Today, the pergola is a popular addition to many properties, as it offers a multipurpose space that can be used for a variety of applications (from alfresco dining to an outdoor living room). If you are tempted to undertake a DIY pergola, there are a number of factors that you need to keep in mind to ensure that the project goes off without a hitch. In this article, we have covered the main dos and don’t of design and construction.
Do:
Determine whether your local council requires you to obtain any permits or to meet any other conditions prior to commencing construction. It is important to keep in mind that the regulations can differ between municipalities – just because you didn’t need a permit in your old house does not mean that you don’t need one in your new one.
Determine exactly where you would like to place the DIY pergola. This will require you to think about how you intend to use the space, the amount of sun you would like and the weather that is experienced in your area. If you want an outdoor living room, for example, you might want the structure placed right up against the house
Carefully choose any plants that you would to train up the posts or across the roof of your pergola. You don’t want flowers that are going to attract bees and wasps, for example. If you have young children, you might also want to steer clear of roses and other plants that have thorns. Just because the plant looks nice doesn’t mean it is suitable.
Don’t:
Place your pergola somewhere that is close to electrical wiring, gas or water pipes. Digging into the earth to secure your posts could lead to accidental striking of these wires and pipes. Before commencing construction, it’s important that you call a “dial before you dig” hotline to determine the safest possible location
Build a DIY pergola that is the wrong size for your property. Structures that are too large or too small will lead to all sorts of problems, the biggest one being that it will look out of place. It is important to consider how you want to use the space and what sort of furniture it needs to accommodate, as this will give you an idea of the size.
Spend too much money on your pergola. Whilst many companies now offer DIY kits, it is important to note that some can prove to be expensive and they don’t even provide you with all the required components. Make sure you carefully compare all of the available kits to determine which one offers the best value for money.
If you are thinking about embarking on a DIY pergola project, we hope that you will keep each of the above dos and don’ts in mind. Not only will this ensure that your whole project goes off without a hitch, it will ensure that the structure looks a million dollars and is the perfect match for your intended application. If you don’t really see yourself as the DIY kind of person, contact a professional pergola builder to handle the construction for you.
