Pergola attached to house on deck

Builders connect a pergola to a building via joist hangers or ledger board, depending on the type of home (i.e., wood, brick, stucco, etc.). There are structural considerations when choosing to attach a pergola to a building. The connection needs to be secure to avoid damaging your home. We recommend hiring a licensed contractor with experience attaching pergolas to homes for this type of install.

Choose an attached pergola to create:

If you have a large deck area, creating a functional and beautiful defined space may be challenging. Installing a pergola on a deck easily solves the issue. The structure transforms the open, undefined space from boring to breathtaking, adding dimension and giving each area a purpose. Additionally, a pergola offers protection against the elements, such as rain, wind, and sun exposure to make a truly all-weather outdoor living space that can be enjoyed in all seasons, even the cooler winter months.

Attaching a pergola to the front of your house combines style and function. It can serve as an expanded outdoor living space, create an inviting flow into the home, and a covered porch adds curb appeal that makes a home more welcoming to visitors. Imagine socializing with neighbors passing by, reading a good book, or enjoying a beverage on a pergola-covered porch. With a wide range of designs available, your new porch can fit any architectural look from stylish elegance to farmhouse chic.

Building a contemporary pergola is also a great way to add dining and entertaining options to your backyard space. Today’s pergolas can feature everything from stylish solar shades to LED spots that deliver just the ideal ambiance for your backyard. And with a pergola attached to the house, you get the true indoor-outdoor living experience from your outdoor kitchen.

Unlike wall-mounted pergolas, freestanding options don’t require a connection to your home or other structure. This means that the sky is truly the limit when it comes to your outdoor design.

Many homeowners use a freestanding pergola as a:

Nothing adds charm to your backyard better than a gorgeous pergola. A freestanding pergola looks fantastic, whether placed on a flagstone patio, surrounded by elegant landscaping, or anchoring a manicured lawn. A free-standing pergola can help you achieve the comfort and style that’s perfect for your home.

A freestanding pergola complements an inground pool. The area transforms from a backyard to a luxury retreat. Since a pergola protects you from the sun and rain, you can enjoy more time relaxing by the pool whether the mid-day sun is blazing or an afternoon shower passes through.

A freestanding pergola can also provide protection for your hot tub, providing shade in the summer heat and fending off snow in the winter. Just imaging being be able to hop into those calming jets without having to clear snow.

A carport is about more than just shade for your vehicle. In addition to protecting your asset, it needs to match the style and beauty of your home. Modern options, such as standalone pergolas, can also be equipped with solar panels. Just think, your carport could generate the energy to power your electric car.

In the sections above, we described different reasons for choosing a pergola attached to the house versus freestanding. The option you choose depends on your space and how you plan to use your pergola. Now, it’s time to answer a couple of questions in regards to installing a pergola.

Building codes vary by state, county, and city. A reputable licensed contractor will know the requirements for your area and be experienced with the intricacies of obtaining a building permit for the project. Many locales require building permits for structures such as a pergola, and some coastal regions often require outdoor living structures to be hurricane-rated.  

The Azenco K-Bana can be one exception, as it typically does not require a permit. This fully customizable modular cabana can be installed in a few hours. With the K-Bana, you can mix-and-match varying-sized panels to scale the structure to your ideal dimensions before customizing the louvered roof and walls. The K-Bana does not require footings, often a benchmark for permitting requirements, and instead relies on its self-leveling posts to accommodate uneven ground. Fitted with manually-controlled dual-wall louvers the K-Bana allows perfect sunlight control in summer and protects from wind, rain, and snow in winter.

Like any home design project, the cost of a pergola varies based on its overall footprint, materials and features. Yes, it may be cheaper to use a pergola kit, but many homeowners find that it takes much longer to install than anticipated. Additionally, there are some instances when hiring a professional makes the most sense. If you have limited experience building large structures, or you would like to attach a pergola to your home as described earlier in this article, hiring a qualified professional is advisable.

You may also desire certain features, which is another reason for hiring a contractor to build your pergola. Take the Azenco R-Blade, for instance. This bioclimatic pergola features a motorized louvered roof that opens and closes at the touch of a button. Offering the market’s only weather-sealed, adjustable roof, the R-Blade protects from the sun in summer and allows the light and heat to penetrate in winter.

In addition, the R-Blade can be equipped with an automated louvered roof system, allowing better climate management with natural ventilation thanks to a sensor system. Homeowners appreciate that it automatically closes when it detects rain and opens strong winds to prevent damage. The R-Blade’s temperature sensor even signals the roof to open in case of freezing conditions to avoid snow and ice buildup.

So, if you seek a pergola that truly extends your living space in all seasons, like the R-Blade, hiring a qualified contractor is your best bet for accessing these features that necessitate professional installation. With that said, Azenco only collaborates with the best professionals and technicians who receive appropriate training on installing our products. To ensure get the most from your pergola project, we will connect you with one of our qualified local dealers to build the pergola of your dreams.​​

At Azenco, we’ve been crafting and installing the most advanced and stylish outdoor covers on the market for more than 20 years. Whether an attached pergola or freestanding option is in your future, we offer sophisticated designs, including infrared heating systems, automatic rain and wind sensors, and climate control that deliver a truly luxurious outdoor space.

To choose the design that perfectly matches your outdoor space and fits your housing style, from modern or contemporary to classic, contact Azenco today.

How to Attach a Pergola to Your House

Expert

This one takes some serious know-how.

48 hours

About a week, plus extra time for staining your wood.

$700–$1,000

Consider letting a pro with all the equipment handle this one.

Need professional help with your project?

Get quotes from top-rated pros.

What you'll need:

TOOLS

• Drill
• Miter saw
• Jig saw
• Circular saw
• Hammer
• Mallet
• Ratchet
• Ladder
• 4-foot level
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter’s square
• Nail gun (optional)
• Paintbrush (optional)
• Sprayer (optional)
• Roller (optional)
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

SUPPLIES

• 3 pieces of 4 x 4 beams
• 14 pieces of 2 x 8 beams
• 12 x 6 beam
• Galvanized post bases
• 1 box of galvanized nails
• 1 box of lag screws
• 1 pack of 1/ 4-inch concrete screws
• 1 pack of expansion anchors
• 48-inch carriage bolts
• 1 gallon of exterior wood stain
• Caulk
• Flashing
• Chalk

If you dream about dining al fresco under a trellis of beautiful climbing plants, you should consider attaching a pergola to your house. Pergolas enhance your outdoor space and provide a great place to entertain or relax. Our guide will show you how to attach a pergola to your house in seven steps.

Prepping to Attach a Pergola to Your House

Photo: faithie / Adobe Stock

Before embarking on your attached pergola project, you’ll want to ensure that your space is ready and that you choose strong and long-lasting materials.

Ensure Your Space Is Ready

You’ll want to build your pergola on top of an existing patio, deck, or concrete slab. Before you create your pergola, it’s a good idea to get an inspection from a local deck and porch contractor—this way, you’ll be sure that your deck can withstand the weight of a pergola.

Design Your Dream Pergola

You’ll need to create a set of blueprints with dimensions, components, and costs. If you’re unsure whether your plans comply with local building codes, we recommend hiring a local building contractor to review or create plans for you.  

Choose the Right Material

Not only do you want your pergola to look stylish, but you also want to ensure it’s durable and long-lasting. The sturdiest material choices include:

• Pressure-treated pine: This is a budget-friendly option that resists rot and mold—and keeps bugs away. Pressure-treated wood requires regular staining and painting to keep mold and fungus at bay.

• Cedar: A robust, popular choice that stands up to rot, mold, and pests, cedar also has a beautiful sheen and scent. This wood is prone to fading over time, so you’ll need to reapply a stain every couple of years. 

• Vinyl: For those seeking a non-wood option, vinyl provides ease of maintenance and durability. Vinyl is sturdy, long-lasting, and resistant to bugs and mold—but it also costs more than traditional wood.

How to Purchase Supplies

Experienced woodworking and homebuilding DIYers should have all the tools they need for this project. And you should have no problem selecting lumber and picking out the right supplies from your local hardware store.

You can also find pergolas in pre-fabricated kits. Many of these kits are custom-made to fit your deck’s dimensions, and best of all, they come with all the materials needed to complete your project (we’re talking pre-cut and pre-notched wood beams). Although, you’re still going to need power tools.

Finally, you can always hire a pergola builder near you—not only will pros come with all the necessary tools, but they will also purchase the supplies. Plus, you can check their references and see examples of their work, so you know you’re in good hands.

Pro tip: Building an attached pergola is a multi-person job. So you’ll need at least two people to complete this project.

1. Mark Your Vertical Lines

   • Grab your level, and mark two vertical lines—running from your home’s soffits (your roof’s overhang) down to the patio. A typical pergola is at least 9 feet tall.

   • Space the two lines at your desired width, which is typically the same length as your patio.

   • Take a measuring tape and measure inside the two vertical lines. This measurement will give you the dimensions for your ledger.

2. Attach the Ledger

   • Cut three 2 x 8 beams with a circular saw (one for your ledger and two for the first roof layer).

   • Hold the ledger against your house (one person holding each end) to measure notches where four of the second-layer beams will go.

   • Take the ledger down. Measure and mark the depth on the ledger with a straight piece of scrap wood (this is where the notches will go).

   • Cut out the four notches with a jigsaw.

   • Grab your level, drill pilot holes, and attach the ledger to the side of the house with eight lag screws.

   • Tighten the screws with a ratchet.

   • Add weatherproofing to the ledger—caulk or flashing to keep moisture out and prevent rotting.

3. Install 2 Posts

   • Take two post brackets and line them up with your ledger on the opposite side of your patio.

   • Mark the centers of the brackets with chalk and pre-drill 1/2-inch holes at the marks.

   • Place expansion anchors in the holes and tighten them with a ratchet (you can also use concrete screws instead of expansion anchors).

   • Install a post support inside the bracket to keep the wood post from touching the concrete. This helps prevent rot.

   • Take your wood posts and vertically insert them into the post brackets.

   • Make sure the post is level before securing it with nails.

   • Take a hammer and secure the bracket to the post with heavy-gauge galvanized nails.

   • Grab a 2 x 6 beam, attach and screw in temporary stakes and braces to the posts. 

   • Clamp the braces to the post to keep the posts vertical for the remainder of the project.

   • Ensure both posts are level before proceeding.

4. Install 2 End Beams

   • Take two 2 x 8 end beams and carve notch marks with a jigsaw to match the edge of the ledger beam.

   • Take an adjustable clamp and temporarily hold the end beams against the posts.

   • Take a drill and pre-drill holes. 

   • Take stainless steel screws (or lag screws) and drill them into the posts. Add carriage bolts for additional security.

   Optional: you can add two 45-degree braces to the inside corners between the posts and beams for added stability.

5. Cut a Design in Your Second Layer Beams

   Before putting up six second-layer 2 x 8 beams, you may want to add a decorative curve on one end of the beam. This design choice elevates your space and provides visual interest, as the beam overhangs the length of your deck.

   • Hand-sketch a design on a piece of scrap wood.

   • Cut the design using a miter saw and sand the edges.

   • Trace your shape on the end of each of the six beams and cut the beam using a circular saw.

   • Cut eight notches using a jig saw on each beam.

   • Add the second layer cross beams perpendicular to the first layer, and interlock them.

6. Add the Third Layer of Cross-Beams

   • Grab eight 2 x 8 beams for your third layer.

   • Measure and cut six notches using a jig saw. Make sure to cut these notches shallower so your third layer beams are raised above the rest.

   • Interlock each of the eight beams to the second layer and use a mallet to keep them securely in place.

   • Remove the temporary stakes and braces.

7. Stain the Wood (Optional)

   Depending on your wood, you can add an exterior wood stain to your beams. Apply the stain to the wood with a sprayer, paintbrush, or roller and wipe the excess with a rag. Allow the stain to dry for 24 hours. Apply a second coat if necessary.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

You can save $500 to $1,000 in labor costs if you attach a pergola to your house by yourself. You’ll have to factor in the costs for materials and any additional decorative elements. You can expect to pay between $1,000 to $5,000 for a pre-fabricated pergola kit. You’ll still need the necessary tools to ensure proper installation. You can expect to pay between $3,000 to $6,000 for a professionally–designed and built pergola. This option comes with peace of mind, and you’ll know that all of your design wishes will come true.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pergolas can last between five and 12 years as long, as you provide the proper upkeep. Make sure to clean, stain, and seal wood pergolas every two to three years. 

The only problems you may encounter for vinyl or aluminum are weather-related—heavy rain storms or snowfalls. Check the stability of your pergola every season. You may need to add new supports or replace broken beams.

There are a few differences between pergolas and gazebos. The purpose of both is to provide shade, but pergolas are more minimalistic, with four posts and a terraced roof. Gazebos usually have an elevated floor and are typically shaped like a polygon with six or eight open-air sides and two small sets of steps leading up to the platform. Gazebos also tend to have pointed, shingled roofs and ornate accents. 

You can add any number of fun design elements to your attached pergola, including:

• Shade structures

• Retractable awnings

• Waterproof televisions

• Fire pits

• Trellis flowers and vines

• Sheer curtains

• Hammocks

• Hanging string lights

✅ Pergola attached to the house

Pergola - an extension to the house of various shapes and sizes to accommodate an additional place of rest or other domestic purposes. Such a canopy is involved not only in the decorative design of the exterior, but also allows you to retire with nature in the natural shade in the open air. The shelter is slatted wooden slats, plant hedges, awnings and more modern aluminum slats. nine0003

A spacious and cozy extension is always a practical and versatile option to diversify the site. In addition, the facade of the building will acquire a more respectable and attractive appearance. A pergola is most often installed on the sunny side of the house. With the help of weaving plants and other shelters, not only a shadow is created, but also a corner of privacy in an open suburban area.

Pergola or extension to the house can perform the following functions:

• Large and cozy recreation area - protection from the sun and rain, harmony with nature and privacy makes the rest useful and healthy; nine0010
• Carport, tools and other things;
• Pergola-screen zones the territory and serves as a fence from prying eyes.

The pergola attached to the house has many varieties: from the classic canopy on two supports to the ultra-modern terrace with automatic equipment.

Advantages of ordering from Pergolas and Awnings LLC

The pergola attached to the house is selected depending on the possibilities of the exterior and the wishes of the client. In our catalog you will find hundreds of great solutions for your site. What we offer:

• European quality products with a guarantee of up to 7 years;
• Professional production;
• Reliable materials and components;
• Affordable pricing policy;
• Operational turnkey installation;
• Variety of design options.

Pergola attached to the house under the order

Our company is a leader in its segment, which manufactures and installs turnkey pergolas for commercial and private real estate. We cooperate with leading suppliers of materials and components from Europe and guarantee prompt execution of orders of any complexity. Our specialists carry out maintenance and repair of products, assist in the selection of designs. Our pergola is an extension to your dream home. Consultation on the product and departure of the measurer - free of charge. nine0003

Our work

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