All people strive to make their sites sophisticated and comfortable. For these purposes, exterior designers often recommend creating pergolas. Such designs can become a real highlight of the site. However, not all people know what pergolas are. These are amazing designs that allow you to create shaded, mysterious places in the garden. And sometimes they bring a special touch of romanticism to landscape design. Let us consider in more detail what pergolas are, how such amazing constructions are created.
What is a pergola?
Initially, we will analyze in more detail what this construction is. Pergolas are small architectural forms that have been used since ancient times to decorate landscape design. They look spectacularly in the garden, perfectly obscure the paths, they add amazing romance to the places of rest.
Pergolas are lightweight constructions consisting of several arches, which are fixed to each other by means of transverse fastenings. They are a bit like a gazebo.
Such designs were used in ancient Rome. With the help of pergolas supported heavy vines. But over time, designs have undergone a transformation. Today they are used as a gazebo, a place to relax.
The use of pergolas
Lightweight constructions are often used in landscape design. They perform several functions: give an aesthetic appearance to the site, create a shaded area. The design of the pergola (photos allow you to get acquainted with the magnificent options) can be issued in different ways. It completely depends on your imagination and desire.
Experts recommend the following options for using such designs:
- Pergola allows you to equip the entrance to the site. With it, you can beautifully arrange the transition from the gazebo to the house. It can act as an excellent extension to household or residential premises.
- Pergola can be a separate structure. In this case, it will become a cozy, elegant living room on the street. Such a place of relaxation will appeal to all family members, especially if you place sun loungers there, light furniture.
- Looks great arch pergola. This is usually a trellised structure designed to support vines or flowers. Such a pergola can be located above paths, paths. Using it, they connect various design forms. The pergola created on the patio and adjacent to the house acquires special functionality. Such a gazebo allows you to create a great place for entertainment, family gatherings, friendly gatherings.
Variety of shapes
The word "pergola" is translated as "canopy" or "extension". It is quite obvious what functionality is provided. Pergolas are typesetting constructions consisting of repeating sections (pillars, arches, columns) that are interconnected.
However, in modern landscape design, such structures can take on a variety of forms, depending on the objectives being fulfilled:
- Awning. This design is also known as a canopy. The main function of this structure is to protect a certain area from the sun. That is why the upper part is significantly compacted. Pergola can serve as an excellent gazebo. This is a great place to meet friends, read books, eat. Often, such a structure is equipped over a car parking or a playground. The canopy can be arranged near the house. In this case, the pergola will more resemble a veranda. The freestanding design also looks great.
- Screen. This is a great design for zoning the site. It allows you to create secluded corners. Very often, such structures are installed along the border of the estate. In this case, they protect the property from prying eyes. Pergola-screen is able to disguise farm buildings. In addition, it perfectly separates the rest area from other sites.
- Tunnel. This is a design with a common focus. Very often it resembles an arch. It is usually placed above the path or above the path.
- Visor. Such a canopy is a characteristic detail of the exterior of the southern house. It performs not only a decorative function. A visor, twined with various climbing plants, covers the southern part of the house from the scorching sun. Thanks to this function, the thermal load on this side is significantly reduced. This approach is quite common recently in energy-efficient homes. A pergola installed along the south wall significantly reduces the load on the air conditioner.
If you are interested in how to make a pergola with your own hands, then you should initially determine from what material you want to create a structure. There may be several options. Consider the most common of them.
Wooden structure
These are the most popular and beautiful arbors. Hardwoods are perfect for structures:
Be sure to pay attention to the supporting columns. The width and length of the entire structure depends on their thickness. In addition, it is the supporting bars that play a decisive role in the stability and reliability of the pergola. If your canopy will be extended approximately 4 meters or more in length, the supporting columns must be at least 90 x 90 mm in cross section.
However, you should not take all the details so massive. Wooden pergola should be associated with lightness and lightness. Therefore, the rest of the bars (those that are not bearing) should be of small cross section.
In addition, take care of the reliability of your canopy. To do this, all wooden parts are treated with special solutions that protect the material from pests and moisture. You can use varnish or paint for such purposes.
Metal constructions
Such architectural forms can be prefabricated or integral. Metal pergola is the most durable and most durable construction. Of course, it is quite expensive. But if you know how to handle metal (cutting, welding), then easily create a beautiful structure in your garden on your own.
The only thing you need to remember is the treatment of the iron structure with anti-corrosion compounds. To increase the period of operation of the architectural structure, it is recommended to paint it.
Forged pergolas look elegant and romantic. Most often, they form beautiful arches or tunnels. This is a real way to the wonderful world of dreams and fairy tales. Such constructions are the most complex type of pergolas. But at the same time they are the most beautiful.
Plastic construction
This is the easiest option. Such pergolas are easy to mount. They perfectly tolerate any weather changes. These are sustainable designs. Modern technology allows owners to choose the most diverse pergola design. Some options in their appearance do not differ at all from wooden structures.
Plastic is easy to care for. Such designs do not rust and do not rot, unlike those described above. If you opted for this option, be sure to purchase high-quality plastic. Only in this case the pergola will be a decoration of your site for a long time.
Brick or stone structure
These materials allow you to create pompous, luxurious pergolas. These designs will be an excellent decoration for a large estate. They harmoniously fit only into certain styles of landscape design. Stone or brick structures are more suitable for the classical direction, oriental or English.
Preparing to create a pergola
Before making the structure, it is necessary to carefully consider the image of the future structure and select a place for the construction.
Optimal dimensions of the gazebo :
- height - does not exceed 2.5 m;
- width - corresponds to 1.4 m.
You will learn that a pergola from a tree with your own hands is created quite easily.
Initially, you need to stock up on such tools and materials:
- wooden supports (section 70 x 70 mm);
- a hammer;
- staples;
- bracket;
- a shovel;
- a screwdriver;
- cross beams (section 50 x 50 mm);
- nails
- self-tapping screws;
- trellis panels;
- horizontal beams (cross section 10 x 100 or 50 x 100 mm);
- cement mortar.
Pergola making
Now we can proceed to create the structure:
- Installation of supports. Mark the future building on the site. Dig 4 holes in the corners. At the bottom of each of them pour a brick fight or gravel. Insert the support bars on top. Tamp them carefully. Top up the bars with cement mortar. It will take approximately 24 hours to dry completely.
- Fastening horizontal beams. When engaging in installation work, be sure to use brackets and staples. Use screws and nails. Do not forget that the bars must be fixed securely.
- Fastening cross beams. For such parts, it is better to use nails. To make the design look beautiful and harmonious, place the beams from each other at the same distance.
- Mounting trellis panels. This is the final step in creating a small pergola. For fastening the panels, you can use self-tapping screws with a step of 10-15 cm. Do not forget that the finished structure must be opened with antiseptic impregnation. A longer service life and aesthetic appearance will ensure the construction of decorative varnish.
Features of metal construction
If you are interested in this type of pergola, then its creation, subject to the ability to work with metal, will not cause special difficulties. Most often, pipes with different diameters are used for the construction.
Remember, metal pergolas should not be tall or narrow. After all, such designs are extremely unstable.
Plant selection
The construction of an architectural structure is not limited to one construction. Most often, the structure is decorated with climbing plants. Moreover, the latter perform not only an aesthetic function. They provide excellent sun protection. So, pergola for climbing plants is ready. Now consider how to choose the right vegetation.
Designers recommend listening to these tips:
- Pick plants with the same periods of development and growth. This will provide a monolithic and beautiful canopy. In addition, they will grow at the same time.
- Use no more than 2-3 types of vegetation. A too-mottled pergola stands out sharply in landscape design.
- Use plants adapted to our climate. Most often planted grapes, honeysuckle, climbing roses.
Pergola is a magnificent building that can harmoniously fit into any landscape design. Such a construction will be the highlight of your estate and will provide many pleasant hours.