8 Things To Remember Before Building A Pergola

Probably the easiest way to enhance a yard is by adding a fancy new pergola in the middle of it.

The good thing about pergolas is that they bring a point of interest in the backyard at pretty low prices. Generally, homes look better with an outdoor extended pergola project attached to the side of the house. Plus, you can always use the spot as a gathering, entertaining friends, or party spot for the entire family.

Many pergola owners choose to leverage canopies in tandem with their pergolas to protect against the elements. A custom canopy solution can add weeks to the amount of time you can enjoy your pergola while protecting the furniture or accessories you use in this outdoor space.

Of course, there are stand-alone pergolas too, and we’ll discuss style and design soon enough. We can think of eight things to consider before adding a pergola to the yard. Take a look at some important pergolas considerations to make the most of your outdoor space.

8 Things To Remember Before You Build A Pergola

1. Size Of The Backyard

Before selecting pergola designs, take a close look at the available space. The first thing to check is whether there is enough space to fit a pergola. Larger spaces are better off worrying about the style and materials because backyard space should not be a problem.

However, if you have a smaller yard, you’ll have to be extra careful about the pergola placement. An attached pergola is the better option for smaller yards because you can use the remaining area for walking or planting trees.

Either way, even medium-sized pergolas become the social hub of the house because of their spacious nature. Adding cosy seats, outdoor tables, and glimmering lights make the area ideal for chatting with friends over dinner and barbeques.

2. Purpose Of The Pergola

We suggest visualising your purpose for the pergola, so that building and designing will have little to no confusion. If you need an empty spot outside the house for reading on lazy Sunday afternoons, the pergola will not need to many seats and tables. Two laid-back chairs with a coffee table should be enough for personal use.

On the other hand, if spacious pergolas for throwing parties on the weekend and entertaining guests are the main agenda, the space will look quite different. For starters, you should have enough space, or you will need a large pergola that fits several people at once, plenty of chairs, and a dining table. If space permits, add a nearby barbeque grill and a minibar.

3. Position Of The Pergola

Don’t forget to consider the all-important aspect - where to place the pergola in the backyard. You always have the option to set it right where the backyard door opens. This means the platform matches the level of the house, and when you walk out the back door, you enter straight into the pergola. A glass sliding door feature that leads into the pergola can be an exciting add-on.

Alternatively, the structure could stand independently, a little away from the main house. It can serve as a getaway nook for resting, but using this pergola in the rain might not be the best idea. An in-between option is to create a connecting passage between the house and the pergola.

4. Pergola Design

Decide whether you want to build the structure or hire a company specialising in pergolas. The fancier the designs, the more professional help will be necessary to make a perfect pergola. Plenty of styles can suit a modern home - pure wooden pergolas, structures with a cloth roof, or even the sides covered with plants.

5. Direction Of The Pergola

If you hire a building company, they will suggest the ideal size and placement, but it’s better to add a few suggestions. One thing to customise is the direction it will face, which is important if your area’s climate is uncertain. Windy locations can damage any outdoor structures, so ensure the pergola doesn’t directly face the direction of strong winds.

6. Permits From The Local Council

Depending on the local council in the area, permits might be required for building a pergola. Certain factors like pergola size and position on your lot can play a role in the council’s decision to allow construction. It is best to show them the tentative plans, so there isn’t any restriction while building.

It will be easier to tweak the design or change the size and get the council’s approval in the early stages.

7. Materials

A top-to-bottom wooden structure can emphasise the natural aspects of the garden and may blend well with the background. While selecting wood, make sure it is resistant to insects and rot because these two things can weaken the wood from within. Remember that good-quality wood is also costlier and will increase your project’s budget.

However, building companies will provide an entire pergola kits, and you may not have to source each part separately. Plus, plenty of stylish options are available in fibreglass, vinyl, and aluminium materials.

8. Plants

If you intend to add a lot of plants to the area, the pergola should be designed for this. In addition to blending heavily with the garden, the pergola could connect the house and garden. To place potted plants and flowers in modern containers or even hanging pots, you’ll need to build the pergola to accommodate this.

Ensure that the pergola is positioned in a sunny area so the plants don’t suffer from a lack of light.

Constructing Your New Pergola

Building a pergola may be challenging, and not everyone knows how to proceed. You don’t have to worry about anything if you hire a renowned home improvement or renovation expert. They will take care of all the requirements from planning, designing, reviewing, and building. Besides, there is a better chance of successfully customising your space with the help of experts in the field. For more backyard renovation tips, check out How To Extend Your Existing Deck.

At FTCC, we have licensed Sydney builders who can assist you. Designing and installing pergolas has been our specialty for years. With every project, we promise to exceed your expectations. So, contact us today!

Well, that’s all for this guide. We hope your plans for the new pergola go well for you. Goodbye for now!