Pergolas are a great addition to any garden. They offer an amazing way to provide shelter from the summer rays and create that necessary garden privacy.

Not only will the structure add a focal point and interest in your garden, but they are a great way to grow vines and climbing plants against.

Obviously hiring a professional gardening company is the easiest and simplest way to get a pergola constructed, however building your own can be done yourself with a little know-how.  

It is worth mentioning that constructing this isn’t a one-person job, so you’ll need some helpful people on side to lend a hand!

Plan the Space for your pergola

The most ideal place to situate your new pergola is on a decked or paved area that has solid foundations.

The area that you choose will most like define the type and size of the pergola that will suit your garden.

Do not try and get the biggest one you can afford to buy, ensure that it looks right in the allocated plot. If you have a small garden a large pergola will dominate. Also, if it’s situated where access is required, make sure that there will be enough space to get through with things like a lawnmower.

In an ideal world, your pergola will last for many years with careful maintenance. Try not to position it near to young trees, bushes or shrubs, in a few years’ time when they are bigger they will require more space to grow into.

What type of pergola?

Now you know the ideal spot for your pergola, it is time to start thinking about which style is best for you. This boils down to personal choice.

A few things to consider are:

• What type of roof do you want on your pergola? A slatted one or one that is completely covered
• Will you be growing plant up it? If so, will these be planted in the ground or in containers?
• Will it be a wall-leaning pergola?

DIY Pergola build

Like we mentioned before pergolas can be tricky to construct yourself and this may be one garden task to get the professionals in.

If you do decide to go it alone then here is a great video of one way to construct a pergola yourself

Finish Up

If you are going to add climbing plants to your pergola, you can train them to grow around the sides until they are mature enough to grow up to the rafters.

Once that’s done, all you need to do is sit out and relax, weather permitting!