Weatherproofing your yard is an essential element to how you use it. Throw all the right kinds of shade with this month’s featured DIY idea and build your very own pergola!
How to build a DIY pergola
Of all the structures you could build, a pergola is relatively straightforward and cost-effective. Usually using 4 main vertical beams or columns, pergolas are largely open-air; however, to provide extra levels of shelter, you can also add walls or a roof.
We’ve listed a bunch of helpful DIY tutorials, ranked from least to most detailed, depending on which pergola style you’d like!
Building an attached pergola
In this quick 7-minute tutorial, Jason from Bunnings shows us how easy it is to add a pergola to the side of your house! This is perfect for those who already have a deck or patio area that just needs a bit of extra dimension or structure.
How to build a freestanding pergola
Although this tutorial is from Mitre 10 New Zealand, many of the concepts are the same; simply ensure you’re across your own local council regulations when it comes to permits and building codes.
Building a pergola with a deck
Looking to combine two DIY projects into one? This tutorial with Rob Palmer shows you exactly how to build a pergola with a deck…with an unlikely celebrity cameo appearance!
How to DIY a pergola canopy
If you’d like a bit more shade under your pergola, you can check out the following tutorials:
- How to install poly-carbonate roofing, with Sunnyside Clear Roofing
- How to install a slatted pergola roof, with Jason from Bunnings (again!)
- DIY a simple retractable canopy, with Yura Menshikoff
How to build an outdoor room
If you’re after more privacy and shelter, you may be interested in an outdoor room design. For instance, for House 11, Three Birds Renovations used VogueWall modular wall systems to create luxe, open-air outdoor rooms along their pool and outdoor fire pit.
With a vast range of wall styles, our DIY-friendly, acoustically rated modular walls and fences are an easy way to create a sturdy outdoor room; simply concrete posts in, slide panels through and finish as desired!
If you’re looking for more DIY inspo, check out our most popular DIY Ideas from 2019!
