A pergola is an artistically designed structure that you can add to your garden or any other outdoor living space. This gives the space some personality and makes the well-spent time with friends and family even more enjoyable. Pergolas are made of several materials, including wood, aluminum, and vinyl.
For all those DIY enthusiasts, installing a pergola in your garden may sound like an excellent project. But a little warning: building a stable and strong structure with heavy materials may not be as easy as that social media inspiration you saw. You may want to consider hiring professionals like Hammond Industries to make the job easier for you.
But if you still decide to go ahead with the project, here’s a detailed guide to walk you through the process.
What Are The Materials Required To Install A Pergola?
You will require beams made out of the material that you have opted for. We suggest aluminum as it doesn’t decay and will remain rust-free in all weather conditions. Apart from that, you will need a binding agent, screws, bolts, welding machine, all depending on the material of choice. You will also need something to anchor the standing structure, and typically, concrete is used.
A Step By Step Guide On How To Install A Pergola
Accurate Measurement Of Dimensions
The first thing you need to do is to make sure you have accurately measured where you are to install your pergola. What is the required height, and how many beams you will need to cover the top with the desired spacing? Once you have decided everything, you can easily buy the beams already cut in the specified sizes.
Surface Preparation For Anchoring Posts
You will have to dig out a good bit from the mark for the post sites. A proper anchor is necessary as the posts will make the support structure for the beams, therefore it needs to be strong. A post placed in a good depth of concrete is sure to hold for years to come.
Attaching The Support Beams
These are beams that go across the top of the posts to create a rectangular frame. You need to attach them with strong bolts and even weld them if you are working with metal. The strength of this frame that you have now formed is going to determine the life of your pergola.
Installing Rafters
The rafters are what make the roof of the pergola. These will not completely cover the top as the rafters are placed at a distance from one another, designed to let some of that sunlight come through. The spacing of the rafters is up to you and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Additional Beams
These are known as crossbeams and can go over the top of the rafters. The crossbeams can give additional support and add design value to your pergola. This is not a necessary step, but if you choose to do it, you will attach these perpendicular to the rafters, forming a hatch. Make sure to drill these in properly.
Decorating
Now that you are done with all the hard work. You can add decorations such as curtains, some outdoor furniture, and hanging plants to fit into the aesthetic of your house. You can even grow vines around it, which should cover the whole structure when spring comes and turn it into a beautiful masterpiece of nature.
Conclusion
You just went through our step-by-step guide on how to Install a Pergola by yourself. Following these should help you successfully install one that is made with the right materials. Make sure to focus on the support structure for safety. While we encourage independence, this project is not as easy as it may seem.
We strongly advise you to hire professionals at Hammond Industries. Our employees are trained to manufacture and install pergolas at the best prices and in the shortest time possible. Our services will help you with all the heavy work while ensuring safety for you and your loved ones.
