Do You Want to Build a Pergola
Easily?
Pergola Building plans are
pretty easy to follow. Traditionally, a pergola is a cover for a walkway, and it consists of
columns or posts that support a header system, with trellis or lattice atop the headers to provide shade. The
typical pergola attaches to a building that is bordered by a walkway.
In most instances the pergola will span the length of the walkway to provide complete shade. This walkway might
lead to a foyer, or transition to another
walk.
Click Here to Download Pergoal Building Plans
Styles of Pergolas
Pergola building plans will include a design that conforms to a style of architecture, as well as details and
notes that relate to the type of materials that will be used, and the system of construction.
As with most garden structures that support an overhead of some type, the pergola requires post footings and
post anchors, as well as attachments at building and the post-to-header connections.
Designs
If the design calls for plaster or concrete columns, these will be designed to conform with an architectural
theme, then prefabricated and shipped to the site for installation on individual concrete footings.
Other pergola building plans might include
cast-in-place columns, and these could be formed using structural plywood. Architectural styro-foam could be
installed in the forms to provide the desired column detail once the forms are removed.
Building Your Pergola
Whether the columns are prefabricated or cast in place, there will be plate steel connectors at the top of each,
to provide attachments for the headers.
These connectors will be drilled to receive bolts, and a continuous header system will be intact, once all bolts
are installed. At this point, the trellis can be installed and attached to the building in accordance with
the architect's specifications.
Pergolas for Private Residence
A set of pergola building plans for smaller
applications, such as a private residence or even a strip mall, might call for typical post and beam construction
using redwood or douglas fir.
These plans would include all connections and attachments at the building, as well as the trellis attachments at
the headers. Of course, the concrete post footings, post anchors and structural hardware would be specified as
well.
In the event any lighting is included in the design, the conduits would most likely be installed atop the
headers, in order to maintain an uninterrupted appearance. With regard to the finish of these structures, the
pergola building plans will specify whether paint or stain is best for a particular installation.
With smaller applications or shorter walkways, some designers will add height to the pergola in order to offset
the shorter distances. In this regard, the tones that are selected for the finish might be lighter, in order not to
crowd the walkway with a dark color.
Pergolas for Commerical Buildings
With larger installation, such as commercial buildings or educational facilities, the finish might be dictated
by the use of the pergola. In this event, the durability of the finish will be important to maintain the appearance
and protect concrete or wood from damage.
The pergola building plans will most likely
include specifications and recommendations for finishes that are reliable, and will suit conditions in any number
of situations.

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