and peaceful. Paving slabs can be laid out between the support beams, and large flowerpots with an aging effect can be placed on the sides. The structure will turn out to be very beautiful and will definitely transform the local area.

• A light wooden pergola looks neat and inconspicuous, inside the corner part of which there is a cozy bench. Well-fixed flower arrangements can be lowered from the roof of this structure, and tall beautiful pots with colorful flowers can be placed on the sides. You can also lay soft snow-white pillows on the bench.

• A high wooden pergola can be installed in the zoned space near the pool. It is advisable to cover it with a light snow-white canopy to get a kind of imitation of a tent. Small hanging lanterns like garlands will look great under the beams. It is better to paint the structure in the same color as the patio around the pool. The ensemble will be amazing.

• Above the pool, the entire area around which is designed in white colors, you can build a chic wooden structure, painted in a contrasting dark brown shade. The result is a very stylish, modern tandem of colors. As an addition, next to the pool, you can arrange furniture, seasoned in white and cream colors.

• A large pergola in an oriental style, painted black, looks very unusual and bold. This design can be placed surrounded by pink and white flower plantings, as well as among lush green bushes.

For more information on wooden pergolas, see the video below.