Learn how to build a pergola on a deck attached to a house. This step by step guide will show you everything you need to know to get the job done right.
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Deck Pergola Plans
Building a pergola on a deck can be a great way to add some shade and privacy to your outdoor space. If you have a deck that is attached to your house, you may be able to build a pergola on it. This can be a great project to do with a friend or family member. Let’s get started!
Sketch your design
There are a few things to consider when deciding how to build a pergola on a deck. First, you will need to sketch your design. This can be done by hand or using a computer program. Once you have a general idea of what you want your pergola to look like, you will need to measure the area where it will be built. This is important so that you can purchase the correct amount of materials.
Next, you will need to determine the type of materials you want to use. Wood is the most common material used for pergolas, but there are also metal and PVC options. Each type of material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to do your research before making a final decision.
Once you have all of your materials, it’s time to start building!Building a pergola on a deck is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to follow all local building codes and get any necessary permits before starting construction. Second, it’s important to use proper attaching hardware when joining the pergola’s support beams to your deck’s ledger board. This will help ensure that your pergola is safe and secure.
Building a pergola on a deck can add both beauty and function to your outdoor space. With these simple tips, you can build a pergola that will last for years to come.
Choose the right lumber for your pergola
Building a pergola on a deck attached to your house can provide shade and style to your outdoor living area. But before you begin, it’s important to choose the right lumber for the job. Here are some tips to help you select the best wood for your pergola.
When it comes to lumber, there are two main types: hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are denser and more durable than softwoods, such as pine and cedar. Softwoods are often used for construction because they’re lighter and easier to work with. But hardwoods are a better choice for outdoor projects like pergolas because they’re more resistant to rot and insect damage.
When choosing lumber for your pergola, it’s also important to consider the weight of the wood. If your deck is made of pressure-treated lumber, it can support more weight than a deck made of cedar or redwood. But if you want to be sure your pergola is safe and stable, it’s best to use pressure-treated lumber for the posts and beams.
Another factor to consider is the amount of sun exposure your pergola will get. If it will be in a sunny spot, choose a wood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, such as cedar or redwood. If your pergola will be in a shady spot, any type of wood will do.
Finally, think about how much maintenance you’re willing to do. If you want a low-maintenance pergola, choose a wood that doesn’t require much upkeep, such as vinyl or aluminum. If you don’t mind doing a little bit of work each year, natural woods like cedar or redwood can be a beautiful addition to your outdoor space.
Cut the lumber to size
Building a deck pergola attached to your house or ledger board is easier than it looks. The key is to cut all the lumber to size before you start assembly. These pergola plans include everything you need to get started.
You will need:
-2x4s for the ledger board and outer rafters
-2x6s for the inner rafters
-1x4s for the purlins (horizontal supports)
-1x6s for the facia (trim)
-Construction adhesive
-Galvanized nails or deck screws
Instructions:
1.Cut the ledger board and outer rafters to size out of 2×4 lumber. The ledger board should be the same length as your deck, and the outer rafters should be about 24″ longer than the ledger board.
2.Cut the inner rafters and purlins to size out of 2×6 lumber. The inner rafters should be about 12″ shorter than the outer rafters, and the purlins should be cut to fit between the inner rafters.
3.Cut the facia to size out of 1×4 lumber. The facia should be about 12″ longer than the ledger board.
4.(Optional) Pre-drill holes in all of the lumber pieces with a countersink bit before assembly. This will make it easier to attach everything together later on.
5.(Optional) If you want your pergola to be stained or painted, do that now before you start assembly
Attaching the Pergola to the House
It is important to make sure the pergola is securely attached to the house. The easiest way to do this is by using lag bolts. You will need to drill a hole through the bottom plate of the pergola and then into the deck.
Secure the ledger board to the house
The next step is to secure the ledger board to the house. To do this, you will need to use some lag screws and washers. The washers will help to distribute the load of the pergola and make it more secure. It is important that you use at least four screws, but you may want to use more depending on the size of your pergola. Once the ledger board is securely attached to the house, you can move on to attaching the rafters.
Attach the posts to the ledger board and joists
Now that you have the ledger board and joists in place, you can attach the posts to them. If you are attaching the pergola directly to the house, you will first need to install ledger flashing and attach it to the house with ledger screws (following manufacturer’s instructions). Then, position the posts on top of the ledger flashing so that they are evenly spaced. Once you have the posts in place, mark where the ledger screws will go and remove the posts. Drill pilot holes for the ledger screws and then reattach the posts, making sure that they are level. If your pergola is not attached to the house, then you can skip this step.
Mark where your post base plates will go on each post. Remove the posts and drill pilot holes for your post base plate screws. Then, reattach the post base plates to each post with screws (following manufacturer’s instructions).
Now it’s time to attach the ledger board to the house. If you are attaching your pergola directly to the house, you will need to first install ledger flashing and attach it to the house with ledger screws (following manufacturer’s instructions). Then, position the ledger board on top of the ledger flashing so that it is flush with the edge of the roof. Mark where your ledger screws will go and remove the ledger board. Drill pilot holes for your ledger screws and then reattach
the ledger boardto
the house, making sure that it is level. If your pergola is not attached to
the house, then you can skip this step.
Add crossbeams and rafters
Now that the posts are installed, you can add crossbeams and rafters. For the pergola shown here, 6x6s were used for the crossbeams, which also make up the girders of the arbor. The rafters are 2x6s. If you use different lumber sizes, adjust the spacing between the joists so they’ll be able to support the weight of the crossbeams and rafters.
Cut all of the crosspieces and rafters to length. To allow for expansion and contraction, don’t nail or screw the ends of these boards in place; let them overhang by 1-1/2 in. on each end.
Position each crossbeam so that it rests on top of two posts and is flush with the front face of the posts. Drill pilot holes and fasten with 10d galvanized nails or 3-in. screws driven through washers to prevent splitting.
Finishing the Pergola
The first thing you need to do is gather all of your supplies. You will need lumber for the frame, posts, and rafters. You will also need brackets, bolts, and screws. If you want to attach the pergola to your house, you will need to get the proper brackets and fasteners for that as well. Once you have all of your supplies, you can start building the pergola.
Add trim to the pergola
The pergola is almost complete! The final step is to add trim to the top of the posts. This will give the pergola a more polished look and help protect the wood from weathering.
To add trim, firstMeasure the distance between the two outside posts of the pergola. Cut a piece of trim to this length, plus an additional 2 inches for overlap on each end. Attach the trim piece to the top of the posts using screws or nails.
Next, measure the distance between the two inside posts of the pergola. Cut a piece of trim to this length, plus an additional 2 inches for overlap on each end. Attach the trim piece to the top of the posts using screws or nails.
Finally, measure and cut a piece of trim for the beam at the front of the pergola. Attach this piece using screws or nails.
Your pergola is now complete!
Add a shade cloth or plant vines
To further increase the amount of shade your pergola provides, you can add a shade cloth or plant vines. If you choose to add a shade cloth, be sure to use one that is made of breathable material so that heat and moisture can escape. Vines can provide effective shade, but you will need to train them to grow on the pergola. English ivy and grape vines are two good options.