Pergola Questions

Is a pergola difficult to build?

Even though a pergola looks quite elaborate, it is actually relatively easy to build.  Readers are so proud of the structures they create.  And I love to see the amazing things they have achieved!

Make decisions before you begin, so that you know exactly what you're doing.  Get all your tools and materials together, read the plans through as many times as you need to, so that you are clear about the processes, and then it should be very enjoyable to build.

There are many ways to adapt the plans; from making a very simple structure to support a climbing plant or two, to a large canopy acting as an outdoor room! Be clear in your mind what it is you want from your pergola or arbour.

All the information you need is given within either the links contained in the free plans, or in the information that comes with the additional plans.  This includes adapting the plans, the tools and materials lists and the step-by-step plans for beginners, along with 18 rafter tail template designs as an added bonus!

You can build these wonderful structures yourself, but, as with everything, it is so much easier if there's an extra pair of hands.

How do I make sure that my pergola posts are exactly square on to one another?

This is how to do it, here...

Hello, I am on a mission to find the best idea for sap prevention over my new BBQ/ outdoor area. I have a beautiful oak but drops sap and ruins all my furniture so I am putting in a pergola. Do you have any suggestions for a liner/cover that looks appealing and keeps sap away?

Thanks, Christine

Hi Christine,

You will need something that is a rigid surface that can be either washed with a long brush or sponge, or hosed off.  A polycarbonate sheet over the top or between rafters would be the best thing.

In the picture, you can see how Pam and Brian used separate sheets between the rafters.  Building your pergola rafters to exactly fit the size of the sheeting is a very good idea.  It then needs preferably a plastic beading length attached with a waterproof sealant to make sure the rainwater doesn't drip through.

Kevin used a full size polycarbonate sheet on his patio pergola, seen on the previous picture.

Make sure the sheeting has a slight fall to create run off.

I'm interested to know if you cover how to angle the roof of the lean to pergola in the plans? I assume this adds to the complexity of building it?

Many thanks

Katie

I don't cover this at the moment, Katie.  However, several people have asked for this information, particularly with regard to adding a polycarbonate roof, so I will more than likely include it in the future.

It is quite simple, however.  Just shorten or lengthen the posts in relation to the height of the ledger, depending which way you would like the fall (away from or towards the house) and angle the end of the rafters and then the notches to sit on the supporting rafters/beams.

Regards,

Di

Hi Di,

Downloaded the plans for a lean to pergola. The plan is for a 8 feet x 8 feet.

I understand how to build it but I am not very good at maths. I am looking to build my lean to pergola at 9 feet x 9 feet and I can not work out how many cross beams I need. Can you help please?

Hi James,

I'm assuming that the 9 ft is the distance from the outside of one post to the outside of the other.

Let's convert 9ft into mm first, using a converter on the internet.

9ft = 2743mm (It's much easier to work in mm than in ft and inches!)

The spaces between rafters are usually about 305mm to 457mm (12" - 18") apart.

2734mm divided by 8 = 342mm (looking good!)  This is 13.5 inches.

Let's go with that for now.

This means you will have 8 spaces, so 9 rafters (2 side rafters and 7 cross rafters.  You always have one more rafter than spaces)

The distance between the centre of each rafter, from the outside of the posts, will be 342mm or 13.5"

(If you wanted wider spaces you could go for 7 spaces of 390mm or 15.5 inches, giving 8 rafters - 2 side rafters and 6 cross rafters.  Notice how when you make fewer spaces, the distance between rafters gets bigger)

Give me a quick reply (by replying to this email) James to let me know if you understand.

Where do I find materials to build my pergola?

Take a look here to find ideas on sourcing tools and materials.  

Is it possible to adapt the corner pergola plans to fit on the patio outside my house?

This is a wonderful attached corner pergola on a patio.  Find out more about how to do this here...

How can I adapt the corner pergola plans to fit my space and allow me to grow climbing plants?

Find out here...

What a fab website!

I want a corner pergola with a clear roof to keep the light but not the rays or rain! Then add a retractable fabric cover if I want more shade. Can this be achieved?

Sandra

So glad you found my website useful, Sandra.  Thank you for your kind comment!

It's a very good question.

Yes, it is possible, at least for the rigid panels.  You would probably have them over the top of the rafters. They would have to be cut to size to fit the radiating rafters, and then the shades would hang underneath.

Retractable shades would be a challenge on a corner pergola, simply because of its shape.  You may have to have two halves, cut to shape, in a material of your choice, that you simply hook onto the supporting rafters when needed.  By splitting the material into two, the shades would be more manageable, and could be used independently of one another.

Did you have a look at the page on canopies?  You can see this sort of shade sail here.

All the best,

Di

Can I use the free step-by-step plans to make a romantic wedding bower?

See how to do this here...

Can I make make my pergola rafter tail template fit an 8" or 10" deep rafter?

Yes, you can do this easily.  Here's how...