Why DIY is not always the best option when it comes to your pergolas

06/08/2019

So, you’ve done all of the planting, the watering and the waiting, but still feel like your backyard is missing something? Maybe you want to create your very own garden getaway, but don’t know where to start.

If you want to add something extra to your garden that combines both functionality and style, a pergola can be an excellent option for you. A pergola provides shade and a relaxed outdoor living space. They can also increase the value of your house and mean you can spend all the time you want outdoors. Pretty nifty, huh?

Deciding to add a pergola to your backyard is the easy part. Actually seeing it come to life is another thing - especially if you choose the DIY route.

While adding a pergola to your backyard is a great idea, choosing to DIY may not be.

I’ll admit it, I’m a big fan of DIY projects. I made and stained bedside tables and can be pretty nifty with a hammer and screwdriver. But for something as big and tricky as a pergola, I’d get in a professional.

Sure, there are plenty of resources that can help you build a DIY pergola, but often this opens you up to making big mistakes. And when you make those mistakes you have no support to get you through them.

Why DIY may not be best when it comes to your pergola:

Pergolas may seem easy enough to build, but there are a bunch of factors that make them a little trickier than meets the eye. Weathering, design and structural stability all make building a pergola a bit more complicated - especially for the average DIY-er.

Weathering

    Because pergolas are outside, they are exposed to all of the weather conditions that your backyard is. They will see rain, hail, wind and sun, so it is super essential your pergola is appropriately protected from the elements. A professional will be able to select the right timbers and varnishes to keep your pergola protected.

Design

    Designing your pergola involves making a lot of decisions that sometimes are best left to the professionals. The general DIY-er may not know the best types of wood to use for strength and durability. Nor may they know the best ways to ensure that your pergola is structurally sound and will last for years to come.

Getting a professional onboard can take all of the guesswork out of the equation and help you to relax. If you're set on doing the build yourself, consulting with a professional could help you to fine-tune your design making it is as strong, as durable and as perfect for your space as it can be.

Structure

    A pergola is a freestanding structure - a strong foundation and supportive build is critical to it standing. You don’t want your pergola collapsing after you’ve built it (or maybe even while still building it). Sure, there will be a financial cost of repairing it and any damage it caused. However, unless the structural issues are addressed, you run the risk of it happening again.

While DIY sites are good, they often can’t help you to diagnose and fix the root problem - that’s where a professional is really handy.

A pergola is a great addition to any outdoor space. To make sure you get the pergola that’s perfect for you, hiring a professional is your best option.