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Pergolas have the following functions:
- They give shade to a sunny sitting area
- They act as support for climbing plants.
- They add an architectural element to the house/garden scene.
Pergolas are normally constructed of metal or wood or of brickwork pillars with overhead woodwork.
Metal can be an excellent choice for some situations but it is not really for the self-builder. Because of this we are focusing here on wood or brick and wood pergolas.
Woods you can use:
 | | Fencing quality softwood that has been pressure treated. This will need a little finishing work. Use a plane-rasp and course sandpaper to produce a smooth finish. |
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The classic wood pergola - on
this occasion crossing a lawn |
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| | Specially ordered softwood that has been planed and then pressure treated. This only costs a little more than the fencing quality and is available from builder’s merchants and timber yards. |
| | Green Oak. This is recently cut wood and is a lot cheaper than aged or dried oak. It will have some shakes (cracks) and will move a little as it dries out but this gives it strength and character. It’s more expensive than softwood but looks marvellous. Left untreated or stained it weathers to a lovely silvery colour. |
| | Unpeeled hardwood. The most suitable is Chestnut. Don’t use softwoods just because they are available and look pretty – they wont last. |
Your design depends a lot on what, if anything, you intend to grow up it.
| | Lots of leafy climbers means: |
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| | You must ensure the structure offers good support. |
| | The foliage will cover the pergola so lots of construction detail is not necessary. |
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| | Minimal climbers mean: |
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| | The Pergola must have more of a stand-alone quality. |
| | It will then be worth having detail in the construction. |
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