Planning Your Pergola
Pergolas are typically utilised to provide protection from the elements, provide a structure to support a plant or creeper, or both. They can be an extension of your timber deck or free-standing in your garden to provide a focal point of interest.
Getting your Approvals
Construction of a pergola will probably need approval by your local authority and we recommend that your local Shire be consulted early, before detailed planning commences. You may need to obtain information about relevant regulations, detail required on plans, scale of drawings and what permits are required before work commences.
Ask yourself
1) What purpose will the pergola have, and how will the different seasons affect this?
2) How much furniture will I want to put under it?
3) What sort of roof will it need – solid, louvered, shadecloth?
4) Should the roof shape match or complement the house?
5) Will I want power, plumbing, lighting, or even fans on it?
6) Will I want to enclose it at a later date or put café blinds around it?
7) Do I want a pergola that will add value to the house should I choose to sell?
By putting some time into good planning your pergola will work exceptionally well for you in every situation.
For a step-by-step guide to constructing a pergola including preparing the site, establishing foundations, positioning posts, attaching beams, rafters and fixing the roof, visit the Timber Decking Supply Shed and pick up your free copy of our ‘How to build …. Pergolas’ brochure.
Pergola Timber choices
Supporting timber posts that are embedded in or in contact with the ground should either be highly durable timbers such as Australian hardwoods or preservative treated timbers with a hazard rating of H4 or H5. These timbers are resistant to termites and will ensure your pergola posts are not eroded over time, compromising the safety of your structure.
For the timber above ground which will be exposed to weather, durable hardwoods such as Jarrah, Blackbutt or Merbau are ideal, however H3 rated pine is also suitable for rafters and beams.
“It is very a rare and beautiful thing to be so warmly welcomed into a business by the owner operator and have them be so generous in sharing their time and wealth of knowledge on timber, preparation, finishing products etc. The selection of different woods, sizes and alternative materials is fantastic and the pricing competitive. All with the added bonus of being able to take away samples for viewing in-situ. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Paul (Timber Decking Supply Shed) and can’t wait to work with him on my upcoming pool/verandah decking.”
Heidi Jannetta“These guys have become my one stop shop for all outdoor living and decking supplies. The high quality of all their timber products, matched by their friendly, efficient service and competitive prices means a lot to my business.”
Scott Turnbull, Turnbull Building Solutions“I have been building decks for years and have tried numerous suppliers. Timber Decking Supply Shed is one of the rare bunch that go out of their way to actually prevent problems. No wonder I choose do deal with them!”
Justin Sherrell, Builder“After discovering Timber Decking Supply Shed my worries were over. I have never met people so passionate about their timber. Their knowledge of products and installation has been brilliant and my project looks great!”
Adrian and Michelle Penny, DIYers