A pergola is a garden structure that has been making appearances in landscapes since 1645, but have recently surged in popularity. According to Mirriam-Webster Dictionary, a pergola is a structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof of beams and joists.
Pergolas can be an integral part of your landscape architecture and are very popular in Weatherford, Aledo & Granbury. It can be used to house an outdoor kitchen or dining area, provide shade in your outdoor living space, extend the livable portion of your home, and act as a platform for vegetation to grow.
They can range in size from very small to large enough to span an entire deck or patio. 
They are typically made out of cedar because it is naturally decay and insect resistant. PVC is another popular material. They can be painted or stained. If it is not painted or stained, it will turn a grayish color and will be more susceptible to checking.
At Decks and More, our most popular pergolas are constructed with 6 x 6 posts sunk into a 2 foot deep hole and anchored with 120 pounds of concrete (per post). You have a choice of using 2 x 8 or 4 x 8 material. The 4 x 8 material makes for a much beefier look which is very popular. If the 2 x 8 is chosen, there is usually a 2 x 10 beam sandwiching the post. Beams will be bolted with (2) 1/2 inch galvanized lag bolts to the cedar post. 2 x 8 joists sit on top of 2 x 10 beams. There is usually about an 18″ spacing between joists. The joists are anchored to the beams by toe-nailing a 3-inch screw in four locations. If the 4 x 8 material is chosen, it will usually have 4 x 10 cedar beams. Profile cuts are made on the 2 x 8′s and 2 x 10′s / 4 x 8′s and 4 x 10′s.
Anyone who has survived a Texas summer knows just how hot it can get! Many of Decks and More’s customers choose to have solar screen placed on their pergola. It will lower the temperature at least 15 degrees under the pergola. If solar screen is used above the joists, it is anchored with the 2 x 2′s spaced 1 foot on center. If solar screen is not used, the 2 x 2′s are spaced 4 inches on center, which leaves a 2 1/4 inch gap between the 2 x 2′s. This spacing will provide adequate shade except when the sun is directly overhead. The 2 x 2′s are screwed down with 3 inch screws. Drop down roller shades are another option to block the sun.
Our customers have reported that there is no need to move the party inside during a light rain. Solar screen will keep you dry during light summer showers. Solar screen is tough enough to withstand 60-70 mph winds and up to at least golf ball sized hail. When choosing the solar screen option, the number of 2 x 2’s are reduced by 2/3 which covers the cost of the solar screens.
Decks and More has been designing and building pergolas for 6 years in Granbury, Weatherford, Aledo, Cleburne, Benbrook, and West Ft. Worth.
Call us today to schedule your appointment to personally design the garden structure of your dreams.
817-715-2503
Decks and More builds more than decks, we build dreams!
