Where is the best place to position a pergola?
For shade, the best place to position your pergola will be anywhere that doesn’t receive constant sunlight. This may be under a tree or up against the house so your home can provide shade for some of the day. Of course, too much shade can be a bad thing if you want vines to grow on the pergola, or if you envision hanging plants from the slats.
How do you install a sun shade over a pergola?
Also available are motorized sun shades that can be installed over an existing pergola. You simply press a button and the shade expands or retracts, making it easy to get the perfect amount of shade. Where in your yard you place the pergola should be determined by what you want to accomplish with it.
How do you use a smart pergola?
Sometimes called smart pergolas, these structures have slats that you can open or close with the push of a button. Also available are motorized sun shades that can be installed over an existing pergola. You simply press a button and the shade expands or retracts, making it easy to get the perfect amount of shade. Where to Position Your Pergola
Do pergolas provide shade?
Pergolas definitely provide shade, but not all pergolas are the same. If shade is what you’re looking for in a pergola, you’ll want to think about placement, slat size and orientation in relation to the sun’s path, and additions like hanging plants, vines, curtains, or sunshades.
Which way should the rafters go on a pergola?
For the best shade coverage for the majority of the day with an open-roof pergola, place it so the rafters orient north and south. As the sun travels, the rafters cast wide lines of shade under the structure, except around midday when the sun is directly overhead.
What is the distance between slats on a pergola?
The 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 shade slats are designed to be installed with 8 3/8” spacing between each slat. Shade slats are designed to extend approximately 8 1/4” past the last rafter. Measurement includes the pre-installed pergola ends. Your goal is to ensure that all the shade slats overhang equally to the eye.
What angle should a pergola roof be?
We mentioned earlier that flat roofs are almost level. But flat pergolas should slope a little bit to one side so that water slides off instead of collecting on the roof. We call this angle the “pitch” and we recommend at least a 5-degree pitch.
Can pergola slats be angled?
The angled slats keep rain and sun from the opening while allowing air to flow through the vent. Well, a pergola with angled slats works in much the same way.
How do you attach slats to a pergola?
1:073:59How to Build a Pergola - Rafters and Purlins - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI got the slats off site hit my shop using a table saw I ripped a two by six cedar. Board in half IMoreI got the slats off site hit my shop using a table saw I ripped a two by six cedar. Board in half I found this to be the most cost effective way to get the slats.
What kind of wood should I use for pergola slats?
Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar (WRC) and Redwood are both naturally stunning woods and often lumped together.
How wide should pergola rafters be?
Rafters – 2×6 or 2×8 depending on the size of the pergola. The rafters run opposite from the beams and are spaced at 12” on center. The rafters on a pergola are responsible for the majority of the shade and that is why it is important that they are spaced close and made from larger wood.
What is the pitch on a pergola?
Pergola Lattice covers do not have a minimum pitch, they can be flat, however the Maximum slope is 1" per foot. To calculate your overall roof rise or fall multiply the roof slope by the entire distance from the home to the center of the beam line, see the examples below.
How much of a fall do you need for a pergola roof?
The manufacturer's guidelines say the pitch should be 1 1/2″ for each foot of paneling. My pergola roof is about 7′ wide. So to raise the roof on one end would require a 10 1/2″ drop!
Why do pergolas have slats?
Pergolas and louvered roof systems are useful for both sun and rain, and for whatever your needs might be. The louvered slats on a pergola can open to let in sunlight, and close to provide shade or block the rain.
How far apart should purlins be spaced on a pergola?
about 3” apartRafters are spaced about 24” apart. Purlins are spaced about 3” apart. Will the unit be attached or freestanding? Attached would allow the pergola to attach to a home or building.
Are louvered pergolas worth it?
A StruXure louvered roof system boosts value and curb appeal, offering a greater return-on-investment compared to wood pergolas. Permanent and extremely long-lasting, they add a unique touch, integrating your outdoor space into the architecture of your home, and increasing usable space to make your home feel larger.
How far apart should purlins be on pergola?
about 3” apartRafters are spaced about 24” apart. Purlins are spaced about 3” apart. Will the unit be attached or freestanding? Attached would allow the pergola to attach to a home or building.
What size should pergola rafters be?
Pergola rafter size:- typically the rafters size used for pergola could be 2×6 (2 inches by 6 inches), 2×8 (2 inches by 8 inches), or 1.5×7.25 (1.5 inches by 7.25 inches). The length of the rafters be as long as you desire the pergola itself to be. The longer the rafters, the more you need.
How far can you span a 2x10 on a pergola?
Although it depends on the species and grade of wood. As per thumb rule, for a pergola beam, 2″×12″ size timber you can span it upto 20 feet, 2×10 can span upto 16 feet, 2×8 can span upto 12 feet, 2×6 can span upto 10 feet and 2×4 can span upto 6 feet.
Why do pergolas have slats?
Pergolas and louvered roof systems are useful for both sun and rain, and for whatever your needs might be. The louvered slats on a pergola can open to let in sunlight, and close to provide shade or block the rain.
Choosing the best pergola orientation
A lot will depend on your exact location and your goals for putting up a backyard pergola. Some people want full sunlight during the cooler winter months, while others are focused on protecting against harsh rays during the summer.
The right structure for your outdoor living space
Traditional pergolas are open-air affairs that typically feature latticed roofs. As such, they provide limited protection from the elements, regardless of which direction they face. If you want to expand outdoor living potential, it’s worth considering a more modern pergola with an automated louvered roof.
Custom pergola design and installation
When it comes to choosing the right structure and pergola direction for your space, look no further than Outdoor Elements USA. Our veteran team of architects and designers works one-on-one with customers to bring your vision to life with state-of-the-art louvered roofs for homes and businesses.
Do pergolas protect from rain?
However, these fixed roof structures don’t protect from the rain, thus, the pergola orientation is essential for optimal shade.
Is a pergola good for a home?
A pergola will definitely add to your home, especially if you like spending your time outdoors. Whatever pergola orientation you choose, just remember to consider how it will complement your outdoor space and whether it provides protection from sun and rain.
What is the difference between a glass pergola and a wood pergola?
Glass pergolas are typically placed against the house, while wood is designed to be part of the interior decor. Wood slats will wear out after more than one season and are also prone to rotting, whereas wood pergolas are easy to clean and maintain.
Why stack post slats vertically?
Stacking post slats in a vertical arrangement will make the structure look more appealing and add to its overall charm. You may also wish to look at some plans for pergola slats, before you begin construction. This will enable you to determine which direction to build slats.
Can rubber pergolas rot?
Rubber pergolas are very attractive, and are used as patio umbrellas, but are fragile, and will rot if not protected properly. When deciding which direction to build pergola slats, it’s best to start by considering what you want the end result to be.
Can a pergola take over a house?
Your pergola will be your favorite place, but don’t allow it to take over the house, or it will be difficult to maintain. If it’s already taking up too much space, consider an addition, or find another place to display it. Support slats can also be installed, as long as they are fixed so that they do not move or shift.
Is redwood a good choice for a pergola?
Redwood is a good choice because it is durable and not very expensive. Redwood is also very dense, which means that it will stand up to the elements and withstand a lot of wear and tear. The second thing to keep in mind when you are thinking about the length of your Pergola slats is the style of your home.
What Direction Should A Pergola Face?
There are two major decisions that you must make when setting up your pergola: where to place it, and what direction to face it.
Use Natural Shade to Your Advantage
Like I said, bringing your pergola from one end of your yard to the other won’t change the shadows you’re getting from the rafters, but it could provide some quality natural protection depending on the tree coverage your yard offers. If you’ve got trees in your yard, feel free to use them.
Covering Your Windows
Another benefit of placement could be the use of your pergola to shade parts of your house. This won’t compromise your outdoor space and could keep a room inside from getting overheated due to being exposed to the sun. Proper placement can “kill two birds with one stone” as the rafters could prevent a window from getting sun at an inopportune time.
Finding the Right Pergola for Your Space
Pergolas come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. It’s important to choose the right combination for your space. Some styles might fit spaces better whereas others might provide better coverage.
The Optimal Space for Your Pergola
When picking out space in your yard where your pergola will sit, it’s important to keep the sizing requirements in mind. Your typical pergola will feature rafters that hang over the edge of your space. These can be anywhere from 18-20 inches further than the box you’re trying to cover.
Final Thoughts
Always remember to keep your rafters facing the optimal direction for sun protection. A north/south orientation is sure to provide you with a cool, protected space for entertainment in the backyard. Don’t let the sun ruin your day, find the perfect direction for your pergola, before you install it!
Use spacers and string lines to set the ripped 2x spacers atop the pergola
You’ll make the 26 slats that provide the shade for this pergola by ripping 16-ft. 2x4s in half along their length. Before you rip them, you’ll cut the 2x4s to length and add a simple decorative chamfer to both ends of 24 slats. That way, you’ll make each crosscut 12 times instead of 24 times.
Calculating Slat Spacing
Let’s say, for example, you are making a pergola with posts 10 ft. on center with joists that are 134-1/2 in. long. If you want the end slats to be 2-1/2 in. in from the end of the joists like the pergola shown here, subtract 5 in. to get 129-1/2 in. You want about 5 in. of space between each slat. One slat at 1-3/4 in. wide plus one 5 in.
What does a pergola look like?
What You Need to Know. At first glance, a pergola doesn’t look like much. Sure, it may look like a nice piece of artwork in the yard, and it may have some plants growing on it, but still. Pergolas tend to strike people as lacking. With the holes in the top, what use does a pergola actually provide?
What to put over a pergola for shade?
Fabric. If you don’t want to go with vines on your pergola for shade, you can always get an outdoor fabric to put over the top. A fabric sunshade is great for providing extra shade when you want it, and you can always remove it when you don’t. Just make sure you purchase the correct size for your needs.
What is the best plant to grow under a pergola?
Ivy . Ivy is one of the best choices for those who don’t wish to spend time pruning or maintaining their pergola plant. It’s evergreen, meaning it will stay green through the winter. It does require partial shade for ideal growing, so it’s not ideal for a pergola that’s in the sun all day long.
How to get the most shade?
For the most shade, try to place the larger slats perpendicular to the path that the sun travels. Since you’ll most likely want the most shade in the summer months, place them perpendicular to the summer sun’s path, rather than that of the winter sun.
What is the best way to block shade?
A very nice, but also a more expensive option for blocking shade is an automatic pergola. Sometimes called smart pergolas, these structures have slats that you can open or close with the push of a button.
Do pergolas have slats?
Like trees, they come in all different shapes and sizes. Smaller pergolas with thin, widely-spaced slats will provide less overall shade than larger pergolas with slats built close together.
Do pergolas provide shade?
Yes, pergolas do provide shade. The real question is how much shade a pergola can give you. The size and placement of a pergola’s beams will help determine just how much shade it will provide. Even the position of the sun and the orientation of the slats will make a difference in how much sunlight it blocks. If you do it right, you can have sun in ...
