Use the steps below to
make sure that you order the right pergola for your project.
Know the Parts. The industry cannot even agree on
the difference between pergolas, arbors, and trellises let alone the
parts, so we need to first make sure we are talking about the same
things. Backyard America uses the following terms:
Attached or Free Standing? Will the rafters be attached
to a wall of your house or other structure? If so, you will need to order
an attached pergola. Free Standing pergolas require additional beams,
pergola ends, and hardware, which are included in the charge for the free
standing
option. The needed extra posts are included in the Dogwood model with this
option as well. For
the Potomac, posts are ordered separately.
What Size Pergola? We specify the size of our
pergolas by their overall dimensions. The width is typically from one
end of the beam to the other end including the pergola ends. The
projection, or depth, is the length of the rafters including the pergola
end or in the case of a free standing model, the pergola ends. Beam
pergola ends are approximately 12" and rafter pergola ends are
approximately 8". When stringers are ordered they are the same
length as the beam for the Potomac and about 2' shorter than the beam
with the Dogwood..
Do You Need Stringers? Stringers are added for
appearance, additional strength, and additional shade. They are standard
on the Dogwood and an option on the Potomac. Stringers with a 3" space
provide a minimum of 33% shade when the sun is above it. For additional
shade consider
retractable canopies.
Which Support Posts? The Dogwood prices include 5
x 5 vinyl posts. For the Potomac, posts need to be ordered separately or
you may supply them
yourself. The size of the post is largely an aesthetic choice - what you
think is right is right. A post that is similar in size to the beam is
one rule of thumb that is used. We think that our pergolas look best
with posts that are between 5" and 10" wide.
How Will the Posts be Attached? It is very
important to have a secure post attachment. For pergolas that are on
grade, the best attachment is to have pressure treated posts set in
concrete at least 30" into the ground. When that is not possible, our
steel post mounts work well. For installations on decks or other
elevated structures it is important to make sure that the posts are
securely fastened to the framing of the structure. Always use bolts and
screws and avoid nails for the attachment.
How about Lighting or Other Accessories? We
strongly encourage you to consider adding lighting to your pergola. It
will add greatly to your enjoyment and usability. An advantage of adding
lighting when installing the pergola is that you can more easily hide the
wires. Low voltage lighting for pergolas can be seen by
CLICKING HERE. You may
also want to consider a
ceiling fan as well to create a refreshing breeze.
Pergola
Drawing Service Not sure
of how a pergola will look on your deck or patio? Or maybe you would like to
know about how much shade you should expect from your pergola. We can help!
We offer a drawing service that will give you a good ideas of how well your
pergola will meet your expectations. We have a small charge for this
service, but we give you full credit for the charge if you purchase one of
our pergolas!
CLICK HERE for information.
For additional information on designing and installing
your pergola call one of our design consultants today
877.489.8064
