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Wooden pergolas with roof


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Pergola roof ideas: 10 looks for every style of garden |

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti/Oka/Getty Images)

Pergola roof ideas have the power to transform the way in which you use your backyard. Offering protection from the sun during heatwaves and the rain during downpours, they enable you to enjoy your backyard in all weathers, making it a workable extension of your home. 

There are many benefits to incorporating pergola ideas into your garden. Not only do they provide garden privacy ideas, but they also offer the perfect spot for hosting garden parties or relaxing in beside the pool.

'To keep your outdoor space in use, even on drizzly days, you should consider creating a sheltered seating area. Pergolas effortlessly extend your living space and offer protection from the elements, so you can cozy up and enjoy the fresh air without succumbing to weather,' says Patrick Bridge, chief operations officer at Harbour Lifestyle . 'For a romantic, bohemian vibe, add lanterns, twinkly lights, and blankets – elevating your evening plans without actually leaving your home!' 

Pergola roof ideas

When considering pergola roof ideas there are two key factors to consider. The first is that it must be durable. A pergola roof will be exposed to the extremes of the weather and as such needs to be able to withstand the temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, once installed, it will be a challenge to replace, therefore you’ll need a long lasting product. Secondly, your pergola roof ideas need to be attractive. They need to suit both the pergola beneath and your garden as a whole, so choose materials that complement the rest of your scheme. 

1. Add a solid roof for a classic and reliable pergola roof

(Image credit: Oka)

The main reason to add a solid roof to a pergola is the garden shade that it brings. Add a table and chairs and your previously exposed pergola can become the perfect spot for al fresco dining, protected from the heat of the sun. Equally, if you add patio furniture ideas, you can create a private space where in which you can relax with a good book and a cocktail. 

As well as these lifestyle benefits, pergola roof ideas also offer a practical element. ‘Depending on what materials your pergola is made of, you will periodically have to do some upkeep. This may include re-staining a wood pergola or maintaining paint. With a roof, these tasks do not need to be done quite as often, which means you save both time and money,’ explains New-York garden designer Thomas Brown. 

‘Outdoor furniture is also very prone to wear and tear from the elements and typically needs to be replaced far more often than indoor furniture. Outdoor flooring types can also be impacted by the weather. Wood decking ideas, for example, needs to be regularly stained to maintain its aesthetic. With a pergola roof, your outdoor furniture and flooring are mostly protected from those elements and will last much longer as a result. This will save you money in the long run, making your pergola roof a good investment.’

2. Channel cottage aesthetics with a thatched pergola roof

(Image credit: Malvern Garden Buildings)

When researching pergola ideas for shade, take inspiration from traditional craftsmanship by opting for a classic thatched pergola roof. This timeless cabana design would blend seamlessly into cottage garden ideas but would equally make an elegant addition to tropical garden ideas. 

Featuring a Cape Reed thatched roof, this beautiful pergola from Malvern Garden Buildings has the benefit of offering protection from the weather while its open sides allow for panoramic views. 

3. Add natural shade with a living pergola roof 

(Image credit: Lights4Fun)

Relaxing with a glass of wine under a cascade of beautiful blooms is one of the most idyllic ways to spend a summer afternoon and a pergola is the easiest way to achieve this dream.

Typically, most pergola roofs are characterized by an open frame and thick beams installed at regular intervals. 'If you're after a rustic feel, you can incorporate crawling vines and other plants to fill in the spaces and act as a sunlight shield. However, wood requires maintenance or it will rot or break easily,' advises Giovanni Scippo, director at 3D Lines Architectural Visualisation .

By growing climbing plants or fast-growing flowering vines up the supports and training them over the pergola roof will not only provide shelter but will also create a pretty finishing touch. If you're after a year-round living pergola roof be sure to pick one of the best evergreen climbers.

Adding a living roof to your pergola is a particularly great fit for country garden ideas as its naturalistic appearance will help your pergola to fit into the scheme. Pair a living pergola roof with other vertical garden ideas to maximize the planting space in your plot.

4. Add a louvered roof for total control

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

One of the more elegant pergola roof ideas, a louvred roofing system brings sophistication and practicality in equal measure. 'A highly durable option for pergola roofs, louvred blinds work on a motorized system that allows you to easily control when and how it opens and closes,' explains Giovanni Scippo.

While louvred pergola roof ideas may look out of place on a more rustic pergola design, when paired with a modern, monochromatic pergola, they offer a sleek finish that gives you total control over the light and shade.  

5. Rattan for a beach feel

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're looking for pergola roof ideas to add to your pool landscaping ideas, then be inspired by resort living and fit a reeded roof to your pergola. A characterful choice of roofing material, reed roofs are typically sold in rolls which can then be unfurled and attached to the pergola. When used as pergola roof ideas, reeds offer dapple shade and create a laid-back look that is perfect for lounging poolside.

While not as hardwearing as solid wood, they can be expected to last for a few years before needing replacing, but since it is a cost-effective option that is easy to install, this is not as prohibitive as it might be with other pergola roof ideas.

6. Extend pergola roof sides to turn a pergola into a mini-room

(Image credit: Bridgman)

Adding a roof to your pergola creates a private, peaceful sanctuary in your garden that is ideal for outdoor living. Take the look to the next level by continuing your solid roof to cover two perpendicular walls. This will create a room-like feel which, when paired with patio furniture and outdoor lighting ideas, is useable at all times of the day. Add a few blankets and cushions and its the perfect space for an after-dinner drink with friends. 

'To truly embrace an al fresco lifestyle, treat your outdoor space in the same way you would your interior. Think about your concept, furniture and accessories to create a space that feels like a room,' says Scarlett Blakey, creative partner of Ophelia Blake Interior Design . 'Add some height to your landscape and create a feature by building a pergola, which can be used as a spacious outdoor dining area. Use this as an opportunity to change your floor finishes to tile, and dress it up with festoon lighting.'

7. Consider an aluminum pergola roof in zones with changeable weather

(Image credit: Future / Tim Imrie)

When you live in a part of the world that is subject to changeable weathers, this needs to be factor into your garden design. If you always need to consider contingency plans for garden parties or family barbecues, then you would benefit from adding a corrugated roof to your pergola.

Adding these types of pergola roof ideas can make the space feel industrial, so be sure to balance the design with paint and decor. Here, dark struts and roof help it to be disguised into the planting and garden scheme, while bright pink walls draw the eye and brighten the space. Paired with characterful, antique furniture it strikes the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor living. 

8. Choose bamboo for poolside pergola roof ideas

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Pergolas are the perfect partner to pool ideas, so when choosing pergola roof ideas, let the space inspire you to create a slice of paradise in your own backyard. 

When set against the gently rippling water, natural materials, such as bamboo, really come into their own and as such they are a great choice. Here, bamboo adds a warmth to the space, bringing a hint of rustic charm, and, because it's so water-resistant, it makes for a durable choice, too.

9. Create a temporary pergola with roof for impromptu garden parties

(Image credit: House of Fraser)

Of course, it's worth remembering that pergola roof ideas are not just limited to permanent structures. If you’re feeling creative, why not construct your own rustic wooden pergola draped with voile to create a whimsical setting for coastal garden party ideas? Complete the look by drawing on outdoor dining ideas, adding tableware in a nautical colorway, with deep navy and crisp white tableware and linens.

10. Opt for a black roof to absorb light and heat

(Image credit: Evens Architects/Windsor Smith/Karyn Millet)

Pergola roof ideas don't have to be solid constructions. If you live in an area that has reliably good weather through the summer months, then you can embrace the sunshine and opt for an open pergola. 

White stone flooring keeps this patio area cool underfoot, while the black roof absorbs the heat, making it slightly cooler when relaxing on the sofas below. Opting for a black roof also creates a modern contrast to the white pillars, curating a sophisticated outdoor living space.

What is the best roof to put on a pergola?

A wooden roof is the best roof to put on a pergola in most cases. Durable once treated, it offers a plethora of different affordable and aesthetically pleasing pergola roof ideas. Whether you opt for solid wood, shingles or reeds, you can opt for the roof sets the right tone for your space. 

There are also other materials that are suitable: from the modern wooden louvred roof through to versatile metal designs, each material bringing with it a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. 

'A combination of materials often works best because one quality can compensate for what is lacking in another material. For example, wood provides shade but doesn't protect you from insects or the sun,' says Ann Doughan, CEO of Patioland . 'On the other hand, aluminum is more aesthetically pleasing but doesn't offer much shade. By combining these elements, a pergola can be shaded from sun and insects and provide some insulation quality for events during cooler seasons of the year.'

Can you put a roof over a pergola?

Yes, you can put a roof on a pergola. Adding a roof to your pergola transforms it into a highly usable space no matter the weather. It also provides valuable protection against the heat of the day. 

'The benefits of having a pergola with a roof include being protected by the
weather and the provision of consistent shade throughout the space below it. This
would also allow you to include other features like an outdoor TV to a
space. However, in some cases you will require permits for a structure with
a permanent roof where other cases you may not need to with a roofless
pergola,' explains Mike Pletz, owner of Ever After Landscaping .

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

garden, for giving, construction, structures, how to make, video (10 photos)

Before building a gazebo or pergola, you will need to take into account the intensity of use of such a structure and its function. A gazebo is a place for solitude; usually they are built in the country. If there is any stove or fireplace to receive a large number of guests in such a place, then this design is called a pergola.

Its main purpose is to create a comfortable shaded environment in the heat of the day, as well as emphasizing the recreation area. Its roof is the sky (as opposed to using the roof in the gazebo), and the size of the space is much larger than the size of a normal room. As a floor, you can use both stone and lawn grass. Wooden structures are very light and do not cause any discomfort.

Contents

Basic Building Rules

The main priority rule is the transmission of sunlight from the roof at any time of the day. The principle of construction of such a roof resembles blinds. Boards are used, installed at a certain angle and oriented in space from east to west. In this way, good penetration of the rays of the sun in the morning and evening is achieved, and during the day most of them are absorbed by the boards. That is, on a hot afternoon, the room is very comfortable and cozy.

The construction of a pergola can only be started after a decision has been made on its design and configuration. Most of them consist entirely of natural wood, and buildings with stone supports are very rare. Such supports increase the cost of the finished product many times over due to the great effort during construction and expensive materials. Such supports justify themselves when erecting a pergola directly next to the house in the same style, which gives it a very chic look.

Getting Started

When building a wooden pergola, the problem arises of isolating the wood from the ground - for its greater durability. Also, to increase the service life, you can treat the tree with an antiseptic. The following solution is used today. This is a metal cup or U-shaped structures, metal fittings are welded to them. This reinforcement is placed in the foundation, and the wood racks are installed in glasses. At home, to implement such an idea, you can use pipe trimmings and a square profile of a sufficiently large cross section. You can also use multiple corners. That is, it is necessary to cut the corner into two pieces of 50–60 cm each. Further, according to the size of the bar, the racks drive these corners into the ground so that the rack holds firmly between these corners. After that, the corners are fixed by welding with metal fittings near the surface of the earth.

For added strength, this post retainer is cast in concrete and painted to match the post. For greater isolation of concrete from wood, a flat stone can be placed under the support. The support itself is attached to the holder using ordinary self-tapping screws. The stone is also a kind of ventilation device for wood, which will significantly extend the life of the support.

When using a curved bench, the back row of bench supports was originally used to support the pergola itself. For supports of a circular structure, a beam of small thickness (50 × 50 mm) is usually used, since this shape resists strong winds well. It is attached to the legs of the bench, which are shaped like the letter G, using self-tapping screws. It is also necessary to put a stone under the support - for isolation from the ground. After the lawn grows, the gap between the pergola and the ground will not be noticeable, and there will be a feeling that it is dug into the ground. Such a gap increases the wear resistance of wood. After the support is fully installed, the top must be cut at an angle of 30–40 degrees, and the entire support must be soaked with an antiseptic solution.

After installing the supports, you will need to fix the horizontal joists. To build a round pergola, a so-called roof is usually made in the form of a kind of huge web. That is, in the form of rings that increase with distance from the central support. Due to the fact that such a structure does not have a specific architectural style, all fasteners are made in the form of ledges. In the future, various climbing plants (grapes, creepers, and the like) will be attached to them.

Further, all other supports are installed in a similar way. The thickness of the beam will differ only at the central support - it is equal to 100 × 100 mm. In this support, a special fixture is made for attaching all horizontal rafters. We are not talking about the ideal horizontal rafters. They are mounted at a slight angle with respect to the main support. This place will be the highest. Accordingly, the main support should be higher than the rest.

DIY pergola (video)

Roof construction

Let's move on to the construction of the web roof. The entire web consists of planks, the side edges of which are trimmed with metal strips. These planks are then attached to the joists with self-tapping screws.

The difficulty of erecting such a "roof" lies in the very large number of elements. When creating concentric rings, many small slats are required to maintain the correct shape. Any hearth is installed in the center of the building and, accordingly, the center of the roof will be just above it. It may seem that the roof will ignite from the heat of the hearth and many may resort to installing a hood and the pergola will become like a stove in the yard. It's too much. There is no draft in the pergola, as in a pipe, as it is constantly blown by the wind from all sides. Accordingly, the hot air flow constantly changes its direction and gradually dissipates, not having time to heat the tree on the roof. The height of the "web" is about 2 m from the source of the flame. But to increase the fire resistance, the wood on the roof must be stained.

Due to the aforementioned draft in the pergola, it is necessary to protect visitors from the heat of the flame in the crosswind. To do this, you can upholster the pergola with a small wooden wall, which will also serve as a back for those sitting. It should protrude approximately 100-110 mm from the plane of the bench. That is, it will be slightly higher than the head of a seated person who has a fairly large stature. Before erecting such a wall, cross beams must be fixed between the supports - to increase the strength of the wall . For this, furniture corners are suitable. The crossbar must be installed a little higher than the bench, since it is there that those sitting lean against the wall. For greater aesthetics, the upper part of the wall can be given some decorative shape.

Back upholstery

Now let's talk about the upholstery of the back with boards. You should choose boards with a length of about 150 mm. This is necessary so that there are no drafts on the legs. When upholstered, the boards should not be allowed to touch the ground, as this will lead to rapid decay and the need to replace them. Boards must be treated before nailing. This is necessary to get rid of unnecessary gaps and smooth the surface. In order for the air not to stagnate behind the walls, very small distances are left between the boards. This ensures good ventilation of the "room" and allows the boards to expand slightly when wet. If this distance is not left, then when expanding, the boards will deform and crack. Finishing nails are used for nailing boards, the heads of which should be sunk into the wood as far as possible.

After completing all the above manipulations, you can proceed to painting the back. To prevent the absorption of rainwater, the upper ends must be painted over with a better quality. The pergola is framed with various climbing plants. They plant a lawn around it. To facilitate "climbing" along the design of climbing plants, a coarse mesh can be placed in the windows, preferably in the form of a cobweb.

Building decoration

Further the pergola will need to be decorated. To do this, you can use melodious Chinese pipes that will make a bizarre ringing when the wind gusts. The main support can be crowned with a weather vane. Various small birds like to use the structure and, accordingly, significantly spoil the appearance. A weather vane can scare away unwanted "tenants".

I would like to note that such a pergola next to the pool will undoubtedly become the most favorite place in the country. Evenings will be spent in it. Nothing beats a nice cold beer next to an outdoor fireplace.

Additional tips

Garden pergola consists of repeating sections of arches, which are connected to each other by means of transverse bars. The main purpose of the buildings is protection from the scorching sun (one of the advantages that a pergola can save from). An originally built beautiful pergola can be either a part of a building or a separate structure - everything in this case depends entirely on the preferences of the owners.

In fact, you can quite quickly make a pergola with your own hands, because this structure is assembled extremely simply and does not have any particular difficulties. Wooden structures are widely used, because wood is a very malleable material for construction, providing a lot of opportunities to diversify the appearance of such a structure as a pergola. A wooden pergola will look just great if you add some special cutouts and patterns to its details.

A vineyard pergola is well suited - a marvelous garden created in this way will plunge you into a mysterious fairy tale, which will be a local attraction on your site. In addition, the building is suitable for roses, because growing these gorgeous flowers with this design will not be a problem. Arbors of various kinds, pergolas, flower beds are quite adaptable in themselves for growing various plants - it is the gardener's imagination that matters more here.

The production of a pergola takes an extremely short time, even if a forged structure is produced according to your order. Needless to say, how easy is a standard metal pergola to manufacture? Therefore, the metal building is also worthy of attention along with other varieties.

Arbors-pergolas are also popular now - they are quite comfortable and have a large scope. All kinds of arches and pergolas will successfully decorate your backyard. Garden arches and pergolas are perhaps the best solution for those summer residents who want to stand out from the rest. Another very important point in the process of creating such buildings is their drawing. Do not forget here that the design should be light and simple.

How to make a grape pergola (video)

Thus, the question of how to make a pergola should not cause any difficulties - in fact, the design is very easy to learn and does not have any problems. Don't be afraid to experiment. The construction of a pergola is a truly creative process that requires not only attention, but also creativity. Originally created designs will transform your garden and bring it a few steps closer to perfection.

Classic pergola canopy made of wood to order in Moscow and the Moscow region

Green Wood specializes in the production of small architectural forms, standard carpentry and outdoor furniture from solid wood or new pallets. All Green Wood structures are made at our own sawmill from our material. As the main material, we use edged boards made of pine and larch of class "A" and "A / B" grades 1 and 2. Also, when creating wooden structures, we use timber, bar, picket fence. During construction, our specialists use elite types of wood: oak, beech, alder, etc.

During our work since 2013, we have participated in large projects for the arrangement of city holidays, summer verandas and cafes. Currently, we are actively equipping the roofs of shopping centers for summer verandas and cinemas.

During the autumn-winter period, Green Wood specialists carry out a comprehensive design of fairs and retail outlets. In the range of our products you can choose packaging for corporate gifts and wine. At the request of the customer, any packaging can be made with the application of the required logo.

For the purpose of landscaping a summer house or a country house, we build gazebos and sheds, as well as produce wooden planters. Here you can buy a ready-made gazebo or a ready-made canopy, as well as order the construction of a gazebo or a canopy according to an individual drawing. Do it yourself or our forces, any size and materials. What suits you. Green Wood - "Mecca" of arbors and canopies made of wood, "Klondike" of wooden planters. A place where the choice of necessary goods is limited only by your imagination and budget. Comprehensive arrangement / improvement of suburban housing is our mission!

On the basis of its own sawmill "GREEN WOOD" produces light wooden structures. Pergolas, sheds, solid wood furniture, pallet furniture, wooden boxes and other joinery. In PC "GREEN WOOD" you can buy a variety of lumber and production waste: sawdust, shavings, firewood.

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