Refining household plots always occupies one of the main places in the thoughts of the owner. When the house is built, and the garden and garden planted, I want to have a place where you can relax. Here come to the aid of the structure, which can be created in a short period of time and do it yourself. Consider how to build a pergola with your own hands, read the step by step instructions and photos of the most beautiful designs.
What is pergola
Pergola literally means an extension or shed, which fully reflects its content. It is a construction of sections, which are interconnected by crossbars. It can be made detached or stationary, in the form of a terrace.
Did you know? The first pergolas appeared in the south of Italy in the XIX century. They were used to support the vines and thus create a place for daytime rest.
Despite the diversity of species, pergola has distinctive features:
- Repeating sections.
- Supports and arc elements.
- Lattice overlap.
Types of sheds
Garden pergolas are used to support various climbing plants. Despite the huge number of known forms and species, distinguish only a few "official": awning, screen, visor, arch or tunnel.
Important! So that the structure is not carried away by the wind, it must be installed in accordance with the wind rose. In addition, its height can not be higher than 2.5 meters.
By size and shape
Pergola designs come in the following sizes:
- Sadovaya. It is represented by a lightweight construction of small size, which is put on the site to create a support for climbers or grapes.
- Arched. Such structures are built near the gate or porch, thus emphasizing the entrance.
- Small. It has the appearance of a visor and is used for small areas.
- Big. It is considered a full-fledged architectural element. Often have a complex roof and several sections.
According to the materials
Pergola material is of the following types:
- Wooden. The most popular material for the construction of such structures. All thanks to the availability and ease of processing.
- Forged. They are made for decoration, but such facilities require some metalworking skills.
- Metallic. Steel is most often used as the most durable material. Requires a good foundation and experience with the welding machine.
- Plastic. Such designs are modular and affordable. However, they have a short lifetime.
- Stone or brick. They look solid, but they need a large area.
- Combined. The construction is created using two or more types of materials. The most popular are wood-stone, wood-metal.
The best place to place designs in the country
Having made the decision to build a pergola in the country with your own hands, it is important not only to familiarize yourself with the creation instructions, but also to determine the place of its deployment.
This solution is not only aesthetic, but also practical. Since the main purpose of such a structure - creating an atmosphere of peace and relaxation, then most often such sheds are located at the maximum allowable distance from the road and other restless objects.
On your garden plot, you can independently make a gazebo and arrange perennial curb flowers.In order to properly place the pergola, you should consider some tips from professional landscape designers:
- In a small area it is recommended to break the lawn, lay a circular track, and this building is better placed in the far corner. In this case, a hedge will help cover the territory.
- An alternative would be to install a carport at a distance of a couple of meters from the entrance to the house. With this arrangement, the structure is better to choose in the form of a veranda.
- If the neighboring buildings are located close to each other, it is recommended to build a pergola with closed sides. The front side is placed directly in front of the house.
- When the plot is more than ten acres, the scope for creativity increases. The canopy is recommended to be located in the center in an open sunny location. Around you can plant flowers or braiding plants.
Important! Wanting to emphasize the elegance of the canopy, you can place it in the empty corner of the area, close to the entrance to the site, on the border of the garden strip or against the background of the reservoir. In these places, he just will not go unnoticed.Using these rules, you can successfully arrange not only the canopy, but also other objects on your site.
How to make a pergola with your own hands: diagrams and drawings
After getting acquainted with the features and types of pergolas, you need to have information on how to make a pergola with your own hands, and the proposed step-by-step instructions will become an indispensable assistant. 
From wood
For the construction of the classic pergolas of wood will be required the following materials: support and transverse beams, crossbars, pillars, adjustable anchors, tubular formwork, self-tapping screws of various sizes, cement, sand, gravel.
- Works begin with contour designation future pergolas. At the corners, formworks are buried in the previously prepared pits so that they are all on the same level. A small amount of concrete pits poured. While he is not fully grabbed, set the anchors.
- After the concrete has completely set, they begin to set wooden racks. For them, take the bars of the desired size and with the help of the level they are placed vertically, fixed in two directions with the help of screws with hexagonal heads made of wood.
- Then begin to set support beams. There will need to buy boards, the size of which depends on tastes. It is important to note that they must protrude beyond the perimeter of the building by 30 cm. Before fixing, they are leveled horizontally and only then fixed with clamps. Finally, drill through holes at the junction of the beam and stand and insert the bolts.
- Install transverse plank beams. They should be straight. The distance between them depends on the amount of light. Most often, the spaces are 30 cm. For attachment at both ends, two cuts and guide holes are made. Now everything is fixed with long screws.
- Finally, transverse beams are fastened, which increase rigidity designs. They also drill holes and fix.
Important! To build a proper construction, you need to know that in order to check that all angles are right, you should consider one rule: "3-4-5" (32 + 42 = 52). In which case you need to immediately make adjustments.
After all the work, the construction is covered with several layers of varnish.
Also on your site you can arrange a beautiful front garden and decorate the area with a hedge.
Metal and plastic
Arches of pergolas with your own hands can be made of metal. Like wooden, metal is done only after a preliminary drawing of the future construction and designation of the contours of the building.
In addition, for working with metal, some skills are needed to work with the welding machine. You will need profile pipe, cement, building level, welding materials, paints and varnishes. 
All work is divided into several stages:
- Cutting parts. Details are cut from shaped pipes, the diameter of which varies depending on the length of the product. We need to make all the details that will be needed for construction. So that the parts will not corrode in the future and the whole structure will not collapse, everything is treated with paint.
- Fixing supports and installing rafters. The supporting pillars need to be fixed in the ground, the depth of the pits must be at least 50 cm. A gravel pad is poured at the bottom of the recess, and then a small amount of concrete is poured. After it dries, install a support and pour concrete to the edges of the pit. Rafters and crossbars are welded to the top of the support only after the concrete has completely dried. The last set ribs, which will provide the structure strength.
A small pergola can be made of plastic, most often such designs create to support light curly flowers.Construction arrangement
Creating a pergola in the country with their own hands according to the instructions ends only after decoration. Most often decorate the canopy with live plants.
For dense weaving of climbers between the supports, you can stretch metal wires with a diameter 4-5 mm. In the first seasons, until the planted plants grow stronger and grow, you can decorate the canopy with plants in pots or climbing plants. Inside, put a table and chairs - get the perfect place to relax in the shade.
Did you know? Sometimes arches are created solely from plants, as a result they are completely alive. However, to make such a canopy is much more difficult than using a sustainable design.
The information provided will help anyone who wants to decorate their site with a place to relax. The main thing is to have a desire, and everything will certainly work out.
