Table of Contents
What wood is best for a pergola?
Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar (WRC) and Redwood are both naturally stunning woods and often lumped together.
Should I use 4×4 or 6×6 for pergola?
To adequately support the lumber overhead as well as give the pergola a sturdy look, you’ll probably need to use 6×6 for the support posts. For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work.
Is pine wood good for pergola?
Pressure treated pine, the most affordable pergola wood option, is also very rot and insect resistant and able to withstand severe elements. Pressure treated pine has chemicals added to give it those properties. This wood type comes with a green appearance.
How much does it cost to build a 12×12 pergola?
A typical 12×12 pergola will cost between $4,320 and $8,640 depending on your choice of materials and style.
What do I need to build a pergola?
Materials: 8(4” by 2”) rafters x (2.4m) lengths (treated timber) 4(3” x 3”) spiked Metposts / post anchors. Metpost driving tool. Screws (3.5mm x 16mm) for outdoor use. Washers (M8) 12 fence clips / U-bracket (50mm) Clear preservative. Wood stain/preservative.
How high should my pergola be?
The minimum height of a pergola should be no lower than 7’6” to provide enough head room, though most projects call for a range of 8-10′ in height. A lower ceiling feels right-sized for intimate gatherings, while a larger roof is more in scale with a larger structure.
How far can a 2×8 span for pergola?
The IRC 2018 does not specify a maximum span for pergola beams. Because of this, it is best to go by the standard rule and multiply the depth by 1.5. This would give you 12 feet. You may be able to get away with another 1 to 2 feet depending on the species and grade of the wood but should avoid going past that.
What size timbers do I need to build a pergola?
For the uprights you will need at least 75mm x 75mm (3” x 3”) timber, and 100mm x 100mm (4” x 4”) is better if it is to be a sizeable structure. The uprights need to be around 3m (10ft) long, as they will need sinking into the ground by 0.5m (2ft) to give a firm foundation.
How big can a pergola be with 4 posts?
A very small pergola may use 4 x 4 inch posts as long as it has less than 4 to 6 feet between posts. As a general rule of thumb the depth of hole you use for your posts should be approximately 1/4 of the height of your post.
Is Douglas fir a good wood for pergola?
Douglas fir wood pergolas are better at withstanding strong gusts of winds, thunderstorms, and earthquakes.
How long will treated pine pergola last?
Wood and Treated Wood Even if you choose treated wood, your structure is still vulnerable to fading, warping, rot and – gasp! – termites. With limited maintenance, expect a wood pergola to last about five years. You can improve its lifespan to 10 to 12 years with annual cleaning, staining or sealing.
What is the best roof material for a pergola?
Vinyl or plastic will look great at first, but will eventually fade and distort. Metal louvers, like aluminum, are the ideal material for a pergola roof. Aluminum is strong and lightweight, making it possible to automate their controls with quiet electric motors.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a pergola?
The cost of building a pergola is cheaper than buying a pre-fabricated one or hiring a professional to construct one. However, you will need the tools, expertise, and time to properly execute the project to ensure that it lasts and adds maximal value.
Does a pergola add value to a home?
Here’s what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% — 80% for your ROI.
Why are pergolas so expensive?
Conclusion. Pergolas are expensive because they are large structures that you want to last. By choosing a high-quality pergola made of fiberglass, steel, or aluminum, you won’t have to worry about replacing it every couple of years.
Are pergolas easy build?
A pergola is basically an open roof, set on posts or columns. You can buy pergolas in kit form, but they’re quite easy to build from scratch using treated softwood. Make sure you paint the cut ends of the timbers and the feet of the posts with wood preservative before you start.
What do you cover a pergola with?
A fabric cover provides shade, but for rain or snow protection you’ll need something more sturdy. You can purchase a pergola with a metal roof, or you can build your own waterproof cover out of corrugated metal or plastic.
What does it cost to build a pergola?
The cost to build a pergola usually ranges between $2,200 and $5,900, or $4,000 on average. You could spend as little as $1,300 on a basic build while you may pay as much as $10,000 for a custom design.
