Installed in the backyard, an attached pergolas Adelaide can define patio areas and serve as an elegant transition between indoor and outdoor space. Furthermore, its presence provides shade from direct sunlight as well as light raindrops that would otherwise ruin a patio’s charm.
Pergolas can be made out of different materials, including wood (such as cedar), vinyl and aluminium. Each material offers its own set of advantages to consider when building one.
Cost
As with any construction project, the cost of building a pergola depends on its size and features. Labour costs and roofing and structural materials represent most of your budget.
Pine and cypress are budget-friendly options, while western red cedar will withstand wet weather conditions and insect infestation better than treated pine. If your pergola will serve as the focal point of the landscape, choose materials that contrast well with surrounding foliage for maximum effect.
Attached pergolas Adelaide typically uses ledger beams lag-screwed into the wall to secure themselves to their home or other structure, making the structure more stable while possibly requiring fewer posts, thus offsetting the initial costs of construction.
Pergolas can be outfitted with electric wiring to accommodate lighting fixtures, fans and televisions/projectors – however, you should check with your local planning office first to ensure compliance with any permitting requirements.
Structural Considerations
Attaching a pergola to a home offers several distinct advantages over freestanding ones: greater structural safety, seamless integration into home design and less of an impactful presence in outdoor areas.
Attached pergolas Adelaide usually feature rafters (or joists) that face away from the wall rather than towards it, making construction simpler while allowing sunlight into the home during winter months. Joists should be placed no closer than 16 inches from the edge of the house so as to prevent overhangs and obstruction of windows or doors.
Materials
Pergolas, unlike decks or porches, are freestanding structures that don’t need to be attached directly to your home, which makes locating them in your yard without worrying about municipal codes that require a certain distance between it and the property line easier.
Pergolas can be built using various materials. Popular choices for pergola construction include low-cost pressure-treated pine, durable cedar, redwood and Douglas fir, as well as tropical hardwoods like mahogany and ipe. Each can be tailored to match the architecture of your home as well as existing landscaping features.
Maintenance
A pergola covered in climbing vines makes a striking focal point in any yard, yet these plants require regular trimming to prevent them from overgrowing the structure and taking over its form.
An attached pergola uses similar materials as its freestanding counterpart yet saves on material costs by taking advantage of your home for support. A ledger board secured to rim joists with lag screws or structural screws acts as support, and a water-resistive barrier helps prevent water from reaching sheathing material and leading to rot.
Once the ledger board is set in place, cut three 2 x 8 beams that run along each wall of your house for your first roof layer and notch them to support four of six second-layer beams. The next step should be installing the rafters and, finally, attaching end beams that connect directly with your ledger board by driving galvanized screws.
Architectural Cohesion
If you want to make the most of your backyard space, a pergola will bring your outdoor design together. It’s a great addition to your pool deck, patio or garden area.
A pergola’s trellis-like roof creates an inviting spot for relaxing and entertaining with friends and family. It also offers retreat-like seclusion. Pergolas with privacy walls are especially good for those who live near busy streets or have nosy neighbours.