Pergola Design

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So you have decided that you want to add a little pizzazz to your backyard or create a walkway between your house and your garden by building a pergola. There are tons of pergola designs out there and one of them could have your name written all over it.

So why a pergola?

A buddy of mine once made the statement that he felt that pergolas were perhaps the most useless structures you could make. After all, what good is a roof if when it rains you get wet? What good is a pergola if you still can get a sunburn sitting under it? Well, the reality is that a pergola isn't really meant as a structure to protect you from the elements. Instead, it is meant to help define your outdoor space. In layman's terms that means that you can actually add it as a focal point that defines your backyard space without making the space feel confined or restrained. It is like taking a little indoors outside, if you know what I mean.

If you decide to build a pergola you are going to need to know a few things.

Your budget constraints can make or break you. If you are a do-it-yourself kind of guy, then chances are you can get away with spending just a few hundred dollars. If you want a contractor to do it, expect the cost to be in the ballpark of $4,500-5,000 dollars.
You are also going to have to have an idea of what is under the pergola before you start digging. You should avoid the possibility of hitting underground utilities.
Think ahead and research the different wood possibilities- The best pergola designs are made up of cedar, which can withstand the elements for years. Cedar also happens to be very expensive.
If you intend to build it yourself, understand that square and rectangular pergola designs are much easier to build. Other shapes are possible but can be more challenging.
If you are building it to be placed in a garden or are using it to entertain, make sure that you map out the size before you start. You want the pergola to be a focal point but not to drown out the surrounding area. If you are using it to entertain, make sure that it is large enough for your plans.