Many people who are tired among the city hustle and bustle try to move beyond the big cities at least for the weekend. Summer cottages are not always a place for growing vegetables and fruits, much more often they are a recreation area for the soul and body. Small hand-made buildings, such as a pergola, add beauty and convenience to the countryside.

General idea of ​​the pergola

The purpose of the first pergolas in the Roman Empire was to support the vine.

IN modern times such structures most often serve as a decorative element of the landscape. Creeping and creeping plants wrap around the pergola and are used by owners of private houses and suburban areas for creating shady places and transitions.

Vine Support

A pergola is one or more arches connected by a crate. Such wooden structures, of course, are a wonderful decoration of the landscape, but they also have functionality.

1. Creation of a shaded place in the recreation area.
2. Use as a transition from one place to another.
3. Division of a suburban area into zones.
4. Decoration of the main house building.
5. Masking of old or not very successful architectural structures.
6. Basis for vines or other creeping plants.

Design features

In its classical form, a pergola is a structure in the form of two-row support pillars connected by an upper ceiling. The pillars are mounted on a specially created foundation, on the upper part of the pergola - trellis filling and joining bars, boards.

The pergola, unlike the gazebo, does not completely hide the sky, through the gaps wooden materials you can see the pieces airspace in any weather or contemplate the beautiful climbing plants, conveniently located on the entire surface of the pergola.

For poles use strong racks not less than two and a half meters high. These pillars are installed on an individual foundation or these pillars are strengthened with metal crutches, digging them in to a depth of 60–70 cm. Another type of pillar fastening is placing them in quadrangular metal shoes.

A beam or round logs are quite suitable for pergola racks, but it is not forbidden to make poles from typesetting rails, poles with different type processing, metal pipes.

So-called girders (beams) are placed on top of the pillars, along the perpendicular to which there are crossbar boards (section 20 by 5 cm).

To build a beautiful pergola, it is desirable to observe certain proportions. The construction in which the height of the pillars is much greater than the distance between them does not look quite harmonious. Therefore, most often they make measurements between the posts along the pergola - 3 - 3.5 m. Pergolas that are too high or very low look ridiculous.

Material selection

According to tradition, wooden structures are used for the construction of pergolas.

Wooden pergola:

• light;
• durable;
• reliable;
• solid.

Structures of varying complexity can be built from wooden materials, they fit well together and, if necessary, are easily transferred from place to place.

Traditional wooden pergola

If you want to be original, then take the skinned tree trunks as supports, emphasizing the connection of man with primordial nature.

You can make pergolas with poles from metal structures and decorate them with forged openwork elements.

Looks great metal pergola with openwork forged decor

Sandstone, brick, hewn stone, concrete, metallic profile, wire - can also be taken as building materials for the construction of a pergola in his suburban area.

Pergolas-passages along the paths using forging and entwined with ivy, ornamental grapes and other suitable plants look beautiful and “airy”.

The materials used in the construction of the pergola can be combined. Great option - metal racks from pipes (diameter 4 cm), to which crossbars of transverse wooden beams are attached.

The introduction of plastic materials into human life can also be used in suburban buildings. But it must be borne in mind that plants take root worse on plastic structures (unlike wooden ones).

Excellent plastic construction will successfully fit into the landscape design of modern suburban areas

Buildings made of stone, although very spectacular, can only be made by a specialist. The processing of a monolithic stone is difficult and lends itself better skillful hands professionals.

It is somewhat easier to work with a brick. This material can also be mastered by ordinary people who want to decorate their country place residence.

Form

Do not think that a pergola is only rectangular structures. Such landscape decorations there may be other forms:

• in the form of a fan;
• corner;
• multi-level;
• wall-mounted;
• double row;
• single row;
• arched;
• round;
• square, etc.

By connecting several pergolas at once, you can get a whole architectural ensemble of beautiful structures. The choice of material, size and shape of the pergola depends on the style decision country house and the site as a whole.

Photo gallery: design features

corner pergola Compound different shapes and different levels are perfectly intertwined in this pergola Pergolas can be round, as in this photo
This type of pergola resembles a fan Arched pergola is very convenient for growing grapes

Location

Pergolas are installed anywhere in the suburban area. They can be free-standing structures or adjoining buildings to the main building. In the latter case, the pergola is securely attached to the wall of a house or other architectural structure. Such structures are static, as opposed to dynamic and directional structures.

Wall-mounted metal construction

Dynamic pergolas "move" along the paths laid on the site, creating a fertile shadow while walking along them. A beautiful corridor of plants climbing along the pergola design will not only become the property of the landscape design of your summer house, but will also help you find the desired coolness on a hot summer day.

This is how walking paths framed by a metal pergola may look like

Inside the pergola, a bench for relaxation or a sculpture suitable for the theme of the landscape style and architecture of the building can be conveniently located.

Inside such a wooden pergola, you can relax and enjoy the beauties of the surrounding nature.

Pergola can be integral part input ensemble. In this case, an entrance door is attached to one of the racks.

Entrance structure with pergola

Getting ready to build

We buy materials

The type of materials, their quantity and quality depends on several factors:

• chosen design;
• dimensions of the future pergola;
• your wealth.

To build a pergola, you will need wooden slats, metal pipes (depending on the base material), staples, metal corners, bolts, cords or thick wire.

Main quality metal building- its durability and strength. Wooden pergolas have an excellent ability to fit into any landscape corner. Brick buildings are best suited for areas with large areas.

If you are short of money, then a budget option building a pergola from plastic materials - for you. Such designs can become a harmonious continuation of the entire stylistic trend that triumphs on the hacienda.

Cooking Tools

As assistants-tools for work, you need to prepare:

• shovel or drill (for preparing holes for poles);
• level (to establish the horizontal or vertical surfaces);
• electric jigsaw (for sawing);
• tape measure (for measuring);
• screwdriver;
• drill;
• a bowl for mixing the solution;
• a stable stool or ladder.

The set of tools may vary depending on the selected materials and the design of the future pergola.

Making drawings

Of course, any building can be implemented most accurately and correctly if you first make a drawing and clearly follow all the parameters.

Drawings can be made by yourself if you are at least a little versed in this. If not, then place an order in the design studio or download finished project from the Internet. Each of these options has its pros and cons.

Pergola drawing

Drawings and projects to order from specialists can be expensive, but they will be individual and will be able to take into account all the features of your site, the location and purpose of the pergola.

The option from the Internet needs to be adapted to your conditions, since the selected drawings may not always fully fit your idea or capabilities.

Standard design

The main condition for the construction of a pergola is a strict adherence to the parameters. The principle of "measure seven times - cut one" is most suitable for building a pergola with your own hands.

Building a wooden structure

Algorithm for building a pergola from wood:

1. According to the drawing, we make markings on our site, indicating the parameters of the pergola with pegs.
2. In the places of the peg, you need to dig 4 holes for support pillars up to a depth of 60 cm.

   Holes for poles

3. We install poles in the pits and fill them with concrete or other bonding mortar. The height of the supports - according to the drawing.

   We concrete the base of the support

4. We wait complete drying solution and attach horizontal support beams (50 by 150 mm). At the beams from the edges, you need to make a rounding using an electric jigsaw. Fastening is carried out with screws (screwdriver).

   We fix horizontal beams

5. Now let's take a look at the crossbars. We set the required dimensions using a tape measure, and cut out the grooves for inserting the crossbars into the support beams. We decorate the edges of the crossbars according to our idea - they can be curly or simply cut obliquely. The size of the crossbars is the same as the beams - 50 by 150 mm.

   crossbeams

6. On top of the crossbars, we install the upper slats (50 by 150 mm) with pre-cut grooves. The edges of the upper crossbars are also drawn according to the drawing.

   Attaching the top rails

7. We attach slopes to the pillars and support beams at a forty-five degree angle using screws for this.

A pergola can be used in this form, but more functional (when placing plants) it will be with trellises at the top, around which creeping flowers will wrap.

Video: making a wooden structure

Instructions for creating a metal pergola with your own hands

A metal pergola, like a wooden one, is also made after a preliminary drawing of the future structure. After acquiring the necessary material, we cut the pipes into fragments according to the specified parameters - for racks, crossbars and stiffeners. It is desirable to treat the pipes with special compounds against corrosion, thereby increasing the service life of the structure.

If there welding machine and a specialist who understands this, then the assembly of the structure will take place quickly and without any problems. You can use another option for reliable fastening - using bolts.

Upper part of metal pergola

To make the vegetation more lush, you can stretch over the metal structures steel wire, stretching it from vertical racks to the earth's surface with a step between elements of 15–20 cm. Green plants will wrap around such a pergola quite tightly, leaving almost not a single centimeter for penetration scorching sun. Beauty, coolness and Fresh air- all this can be "received" while in the shadow of this structure.

Great place to relax - metal pergola

Pergola functionality

Of course, the most common task that a pergola can do is protection from the hot sun. But this is not the only function performed by the pergola.

• A pergola can become a structure used to divide a site into zones. With the help of such a structure, it is easy to create a recreation area in which you can retire and escape from the daily hustle and bustle by reading your favorite book or talking with an interesting interlocutor.
• A wooden or metal structure with climbing plants can become a wonderful living "tunnel" leading to a sports field, garage, swimming pool. And how pleasant it is to walk along the path, decorated with such an elegant design!
• The wall version of the pergola can become beautiful entrance To home.
• Demonstration of your favorite varieties of creeping plants is feasible with the help of a pergola. honeysuckle liana, climbing roses, clematis, princes will bloom in a lush color on such a design and become a luxurious decoration for your suburban area.

The pergola is not exotic, it is a great option for landscape design, which can be implemented in the country with your own hands, spending a minimum of effort and materials, and getting the maximum of pleasure and beauty.

- OWN HANDS. From boards and beams ... My task is to show you ALL ways and ALL techniques ... So that you immediately have a clear picture in your head of the entire process of building a pergola canopy with your own hands. So that you understand that you can easily do all the work yourself. I will also show how to turn a pergola canopy (later, if desired) into a cozy gazebo for gatherings with friends. I will also show how you can beat the design of your canopy in your summer cottage - with your own hands. We will make the CANOPY WITH OUR HANDS - step by step - in stages, each of which is painted in detail and shown in the photo.

So, less words - more action ... Let's start making a pergola.

Here's what she looks like. In its classic form.

ON FOUR PILLARS.

ON SIX PILLARS - elongated.

The construction of any, any pergola - consists of THREE key STAGES.

1. Installation of support posts (this can be done in several ways - I will show ...)
2. Fastening horizontal beams-holders for the crate (this can also be done in different ways, now you will see everything)
3. Fastening the transverse beams (or boards) of the pergola roof sheathing itself (here I will also show all the methods) ...

In each of the three stages of the construction of the pergola - NOTHING COMPLICATED. Now you will see 3 easy steps(V different options) to create a pergola with your own hands.

And for each of the stages - you will choose the method that is more convenient for you personally ...

So let's start with the first step...

Stage 1 - Installing the supporting pillars of the pergola.

(3 ways to choose)

Method one (on the ground) - FORMWORK + PRESSURE

The essence of the work: we insert special metal PRESSURES (which on one side have a U-shape for inserting a beam- and on the other hand curved for immersion in concrete formwork)

We buy a formwork form (or we make it ourselves from planks). We cut off a piece from the purchased form - so that it enters the hole with a strawberry of 80 cm.

heavy beam and trample down the bottom of the hole to make the surface flat. I saw something that you can splash water into the pit and sprinkle cement ... and trample this mixture ...

And here on this flat base we put our formwork (purchased or homemade).

We check the level so that our formwork at the top has a strictly horizontal position ...

We fill concrete mortar- mix each portion thoroughly (with a spatula or an iron crowbar) so that the mass lies uniformly without voids.

We level the surface of the formwork and immediately carefully and slowly insert the lower part of our U-shaped thrust bearing into it.

Leave it like this until it hardens completely.

We are waiting for a few days - so that this concrete structure grabbed ... And then we insert and fasten our timber to the thrust bearing with screws.

I also found such a thrust bearing with a long tip - they are immediately driven into the ground (without pouring the foundation).

Method two (on the ground) - BEAM immediately into the FORMWORK.

This method has long been used by our grandfathers and great-grandfathers ... Just do not forget to wrap the beam with a piece of roofing material - this will be at least a little waterproofing in the foundation.

That is, we dig a hole (80-90 cm deep) - we upholster the beam-pillar with roofing material - we insert it into the pit. Fill with concrete and align it strictly vertically. And so all 4 pillars (or more if you have a large pergola). We align each post vertically (supporting it with boards) so that it keeps the vertical. Or you can not prop up - but connect the pillars to each other with boards - so they will hold on one by one.

Method three (on a concrete or wooden porch).

Here, too, a metal thrust bearing will be needed - we screw it in the place where the pole is installed. We insert our support beam - and screw the beam with screws to the thrust bearing.

Or the thrust bearings may have a different shape. Here is such…

Or you can use 4 corners - screwing them on four sides of the foot of the beam.

So ... we installed the support pillars ... now let's take care of the roof ...

Stage 2 - Laying horizontal load-bearing beams

(4 ways)

Method one (put on top and nail)

This is the easiest way - we take our horizontal beam and simply put it on TOP OF our support posts. And fix it with a long screw.

One important detail - so that such a fastening is resistant to a gust of wind and other loads - we screw one screw vertically (through the beam - in the center of the support column) and insert two more screws at an angle (left and right) - like here in the photo.

Method two - metal plate

We also put the beam on top of the support post - and we screw two L-shaped (or one T-shaped) metal bracket and drill it with screws.

On the other wall of the beam - do the same.

Method three - PAZ in the support column.

It is possible in the support column itself - to cut a groove (the width of our horizontal beam). And in this groove insert the beam. The method is good, reliable - in ancient times they did it, without nails. But in our time, it is still recommended to fix such a “groove” connection - so that it is stronger.

Can the same work be done on the ground(below) - so as not to climb so high ... scary ..

... and then put the pillars - immediately with horizontal beams inserted into them ...

This is only suitable if your pillars will not be cemented in the foundation ... and then you can assemble the frames on the ground (2 pillars + horizontal beam and again 2 pillars + horizontal beam) - and then these two “portals” will already be installed in the planned place ... and finish the roof. Decide whichever suits you best...

Method four (without beams) - EDGING BOARD.

Why do we need beams (boards are cheaper). And the horizontal beam can be replaced by two edged boards stuffed onto a support post on one side and the other (Fig. 1)

The top of the pillar can be left sticking out - we can then attach the transverse beams-boards to it (Fig. 2). Or we can leave...

This method is good for that it is not necessary to lift heavy beams to a height (the board is much lighter). On YouTube, I found a video where a married young couple assembled such a pergola together) the wife held one end of the board - the husband drilled the other ... It was nice together - they did everything in one evening.

Useful notes for the stage of laying the carrier beam.

Perhaps you have the following questions arose:

1. Will this load-bearing beam withstand such a load on the roof? After all, the roof crate will also be made of heavy beams, and all of them will fall on 2 load-bearing beams with their weight - will they withstand it?

2. What should I do if I have short beams? Can I make one long beam out of two short beams?

I'm answering questions right now:

Reinforcement for horizontal bearing beam.

So... we put 2 beams (or if your pergola is longer and has more than 4 pillars, then there will be more load-bearing beams)... These are horizontal load-bearing beams will hold all our transverse beams of the crate.

THAT'S WHY they must be thick, strong and it is desirable to have ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING…

Now I'll show you what...

Here in the figure below, I showed with arrows diagonal cutting of beams- which additionally support our load-bearing horizontal beams lying on the supporting pillars.

They are made simply - a piece of a beam is taken - and along the edges they are made cut at a 45 degree angle. And then with screws they are screwed with one end to the support post - the other end to the horizontal beam (see photo below).

Such additionally reinforced beams - it is easier to bear both the weight of the pergola batten and the weight roof deck(if you want to cover the pergola with a roof) and a layer of heavy snow.

If your cross "beam" consists of two boards (as in the 4th method) - then our reinforcement beam is attached to the pole at one end - and inserted at the other end BETWEEN these boards- and screwed to them with screws - on both sides (as in the photo below)

What to do - if the length of the beam is not enough.

If the length of the beam is not enough, two beams can be connected into one. Like this…

To do this, we make the same cuts of a rectangular shape for both bars.

We fold the groove into the groove - and in several places we connect it with screws - and in places joint (5 screws) and near with a joint (2 on the left and 2 on the right - 2 cm from the joint).

Stage 3 (last) - we put the transverse beams-boards

(pergola roof sheathing)

Hurrah… we have reached the last stage…
We have already 1) put the pillars, 2) put the load-bearing beams on them - and the last thing left is 3) the crate of the pergola roof with our own hands.

Here again there are several ways.

Method one - put on top and fasten with screws.

Can just put the bars on top on load-bearing beam- and fasten each with a long screw (obliquely).

Method two - put on top and fasten with corners.

Or use metal corners on both sides of the beam.

The third method - we fasten the joint-to-butt - on a metal bracket-holder.

On a horizontal load-bearing beam - we fasten the brackets-holders. And we put our transverse beams into these holder brackets - for the construction of the pergola crate.

here are more options for such brackets for attaching beams ...

The fourth method - we cut the grooves to the size of the carrier beam.

Even during the construction of the roof of the pergola, it is possible to fasten the transverse beams using the GROOVE METHOD ...
THAT IS - in each beam of the crate we cut out 2 grooves (from one end of the beam and from the other end) - and with these grooves we put each transverse beam on the supporting beam.

If you removed the pergola - which has a load-bearing horizontal beam - was replaced by two boards (see method 4 of the 2nd stage of pergola construction). Then the transverse boards will need to be cut 2 grooves from one end of the board to the other. So that these 2 grooves of the crate enter 2 load-bearing boards ... Like in the photo below.

That's all - what you need to know to make your own pergola

Optional- you can also add an additional small roof lathing pergolas with a lath ... perpendicular to our rows of transverse beams ... Here's how it is here in the photo below - first a crate with a trimmed board - and then transversely with a lath - such a crate in a box turned out.

You make the pergola yourself - with your own hands. And you decide what will she be. The flight of thought - and the audacity of creativity.))

And you have an interesting architectural form on the site ... Which can be beaten in any way ...

Make a BBQ...

Sheathe your pergola with lattice walls, cover it with a roof - and as a result, the canopy will turn into a real gazebo ...

I told more about how to make a gazebo from an ordinary pergola canopy in a special article.

Or you can hang a hammock...

Or fit a pergola into a shady corner of a luxurious garden.

Anything you want. You yourself made the pergola - you yourself will beat it. Every year you can change its contents ... and get a new corner of a cozy holiday on the site.

See how easy it is to make a pergola canopy with your own hands.

Three easy steps. different ways implementation of these steps. Everything is simple and clear.

You will want to build your own pergola….

if you see THIS...

Pergola in the country. What is it used for

no more easy way to decorate your garden plot than building a pergola. It does not matter at all whether it will serve as a gazebo, a shady canopy or frame garden paths. In any case, on hot summer days, you can enjoy the shade and coolness that this amazing structure, the pergola, will create for you.

What is a pergola

Simple garden arches, or pergolas, designed to support climbing vines, have been known since ancient times. Even the Roman emperors rested in their shade. Such designs are very practical, easy to install, give the overall picture of the garden nobility and sophistication.

At present, garden pergolas are widely used in landscaping and garden design. Usually, a pergola to support grapes is an arch with lintels about 1m wide. The height of the structure depends on how much the plant planted under it is able to braid the arch completely. For vigorous plants, a pergola up to 4m high is a common occurrence. By installing a series of such arches, interconnected by transverse bars, they get a whole corridor of climbing vines or vines. This is the classic pergola.

To build cozy garden arbors, pergolas are created from several supporting arches, making gaps between them in order to create several entrances. In this case, arches made of wooden slats will be especially cozy, because the combination of the structure of the tree with the greenery of the leaves gives a feeling of special warmth and comfort.

No less attractive are the canopies braided with vines, which, like the pergolas of the gazebo, transform the space suburban area in a cozy courtyard of ancient Rome.

If you think that pergolas are designed to perform only a decorative role, then you are deeply mistaken. With the help of pergolas, it is possible to divide the entire territory of the site into various zones - economic, recreation area, front entrance and others. In addition, the installed metal pergola for grapes will create additional convenience when cultivating this crop, beloved by gardeners, by autumn, delighting you with a beautiful picture of fragrant clusters against the backdrop of a dense carpet of green grape vines.

If you want to plant decorative grapes, then even in winter you will admire a densely braided pergola of amazing red leaves.

Varieties of pergolas

Having wondered how to make a pergola with your own hands, it is necessary, first of all, to decide what semantic load its installation will carry:

• Decorative (decoration of the site).
• Practical (use as a trellis for growing grapes).
• Utility (hidden from eyes outbuildings).
• As an arrangement of a recreation area.

When constructing pergolas, both the size of the site and the general style and location of buildings.

The different shape of the arches will help emphasize the overall style or create the necessary contrast, if necessary, highlight some area.

rounded arches will be able to create a unique atmosphere of oriental courtyards. Arranged tubs with vigorous plants can complete the picture.

Rectangular arches with wide columns will complement classic style. Such a pergola looks good in country style.

Openwork lattices at any time will be able to set up in a romantic way. In addition, they look great on any patch of free space.

Brick or stone arches suitable for large estates. There they additionally emphasize the width and spaciousness.

fan arches very beautiful even without other additional elements.

Fan-shaped arch Openwork lattice Rectangular arch Rounded arch Brick arch

If you are the owner of a large area, install several pergolas scattered throughout the territory. Fancy black and white patterns will amaze any imagination. Of course, you can buy a ready-made pergola, but it is much more interesting and honorable to install the structure yourself.

We build a wooden pergola with our own hands

To build wooden pergola with your own hands, it is best to opt for designs with flat roof. Wooden arched vaults are much more difficult to install.

For ease of installation, you should also choose inexpensive pine beams and beams. Plus, you don't need any fancy tools. Here's everything you need to stock up for this project:

• Saw manual circular.
• Drill with a set of drill bits for wood.
• Roulette, ruler, pencil.
• Hammer, chisel.
• Control and measuring tool (level, plumb line, cord).
• Means for protection of wood.
• Paint and varnish materials, brushes.
• 4-5 bags of Portland cement brand M-400.
• Bolts, washers, nuts for fasteners.

From the materials you will need:

• four beams 50x100mm with a length of at least 4m.
• nine beams 50x100mm, 3m long.
• four beams 100x100 three meters long (then the height of the pergola will be 2.5 meters. If you want higher, take longer beams).

Tip: When choosing a tree for construction, pay attention to the degree of moisture content of the lumber. Raw pine beams and beams can “lead” during the drying process, so buy dry material, or dry it well before starting construction.

So, we make a pergola with our own hands. The step-by-step instruction includes only 10 steps.

1. It is necessary to cut obliquely the edges of three-meter beams 50x100mm. To do this, measure 120mm along the length of the beam and 50mm along its width.
2. In the same way, cut the edges of the four-meter beams. Then the pergola in the country will be stronger.
3. At the ends of the bars 100x100x3000mm, make a spike 50mm thick and 90mm high. To do this, connect all four beams with a clamp and make a cut with a depth of 25 mm from two opposite sides of the beams along their entire width. Sawing should be at a distance of 90 mm from the edge. Cut off the excess with a chisel and hammer.
   
   
4. Process prepared items with protective equipment for wood, coat them with a primer. Then you can cover the lumber with paint or varnish. Then a do-it-yourself pergola will stand for a long time.
5. Mark a rectangle 2600x3000mm in the selected place. Hammer wooden pegs in the corners. Check the correctness of the construction by measuring the lengths of the diagonals. They must be equal to each other. Otherwise, move the pegs to meet the equality condition.
   
6. In the places marked with pegs, drill holes in the ground for the installation of bars. If you want a do-it-yourself pergola to be stable, then the depth of the wells should be about 50 cm.
7. Install bars in the holes. Orient them so that the length of the tenon is parallel to the long sides of the rectangle. Using a level and cord, set the racks at the same height.
   
8. Having stirred cement mortar, fill them with dug holes. Use a level and a plumb line to achieve vertical arrangement racks.
9. After the mortar has completely set, install the four-meter beams on the shelves of the spikes, placing them on both sides of the racks. In this case, the edges of the beams will protrude beyond the bars at a distance of about 400 mm. Having drilled through holes, fix the beam/post/beam connections with screws and nuts.
   
10. Dimension the top of the pergola so that the remaining nine 10-foot beams are evenly placed as crossbars. To fix the crossbars will help long screws screwed in at an angle.
    

Video. The second way to make a do-it-yourself pergola for grapes

As you can see, to build a simple do-it-yourself pergola in the country, drawings are not needed.

Inside the built pergola, you can install a table with benches, put a cozy sofa or Garden swing. By planting strong-growing climbing plants in the corners of the pergola, you can achieve good shading of the entire structure.

Photo of pergolas installed in the country

A huge number of designs of all shapes and sizes, from the simplest do-it-yourself pergola for grapes, to the complex gazebo with a plank floor and an installed barbecue area, amaze the imagination and excite the imagination. Taking individual elements from several pergolas you like, you can create your own, based on own conditions and preferences.

Photo of a large pergola

Garden Pergola Installation Tips

When thinking about how to build a pergola with your own hands, be sure to follow a few rules. Then installed design will not look like an inappropriate bulky structure.

1. Keep the proportions between the size of your site and the pergola that you are about to install. She shouldn't get lost large space. In a small area, a large pergola will be an inappropriate bulky structure.
2. Constructing a pergola as a place of rest, do not overload it with a large number of crossbars . It must be airy and at the same time sufficiently strong and reliable.
3. Consider the factor of plant weight gain over time. This is especially true of vigorous grape varieties. In addition, when installing a pergola for grapes, calculate its strength, taking into account the windage of the structure. This factor further limits the height of the pergolas to 2.5m.
4. Do the job carefully , do not rely on the fact that the greens will cover all your flaws. Remember that in the period from late autumn to mid-spring, you will have to blush in front of your family and friends for unsympathetic design flaws.
5. Be sure to cover the wooden building with antiseptics and a protective compound. Treat metal with any rust converter and paint.

A well-thought-out and neatly built pergola will delight you for many years, allowing you to be proud of your work in front of family and friends.

Varieties of pergolas. Video

Top best pergola plants

As already noted, often pergolas are created for the purpose of growing grapes . It does not matter what kind of grapes you plant - cultural or decorative (girlish). Both species look great on a pergola.

Perfectly braids the structure and hop , however, this plant requires permanent care, as it quickly fills all the free space.

Planted near pergolas actinidia, clematis, bindweed, nasturtium and wisteria they are especially beautiful during the flowering period, however, the rest of the time they create a rather dense curtain of leaves and vines.

Vine Actinidia Clematis Nasturtium Wisteria

Remembering the creepers, it is impossible not to note such a plant as wood pliers . Perhaps there is no more beautiful liana, but it is necessary to handle the wood pliers even more carefully than with hops, since its top, which has climbed any tree, will quickly pull up a dense tent of leaves and lianas. A entwined tree dies with a 100% chance.

Chinese lemongrass , planted near the pergola, can not only please the eye, but will also supply fragrant fruits to your table for brewing therapeutic and prophylactic tea, which has a number healing properties. In addition, bright red berries against a background of yellow-green leaves will serve as an additional charming decor for your garden structure, whether it be a gazebo, a canopy or an arcade. Numerous hop cones and actinidia fruits look beautiful, but in the latter case, a male and female plant will have to be planted.

Tree pliers Chinese lemongrass Euonymus Fortuna ivy "Gold Heart" Hops

Plant near the wall of the house Fortune's euonymus "Silver Queen" or ivy "Gold Heart" . In the shortest possible time, they will fill the entire space with themselves, hiding the wall, and at the slightest opportunity they will rush to get over to the surface of the roof. The special value of these vines is that they can be planted in pots. At the walls of buildings surrounded by concrete paths, this feature turns into an advantage.

Get creative with your garden pergola installation by choosing a design that suits your site. Heed the advice of design experts. Strive not only to fill the empty part of the garden with a bizarre design, but to create a real masterpiece that can amaze the most sophisticated imagination.

Pergola on the site is exactly what can make it original and attractive. Despite the established traditions in landscape design and construction, there is always something new that can please us.

And, although it is difficult to call the “heroine” of our article something innovative, let’s be honest: until relatively recently, very few residents of the CIS countries heard about her, and, moreover, did not seek to build it with their own hands on a site next to country cottage or at the cottage. We are talking about such a design as a pergola for a summer residence or a garden. Certainly not as common as the more traditional climbing arch or garden gazebo with a bench.

Arched pergola option

Nevertheless, this garden design is capable, to a certain extent, of replacing all similar structures known to us on the site, including vine sheds, bersos, trellises, rose trellises, arches with swings, and so on.

This is interesting! The correct stress in this word falls on the first syllable: pergola.

Unusual shape will give exclusivity

classic pergola

White color blends harmoniously with the classic appearance of the house

Of course, today there are many different types of these garden structures. However, there is also the so-called classical understanding of what it is. So, according to a more traditional definition, a pergola is a series of arches, usually made of wood.

Modern design with glass on top

These wooden arches are connected by cross beams in such a way that a kind of corridor is formed, which could be located along the path, leading you from one place of the site to another. Moreover, it is not about long corridor, but about a kind of canopy, which plays a rather decorative role.

A small round table and wicker chairs are a great option

The connection of horizontal arches or timber, depending on the design option, can be both more solid and easier, especially when it comes to flower trellises. By the way, not all flowers are suitable for pergolas. It is advisable to opt for long, climbing plant species.

Such a tent will close from both the rays of the sun and from raindrops.

By the way! You can learn more about which flowers to plant in the country.

Small structure with a swing

Another fact is also interesting. It is known for certain that the very first pergolas for grapes appeared already in the days of Ancient Rome. Over time, they began to be used as a decorative element for plots. Gradually, they acquired more and more new incarnations, becoming more diverse and interesting in terms of design.

Combination coloring is also a good option.

Pergola options: types for different tasks

Round shape: unusual but attractive

Today there are several types of pergolas. Each of these options has its own constructive and design differences, in view of what functional role it should perform. If we talk about how the word "pergula" is translated from Latin, then the main options are "canopy" and "extension".

What could be better than shade on a hot summer day? Curtains also help.

As for the performance of various functions, today a pergola for a summer residence, as well as for a suburban area next to a cottage, can be the following options:

1. A kind of tunnel, which is the closest to the original appearance and purpose of this structure. Rising above garden paths. The design is usually quite simple: this will be reassuring for those who want to learn how to make a pergola with their own hands. It is built for flowers and other climbing plants, for example, for grapes. This allows you to arrange excellent conditions for relaxing in the shade of a kind of "arbor", sitting on a bench under a green vine.
2. Wooden pergola canopy. This type of construction is a kind of tent, because it has a denser upper part. Partial shade will help to better endure the heat. In addition, in such a place you can install a bench for gatherings with relatives or friends. Alternatively, you can equip such a canopy on a playground for children. If we talk about the construct, then to a large extent it can resemble a kind of translucent veranda (in those cases when it adjoins the wall of the house); it can also be located separately from the main buildings on the site.
3. If we talk about such a function as zoning the space on the site, then one cannot help but recall the screen, which is a kind of pergola. If you want to have a fenced place for pleasant and secluded gatherings with your favorite book, then it is not at all necessary to build a full-fledged closed gazebo or canopy. In addition, when choosing one or another place on the site, you can, for example, hide unsightly outbuildings by covering them with a beautiful wooden or forged pergola. You can hide the recreation area from prying eyes, or simply block off the parking place of your car from the place where you used to have gatherings with friends.
4. I would like to recall about such a design as a visor. Generally, these types of pergolas are popular in southern countries or regions. The fact is that it is there that people often face the problem of overheating at home from the sunny side. This is due to the long exposure to the sun. Therefore, such a translucent visor with beams made of timber is used. On the one hand, it takes on a significant part of the sun's rays, and on the other hand, it does not create unnecessary stuffiness or darkening. In addition, if you care about reducing electricity consumption, then remember that in such conditions the air conditioner will “eat” you much less.

And here we see a whole soft corner

It should be noted that most types of pergolas will not be able to save you until the rain, because, first of all, they are not designed for such tasks. However, if you really want to have at least some kind of protection from a sudden surge of bad weather, then there is always the opportunity to mount a small transparent coating on top. It could be cellular polycarbonate, plexiglass or one hundred something similar.

Original L-shape

But, at that time, remember that it is not necessary to completely cover the pergola with glass, since it will turn into a canopy, that is, into a completely different structure in terms of idea and design. At the same time, one should always look at how appropriate this or that type will be, not only in terms of aesthetic appeal, but also in terms of how functional it is.

Even such a small home can be transformed!

Tapestry: type of pergola or not?

Modern high-tech style

In general, they are similar, especially with regard to appearance. However, a wooden trellis is different from a pergola, even if it is made of the same material and their shapes are similar. The main difference lies in the functional component.

White color is just beautiful

So, if pergolas perform, first of all, an aesthetic task, and also close from the sun's rays, then the tapestries were originally built as a kind of support for clematis, climbing roses, ivy, grapes and other similar plants.

The fireplace will add more charm

In most cases, a trellis is a type of plant trellis. She can separate one part of the site from another, divide the garden into several sectors, and so on. Its dimensions can also be different.

An example of laying a floor with paving slabs

What to look out for

Arrangement of a large terrace

Before you make a pergola with your own hands or install a ready-made one, which you can buy at a garden center, an online store, or find a company that manufactures such custom-made garden structures, you need to take into account some points.

Small arch over the garden path

Let's list them briefly:

1. Regardless of what it is made of (wooden, aluminum or metal from other types of metal, forged, plastic, etc.), it must be durable and withstand not only the load, but also the long-term exposure to natural factors.
2. If you plan to install a pergola made of wood, then it should be treated with a special protective compound.
3. A pergola for landscape design of a site or a summer house should not look like an alien and detached element. It is necessary to achieve compatibility, regardless of whether it is made or. Buildings on the site may be different, but it is desirable that their style match.
4. Take care of durability. In this regard, a forged pergola is better than, for example, a plastic pergola. It resists strong winds better in autumn or spring, and also does not bend under snow in winter. At the same time, in addition to these pluses, she also has a minus - a rather high price.

Stone supports are expensive, but very beautiful

These are the main points that you should pay close attention to when arranging this design.

wicker plant tent

How to make a pergola with your own hands: step by step instructions

Many owners of dachas, cottages and country houses interested in the question of how to build a pergola yourself. This is not surprising since pergolas are among the most elegant designs in landscape design. Let's look at how to build a wooden pergola with your own hands, since wood is the most common material for such structures. Let's say right away that we are talking about the construction of an extension to the house, and not a separate building.

On such a bench with pillows, you can even lie down and sleep!

The work will include several main stages. This brief scheme will allow you to build similar structures of any size, from the simplest and very small, to quite impressive "peaks" for the terrace:

• The first stage is preparatory. We prepare everything necessary materials, including timber and, if necessary, crate and other structural elements, as well as the tools necessary for working with wood and fasteners.
• It is advisable to draw up a drawing in advance with detailed pictures and diagrams that will help in the work.
• Having decided what the width of the pergola will be, cut the necessary beams. One of them is attached to the wall of the house with anchors or long self-tapping screws.
• Columns, also known as studs, are installed in pre-dug holes. For greater strength, it is better to concrete the holes.
• We mount the second transverse beam to the installed columns.
• We cut longitudinal beams, according to the drawing. It should be noted that the length of the beams should protrude somewhat outward, as if hanging over the outer transverse beam.
• We measure the places of their installation to cross bars and celebrate them.
• We mount the beams, after which you can additionally attach others decorative elements from wood. But this is already optional.

Example of a pergola over a terrace

In any case, this is just one of the many options for how to build a pergola yourself. You can get some ideas by watching the video instruction with a step-by-step guide:

After completion of the work, you can do additional arrangement and decoration of the resulting gazebo. So, one of the most attractive options is a white pergola. By the way, for a long service life, as well as for a pleasant and attractive appearance, it is desirable to paint wooden elements designs with varnish or paint.

gravel on the ground perfect solution because it quickly absorbs moisture after rain

Choice of colors

Brown color goes well with the greenery of grass and shrubs.

The creation of a pergola in a country house or suburban area does not end with the construction of the main structure and its painting. Not all, but very many such designs are initially, as planned, or later decorated with flowers or other plants. It can be a "hedge" or just individual flowers in decorative pots. It is necessary to select plants for pergolas with the expectation that in different times year, spring, summer and autumn, they will look different. Thus, the whole appearance of this canopy-arbor will change significantly, depending on the time of year.

Wooden furniture looks great: table and chairs

So here are a few short rules to keep in mind:

1. There is no need to select too many types of plants (lianas, flowers, etc.), as this will complicate their care.
2. It is advisable to choose flowers with similar growth periods.
3. It is best to choose perennials that would be unpretentious and resistant to not the most simple conditions cultivation.
4. Those plants that do not tolerate winter well, it is advisable to cover, or take care of their transfer in advance to a place more suitable for this time of year.

Evening illumination with natural fire

One of the classic pergola climbing plants is parthenocissus. It curls well, and quickly enough forms a kind of green "tent", providing a pleasant stay. Landscape design experts recommend it, among other things, because in autumn months it changes its color, becoming crimson red. It looks very nice.

Potted flowers can also be used.

In addition to it, you can also plant wild or cultivated grapes ( different varieties). However, a grape pergola is not the only option. Honeysuckle, climbing roses or honeysuckle are also beautiful and easy-care plants for such canopies and arches.

Any garden will be decorated with a do-it-yourself openwork pergola: step-by-step instruction, photos and diagrams will help build from available materials different types small gazebos. Romantic buildings, entwined with greenery, were popular among the Russian aristocracy, and in European gardens, and in the East. Protecting people resting in the garden from the sun, they have not lost their significance to this day. Modern increasingly includes in garden compositions vertical gardening and small architectural forms. One of the options for combining greenery and a small building are various pergolas in the form of arches or arbors with a lattice roof.

Any garden will be decorated with an openwork pergola

When developing drawings for a future building, you need to pay special attention to the compatibility of its style and appearance with the general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe garden plot. The size of the pergola should be in harmony with the size of the land plot and other buildings on it. Due to the variety of models presented in the photo, it is easy to choose a variety suitable for the garden.

To highlight the recreation area and create shade during the hot hours of the day, garden pergolas built with their own hands in the form of a canopy adjoining the wall of the house or a free-standing gazebo. arches different sizes can serve as green tunnels to connect parts of the garden or decoration entrance groups and places of rest. A pergola-bench can be considered a special variety, combining the functions of a support for vines, a comfortable bench and a canopy to protect from the sun. You can also install a pergola with a hanging seat.

To highlight the recreation area and create shade in the hot hours of the day, garden pergolas are well suited.

In a landscape designed in the spirit of romantic classics, a light forged structure entwined with ivy or grapes would be appropriate. In this case, it is best to make a wooden pergola for a summer house with your own hands with bars and a roof in the form of a low arch. Gardens in the east or Japanese style will decorate pergolas-benches and air pavilions with a lattice roof. For them, you can use minimal landscaping. mediterranean style a pergola with an awning, made according to the principle of a canopy against the wall of the house, will beautifully complement.

Gallery: pergola (25 photos)

Construction for grapes (video)

Start of construction

Light construction does not require laying the foundation, so large-scale concrete work do not have to be produced. They will be required only if the pergola in the country house is built with heavy decorative walls made of bricks or a platform under it is flooded. To install supports of a large building (about 2.5 m high), concreting of their bases will be required.

When choosing materials for construction, you need to soberly evaluate their properties and your capabilities:

• wood is easy to work, but the construction will require precise fitting of parts and is prone to decay;
• metal requires skills in working with a welding machine;
• plastic allows you to build different designs but not particularly strong.

Having determined a suitable place, dimensions and desired material, you can proceed to the development of sketches and construction schemes.

To build a pergola, you will need the following:

• shovel;
• plumb and level;
• crushed stone, sand and cement (if you need to concrete);
• corrugated pipe or beam for vertical racks;
• board 2x10 cm for a wooden pergola;
• decorative lattice;
• hacksaw or jigsaw;
• grinder, welding machine for a metal gazebo;
• fasteners (self-tapping screws, brackets, etc.);
• drill with a screwdriver and drills.

For a pergola with an awning roof, you will need a panel of durable fabric right size, string cornice (2 pieces) and clips for curtains. In addition, you need to take care of paintwork materials to protect wood and metal structures from exposure to moisture.

Pole Mounting Procedure

Before you build a pergola, you need to mark out the selected area of ​​the garden: draw a polygon of the desired size according to the shape of the building. Supports should be placed in the corners and (if necessary) along the sides of the pavilion. Dig holes at least 50 cm deep in the marked places.

The guide for building a pergola in the country consists of the following items:

1. Install a post in the hole metal pipe or wooden beam. Align it vertically with a plumb line and fix it in the desired position. Fill the hole with large gravel, tamp. When filling, make sure that the post is still, if necessary, level it again. Pour the support with a solution of 3 parts sand and 1 part cement. Install the rest of the supports. After the concrete has dried (7-10 days), continue work.
2. Cut boards or metal for beams in such a way that each part is 50-80 cm longer than the distance between the supports. This will allow you to make beautiful roof extensions that are noticeable in any photo. Details should be 4 pcs. Attach the support beams with self-tapping screws or welding in pairs on both sides of the supports at the opposite ends of the pavilion.
3. Measure and cut roof boards. To form extensions, 50-80 cm must be added to the length of the pergola. Measure the desired length of the roof extension from the end of the part and make a notch with a width equal to the thickness of the beam. Cut a second groove at a distance equal to the thickness of the support bar. Make the same paired cutouts on the other end of the board. This will allow you to assemble the roof by putting grooves on the beams and connecting them with self-tapping screws for reliability. Ends can be curly cut. The step between the roofing boards is 25-30 cm.
4. For roofing elements from metal, simply cut into pieces of the desired length. Connection with beams - welded.
5. For the strength of the building, you need to install a few more crossbeams perpendicular to the roofing boards. In these parts, you need to make grooves in increments of 25-30 cm along the entire length. Lay them on top of the roof in increments of about 1 m, secure with self-tapping screws.
6. If you need a pergola for climbing plants, then a lattice for vines or clematis, made by hand from thin slats, can be installed between the supports.

By the same principles, a pergola with a bench is also assembled. An additional step would be to install beams at the bottom of the building for mounting a seat with a back and assemble them.

When making a pergola with an awning, you only need to dig in 2 supports at the right distance from the wall. On the house, attach a horizontal beam supporting the beams. Installation of the roof consists in stretching the eaves-strings with clamps. Strengthen the fabric canopy from opposite sides to the clamps, placing them with a uniform step. This will allow the awning to be moved when not needed.