Available in many materials, the pergola is an essential garden feature for creating a shaded and sheltered space. Garden furniture, dining area, barbecue or jacuzzi, the pergola can protect many spaces while adding a decorative touch to the terrace. Then opt for a wooden pergola for a natural and modern touch!
What is the point of a pergola?
A pergola is a very trendy garden design, but above all, very useful! Here's how to use it in the garden:
To create shadow:
A wooden pergola allows you to
create a shaded area
on a terrace, in order to enjoy the outdoors in summer while staying cool. As it reduces the exposure of your terrace to the hottest hours, it also helps to
regulate the interior temperature
of your home by preventing your terrace from overheating.
The pergola helps regulate the interior temperature of your home by preventing your terrace from overheating. Copyright (c) 2017 JRP Studio/Shutterstock. No use without permission.
To shelter a terrace:
The roof of a pergola can be protected by different types of coverings (canvas, adjustable slats, glazing). Depending on the material chosen, the pergola then becomes a real
shelter from bad weather
. You can store your garden furniture there in winter, or shelter certain plants. Note that it is possible to add fixed walls to a pergola, which can serve as a windbreak or a
privacy screen
.
A support for climbing plants:
The legs of a pergola can be used as a support for climbing plants, which will thus be perfectly showcased wrapped around the wooden uprights. You can also install trellises between two feet to create a
plant screen
for climbing plants.
Which wooden pergola to choose for your garden?
Depending on your needs and the configuration of your garden, you can choose between different pergola models.
The different types of pergola
There are two main types of pergola:
self-supporting
(4 feet) and
lean-
to (2 feet). The latter is the preferred model if you want to create a shaded outdoor space while maintaining the freshness of the house.
You can then choose between a pergola with a fixed roof, with adjustable slats (bioclimatic), or with a retractable or rollable canvas.
There are two main types of pergola: self-supporting (4 feet) and lean-to (2 feet). Copyright (c) 2018 Ozgur Coskun/Shutterstock. No use without permission.
Recommended wood species
Although it is lighter and requires more maintenance than aluminum, wood has the advantage of bringing a more natural touch to the garden. Light and easy to handle, it is a very good material for the structure of a pergola:
For an inexpensive wooden pergola, you can opt for a traditional wood such as pine
,
which will then be treated to resist bad weather. More upscale, an
exotic wood pergola
will require less maintenance, in addition to bringing a more trendy touch to your terrace.
Whatever the type of wood, it will need to be treated regularly with a varnish, oil or stain suitable for exterior wooden fittings. Regular maintenance will prevent the wood from suffering from bad weather and insect pests.
Also read: The best tips for setting up a pretty little garden without breaking the bank
How much does a wooden pergola cost?
The price of a pergola varies mainly depending on the surface area covered by the material used for its structure. The wooden pergola is therefore
the most economical solution
.
However, you should keep in mind that the price of a pergola can vary greatly from one model to another. For a self-supporting wooden model, you need to count on around
€500 for a 10 m2 pergola kit
, and up to
€2,500 for a bioclimatic pergola
. Then count on €1,000 for installation if you call on a professional.
Where and how to install a wooden pergola in your garden?
A freestanding pergola can be placed anywhere on a terrace or in a garden, while a lean-to pergola must necessarily be built against a wall of the house. It is placed in front of a bay window to simplify circulation and to prevent the sun's rays from penetrating the interior of the house. Whatever type of pergola you choose, place it
sheltered from the wind
: a wooden pergola is lighter than another type of design!
How to hold a wooden pergola?
A pergola must always be placed on a flat surface with a suitable covering. To ensure the stability of the construction, it is preferable to install your pergola on
a slab or concrete pads
placed at each foot.
For a wooden terrace, it is possible to attach
fixing supports
directly to the wooden paving. In all cases, follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the fixings supplied with your pergola kit. Otherwise, call a professional for simplicity!
What are the regulations for installing a pergola?
As a fixed exterior design, the pergola is subject to different regulations, which vary depending on the type of pergola and its footprint:
For a freestanding model:
It is not necessary to obtain authorization if the pergola has less than 5 m² of footprint. However, a prior declaration of work is required for pergolas of 5 to 20 m² and a
building permit from 20 m²
of footprint.
For a leaning model:
It is necessary to make a
prior declaration of work
for a pergola with a
footprint of
less than 20 m² and a building permit request for a pergola of more than 20 m².