Pergolas are becoming increasingly popular with each passing day and for the right reasons. While some want to add or improve the visual appeal of their house, others want to add a section that allows them to prepare meals, entertain, and spend some time relaxing with their friends and family members. As easy as it seems, building a pergola is a lot more than just buying materials and hiring a pergola contractor. You should also know a few things for a smooth process.
Planning Your Pergola
The first and most important factor when it comes to building a pergola is planning it. The thing with pergolas is that they will not only help improve the visual appeal of your house but also increase its value. But, if you are not smart and careless, you can easily end up destroying the original vibe of the entire house.
So, this means that you will need to put some time and effort into planning your pergola. The first part of planning your pergola is considering the design that complements your home’s architectural style. The reason is that pergolas tend to come in a variety of styles, materials, and designs.
You might think that the pergola you saw at your friend’s house might complement you as well but that is not the case. Furthermore, you will need to decide the location and size of the pergola as well. Because your home’s dimensions are different, you will need to check the amount of space available and what you can spare for the pergola.
The size of the pergola will depend on the amount of space available. Then, you will need to select the materials for your pergola. Pergolas are made from steel, wood, and other materials. Each material tends to have its share of pros and cons.
Plus, the decision to choose between the two also depends on the budget. Wooden Pergolas tend to be expensive and may require maintenance. Meanwhile, metal and aluminum pergolas are low-maintenance and durable. These materials are to pergolas what brick and concrete are to driveways.
General Steps For Building A Pergola
Part of constructing a pergola entails that you choose the right pergola design, and materials and build it the right way to ensure durability and stability. You may be planning to build a pergola on your own but that is not going to be the case here. Building a pergola requires investing in expensive tools and utilizing proper skills and experience.
During the process, there is also a risk that you end up injuring yourself while dealing with sharp objects and tools. So, we will recommend hiring an expert who will ensure the foundation is set and the Pergola is built and installed the right way.
The process of building a pergola begins by digging holes that are around 30 inches deep. Add a bit of gravel at the bottom of the holes to prevent the posts from shifting and improving drainage. If possible, you can also pour a concrete slab.
Then, install the posts in the holes and cover them using concrete. You might need to give them support since the concrete is going to be wet. Leave the concrete to set for around 24 hours. Don’t do building in that period.
Make sure the posts are level and firmly positioned. You might need another person to help you make sure that the posts are aligned correctly. Ask a friend or a family member to perform an inspection and use a tool to measure the height and distance between posts.
Finishing Touches
Once the posts have been set up, it is now time to add some finishing touches to the pergola. You will need to add lattice panels for visual appeal and additional shade. Use screws to secure the lattice to the rafters and beams, ensuring it is properly supported and evenly spaced.
Furthermore, you will need to choose a high-quality stain or paint to protect the pergola from the elements. Make sure to take your time while painting the pergola following the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure an even paint job.
Keep in mind that the paint job will also add a layer of protection to the posts. Therefore, if you were to leave any area or space, it might lead to cracks, rust, or damage in the future.
Maintenance And Care
Maintenance and care are the two most important factors that will decide how your pergola will look in the future and how long your pergola will last. Regardless of the material your pergola is made of, you will still need to perform visual inspections and be on the lookout for unusual signs & symptoms.
The reason is that pergolas are installed in the open air. Depending on your area or region, there might be a lot of humidity, moisture, pollution, and other factors in the air. The pergola has to deal with these factors daily, which takes a toll on its strength and finish.
But, if you are regular with the maintenance and care, you will be able to avoid all the complications that others face in the opposite scenario.
Permits And Building Codes
Building a pergola or gazebo in your backyard might not seem to be an issue but the thing is that some states have strict building codes that require homeowners to seek permission or acquire permits before building something. This means that if your state has some regulations regarding building a pergola, you will need to become familiar with them and apply for a permit first. You can consult your pergola or gazebo builder Port Jefferson for the process. Moreover, many contractors offer the service of acquiring the permit for the structure you want to build.
In general, the process may involve submitting your pergola design to the relevant office or a state individual personally visiting your house. The entire purpose of acquiring a permit is to ensure you stay within the regulations put forward by the state. Failure to comply with such regulations may lead you to an ugly battle with the law.
How To Choose The Right Pergola Expert?
There is no doubt that you will come across many pergola experts during your search for the right one. You are supposed to be overwhelmed by the number of options but you do not have to worry, it’s natural and happens with everyone.
To be able to quickly reach the right man for the right job, you will first need to ask your friends and family members if they can refer someone. If that doesn’t help, you will need to look over the internet and find some options in your vicinity.
You should not make a final decision before interviewing multiple experts and cross-comparing their quotations. Plus, you should also go through their portfolios to get an idea of what they have done in the past. This will help you make a way more informed decision.
Conclusion
Pergolas are an interesting addition to a backyard. They make your yard look unique but you have to be careful with your planning and decision-making process. The tips mentioned above will at least give you an idea of where to start. However, it is equally important that you hire a pergola builder Long Island who can guide you through the process and make sure your money is worth it.
