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If you want to upgrade your outdoor space, you can get a prefab pergola shipped right to your door and assemble it yourself. These kits are convenient and can save time and stress if you want to add some shade to your yard. But there are some potential pitfalls if you’re tackling this type of improvement for the first time, so here’s what you need to know before you buy a pergola from Amazon.
Know the different types of pergolas
There are lots of styles of pergola to choose from, including wooden and aluminum types. In addition to materials, your pergola can come with a roof, a sunshade, or a trellis top for climbing vines. You can also choose between a freestanding pergola or one that attaches to the side of your house. If you choose a pergola that adjoins a house or other structure, make sure the existing structure can hold the extra weight before choosing one.
Measure for your pergola
In order to make sure your pergola will fit in the space you have, you should measure the open space first, then look at the manufacturer specifications for the widest measurement of the pergola. In most cases, the roof of your pergola is the widest part, so make sure the roof fits within your intended footprint. You will also need to measure to place the footings for your structure, making sure you have space to position your pergola in your desired orientation.
Check your local building codes
In some cases, local ordinances prevent structures from being built within a certain number of feet from a property line or adjacent structure. There might also be rules about how tall an outdoor structure can be without requiring a permit, or the total area that a structure can cover before needing a permit. Check with your local town hall or municipal permitting office before you choose your pergola to avoid a hassle or potential fines down the road.
Dig your footings
Installing a pergola requires footings to hold the posts that support the roof. Your kit will likely come with footings, but you’ll need the proper tools to dig a hole to anchor them. Check what type of footings your kit has to help you determine what tools you’ll need. Always remember to dial 811 before you dig to avoid costly and dangerous incidents with utility lines.
You might need to attach it to another structure
If your pergola is supported by the wall of another structure on one side, you’ll need to attach it to the second floor rim joist for it to be structurally sound. The rim joist is a horizontal board that holds the floor joists for the second floor. In most cases, your pergola kit will come with hardware to attach it, but make sure that the screws that come from the manufacturer are long enough and sturdy enough to attach your brackets to the rim joist. Since this is a project that involves some knowledge of framing, it might not be a beginner DIY job.
Account for wind
If your pergola has a roof, you should make sure that either the roof is retractable or that your footings and hardware are designed to withstand wind gusts. If you have a wooden pergola, you can add hurricane brackets or hurricane ties to reinforce the connections between your roof beams and cross members. With a welded metal framed pergola, it will usually be rated to withstand wind of up to 130 miles per hour.
