A pergola Newcastle at its most basic form is nothing more than an open support for a trellis or gazebo, but variations have taken place in the way people have erected them in their gardens. Traditionally pergolas were built with lattice work around three sides with arches running vertically up the middle. Today, however, arched pergolas can be seen being used for more purposes. A pergola in the garden provides shelter from the sun and the rain. They are also an excellent place to entertain guests.
There are two main types of pergola construction, the free-standing variety which are installed completely on the ground and require digging to the required height, and the wall hung style which requires that the support beams are placed into a concrete sub-base. The free-standing variety is a far more flexible option and may incorporate all manner of add-ons such as shelves, trellises, decorative features and lighting. It is also easier to construct and allows you to incorporate any number of add-ons without fear of the structure falling apart prematurely.
A pergola is usually built with lattice and is then supported by boards or walls on the side and top. These beams are then fitted onto the posts or trusses that form the edges of the structure. The lattice can be constructed using a variety of methods. The traditional method involves cutting slits into the lattice to allow for the insertion of small rods. It is then covered with a buntings board to give the final finish. This method of construction can be very time consuming, however, and obviously cannot be done for pergolas which require a smooth finish.
For those wishing to build their own pergola it is important to take into account the requirements of the deck. A good pergola design should incorporate joists that are strong enough to hold the deck in place but flexible enough so that water drainage can pass through to the base of the pergola. It is also important to ensure that all joists and trusses are placed at a right angle to ensure strength during heavy winds. Once the pergola has been built, a watertight seal must be applied to the top and bottom of the structure to prevent moisture from penetrating. It is important to check these seals after construction to ensure they are still intact and in good condition.
Once the construction has finished, it is necessary to give the pergola a finishing touch by fitting attractive accessories around the outer perimeter. Such accessories can range from fabric rope handrails to wooden carvings or mouldings. A pergola can be given a rustic finish with natural timber strips or timbers. In terms of colors, rustic shades of brown are the most popular although darker shades of pine are also available if that is more to the desired preference of the homeowner.
In terms of size, pergolas do vary in size from small ones measuring up to three feet in height to huge structures measuring more than ten feet in height. The materials used to build a pergola vary too. For example, a pergola made from wood may be finished with paint and then left to weather naturally. Some pergolas are also made from steel tubing. They can be built with either planks or rails but planks are generally used for decks while rails are more suitable for pergolas covering walkways or main roads.