Build Your Own Pergola - Self Build Tips

To build your own pergola is a satisfying experience. Not only can you save substantial amounts of money, you can also design the pergola from scratch to make it exactly as you wish. Of course it is always wise to use an existing pergola design as a base and then work on it from there to form it into your dream pergola.

Building your own pergola is one of the easier building tasks you can take on, and it can also be one of the most inexpensive provided you do your research and planning correctly. The simplest pergola self build design is the dome shaped garden tent. This design has an umbrella like dome on top fit with a hook.

One of the most time consuming and detailed pergola self build designs would be the porch extension, particularly those which are made with quality wood and incorporate vines and other details into it. It is your choice how much you wish to spend when self building your pergola and how long you want the process to take.

There are many designs and instructions for building your own pergola online, in magazines and in home improvement books. There are so many possible designs and materials to use that the hardest part is often deciding what you want your pergola to look like. The first decision you need to make is about the size of the pergola. Will it be small or large? Map out the prospective position in your garden or backyard and ensure that it will easily fit there. Leave a little extra room just in case of mis-measurement, plant and tree growth and the covering which may stick out further than the pergola itself.

Before you start building, check with your local council whether you need a permit. Generally small pergolas will not but large ones attached to the house may. Ask around with friends if they would also like to build a pergola or similar structure and if so, pitch in together to buy materials in bulk and save.

It is entirely possible to build a small pergola in one weekend if you have a helping hand. It will take at least three, but preferably more, people to assist in the building and assembly process. A pergola self build project brings much satisfaction to the home owner as you can completely match the pergola to the existing look of your home and yard.