Patio Structures

pergola installation

Nine Site Preparation Tips for a Successful Pergola Installation

A pergola adds beauty and a sense of intimacy to any outdoor space. But there are crucial steps you need to take before your pergola installation to ensure the success of your project. This article will provide site preparation advice, yard prep suggestions and other tips to help you get ready for your pergola installation. As you learn how to properly install your pergola, you'll want to follow these steps: Select Your Material Check Local Building Requirements Review HOA Regulations Choose Your Pergola Installation Site With Care Investigate Impediments Look Out for Landscaping Inspect Site Lines Call 811 Consider Hiring a Pergola Installation Professional   Why Build an Outdoor Structure? People choose to build an outdoor structure like a custom-built pergola for many reasons. Wood pergola designs can: Offer shade Extend a home's livable space Create an outdoor living area Add a focal point to...

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Homeowner’s Guide to Restoring Cedar and Pressure-Treated Pine Pergolas

Transform your weathered outdoor wood pergola into a stunning centerpiece with our experts at Pergola Depot. Whether it's a neglected relic begging for renovation, or a new addition requiring maintenance, cedar and pine pergolas are easily restored with regular care and attention. In our comprehensive guide, we'll show you the straightforward steps to revive your beleaguered pergola. Let's turn that eyesore into an asset to be proud of. In this article, we will provide advice for restoring a pressure-treated pine or cedar pergola. We'll go over the various steps to turning a weathered eyesore into a pergola you can be proud of once again.     How To Restore an Outdoor Wood Pergola In order to keep the natural splendor and structural stability of pine or cedar pergolas, regular maintenance of outdoor...

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splits in timber

A Guide to Wood Checking and Splitting

Have you ever wondered why your wooden pergola starts to crack and split over time? Many pergola owners begin to worry if they see their wood checking and splitting. We know this can cause concern, so let's answer the question, what is a wood check and why does wood split? Typically, checks in wood run the length of the timber grain, while splits go from one side of a beam to the other. Excessive loads on the structure can cause these breaks to occur. But don't worry, we're here to help! This article will define a wood check, answer the question, "Why does wood split?". We'll also cover how to repair a cracked wood post and ensure your pergola remains beautiful for years to come. You...

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pergola-wood-pine

Guide to Premium Pergola Wood Types

When planning your outdoor pergola, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right type of wood. The durability, appearance, and longevity of your pergola all depend on the materials used and the quality of the construction. At Pergola Depot, we handcraft our kits using premium-grade wood that’s not available at big box stores and we build pergola kits that are engineer-stamped for extreme weather. In this guide, we’ll compare our two top pergola wood choices: Rough Sawn Western Red Cedar and Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine. Both are excellent options for durability and beauty—but each has unique characteristics that might make one a better fit for your climate, aesthetic, and budget. Why Wood Quality Matters Not all wood pergolas are created equal. Many pergola kits sold online or in retail stores are...

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Pergola vs. Gazebo: What’s the Difference?

A beautiful outdoor space that can provide a space for outdoor dining and relaxation in the shade is one of the best additions you can bring to any home. Outdoor structures such as arbors, pergolas and gazebos can all elevate a backyard and make it feel like your own personal and private escape. But what is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola? Which is best for your outdoor space? Deciding between the three patio structure styles? Comparing an arbor vs. pergola vs. gazebo can help you decide. If you're updating your backyard space and think that you'd like to add one of these structures, you might be wondering what exactly is the difference between a pergola and a gazebo and where an arbor fits into all of it. While...

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Stained Wood Attached Pergola

Full Guide on Pergola Staining & Sealing

When is the best time for staining and sealing wood on outdoor structures? In warm climates, winter and early Spring are the perfect time of year to take care of outdoor tasks, like staining and sealing wood. In cooler climates it's best to wait until the temperatures warm up before getting out your brushes and other supplies for staining outdoor wood structures such as pergolas. If you're gearing up for adding a fresh coat of sealant or stain to your backyard wood structure, this article will answer questions such as: Why is staining and sealing wood important? When should you stain or seal a wood pergola? What types of products are best for staining and sealing wood? What are the steps for staining and sealing a wood pergola? Which colors look best on a pergola? Before...

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A pergola lit up at night

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Pergola?

Are you planning to install a pergola in your outdoor space? Normally one of the first questions people ask is, "Do I need a permit for a pergola?" Often a pergola does not require a building permit, but exceptions exist in various locations throughout the contiguous United States. Installing a wood pergola is similar to other outdoor home improvement projects, so it's highly recommended to investigate the regulatory requirements in your area as part of your initial outdoor project planning phase. Do not wonder, "do I need a building permit for a pergola?" — find out for sure before you make a purchase to avoid headaches and additional costs later. While exploring common requirements, Pergola Depot cannot offer legal advice. Every locality has different ordinances, so customers must make sure their...

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7 Benefits of a Pergola

Wondering how to make your backyard better for outdoor celebrations and relaxation? One of the most time-tested and simplest ways to make your backyard look beautiful is to add hardscaping such as a pergola. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, there are many other benefits of installing a pergola on your property. And not all pergolas are the same. This blog will share some of the top advantages of building your new backyard and adding a Pergola Depot pergola to your outside space. What Is a Pergola? Before we get into the benefits of a pergola, it's important to know what one is. A pergola is a large structure usually made of wood that is located in a garden or backyard. This outdoor feature includes vertical posts or pillars supporting cross-beams that form a...

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14x16 Attached Sombrero Pine Pergola

5 Best Wall Pergola Kits

A pergola can change the dynamic of any yard or patio by giving purpose to an empty space. While free-standing, four-post pergolas can create a room out of nothing, an attached, wall pergola kit has some distinct features that make it a wonderful addition to the outside of your home. This article will review features of our wall-mounted pergola kits that you can use as a guide to transform your backyard. If you're looking to create an outdoor living room, or open air dining space, an attached wall pergola that extends out from your home can help make your dream a reality. Here is a list of the 5 best wall pergola kits that can make your backyard the best new space for all-season outdoor living! Extend the Season with a Wall...

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wood patio cover

Three Steps to Your Maintenance-Free Pergola

Is a maintenance-free pergola possible? A common misperception is that vinyl or aluminum pergolas fall in to that category, and wood pergolas do not. In fact, all pergolas - regardless of the materials used to construct - require some level of maintenance. At Pergola Depot, we build beautiful, versatile pergola kits using premium quality lumber and hardware. This ensures that you'll have a patio cover structure you can enjoy for many years. In this article, we'll look at some of the ways you can help protect your pergola with a few easy pergola maintenance steps. Pergola Maintenance Step 1: Choose the Right Wood Choosing the right wood for your pergola is an essential first step in complementing your patio design and ensuring long-term durability. It plays a key...

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