Category : How-to's
Do you plan to enhance your outdoor decor with a pavilion? We might be biased, but we think it’s a great idea! You can take advantage of this structure to add some extra green to the space. This new island of coolness can be illuminated, with integrated speakers, a removable screen, or any other creative inspiration you might have. Not only is this a fun project to execute, but your design could also help increase the resale value of your home.
Ready to get started? Let’s make your project a reality!
Why do you want a pergola?
- To create a shaded area
- To eat or prepare meals
- To practice your hobbies
- To add to your outdoor space
- To add green to your garden
The reason behind your kiosk, pavilion or “pergola” will help decide the best location for its installation. As for the ideal dimensions, they must respect the urban planning rules of your city or neighbourhood. They should also consider the standards of the Quebec Construction Code.
Speaking of dimensions, how high should your pergola be?
Landscape architects usually recommend a height between 2.20 m to 3 m, a generous width, and a maximum coverage of about one third of the exterior surface (e.g., your yard). Otherwise, you will greatly reduce the area’s natural light.
Our products are available individually, allowing you to customize the size of your structure and the opacity of the trellis, depending on your specific needs.
How much shade do you want?
We suggest our decorative beams to create a shade that suits your needs. This fixed solution has the advantage of minimizing the required maintenance. Alternatively, you can install a canvas.
If you prefer a fabric tarp to permanent slats, here’s how to attach this alternative to composite wood: install grommets or the fasteners of your choice onto the structure. Attach your fabric with cords and, as a tip, consider an elastic version to easily stretch your fabric. Note that while using a tarp remains a viable option, this is only a temporary solution. Instead, we suggest that you opt for more durable construction, with little to no maintenance.
How to fix a composite wood pergola to the ground?
For the most solidity, we recommend that you install your pergola on an independent structure. Our easy-to-install beams are not structural elements, but they allow you to cover frames with a material of excellent durability.
You will need decorative beams (shade slats), composite planks (rails) and anchors. Pay a visit to a NewTechWood dealer to stock up on posts, wood screws, lag bolts and washers. Another useful tip: you can use your tools for regular wood.
How many posts to fix your pergola to the ground?
Plan for a “pole” every 1.5 m, driven into the ground one-quarter of its total length. In other words, the poles of a 2.5 m high pergola should be 3.12 m long if buried in the ground.
How to build a pergola on a balcony or attach a pergola to a wooden deck?
The materials remain the same: composite wood planks, beams, and posts. You can use our hardware and regular woodworking tools. When anchoring onto a balcony or deck, you will need to provide brackets to secure the posts. You won’t be driving them into the ground unless you’re pouring the structure into the concrete when building your deck. The beams that cover the poles will also need to be attached at all four corners to ensure maximum strength.
To build a pergola against the wall, add a support beam
After solidifying the support posts, install your support beam against the wall (we recommend you consult an expert). Then, place the crossbeams at 50 cm intervals and fasten them with lag bolts and washers. Shade slats can be attached to the frame with simple wood screws. Before screwing in your slats, play with the spacing to adjust the brightness as desired.
Finally, add your personal touch: play with colours and plants
To stay in the tone of elegance, we suggest Peruvian teak and Brazilian ipe. These shades respect the natural spectrum, typically providing a nice contrast with the greens of a garden. For a Scandinavian look, opt for darker tones such as Charcoal and Ebony or a pale one such as Red Cedar. It doesn’t matter if your pergola is in full sun or not since our colours resist fading.
You can also add vines, roses, or other plants to your beautiful landscape. Wood composite is a very resistant recycled – and recyclable.
What climbing plants are recommended for a composite wood pergola?
You’ve chosen a material strong enough to support a “climbing” rose, without the need for annual staining, which means you can go with almost any option. However, the usefulness of your outdoor pergola should guide your horticultural choices.
Here are some ideas to explore with an expert:
- Saritea and honeysuckle keep wasps from inviting themselves to your table.
- Evergreen clematis and Virginia creepers are great for quickly creating shade and privacy.
- Ivy and hops are popular and aesthetically pleasing choices.
- Wisteria, saritea, Virginia trumpet and cobia produce beautiful flowers.
- Rose, jasmine, Chinese dregs, and sweet peas produce enchanting scents.
How to make a vineyard pergola?
Here’s how to attach a climbing rose, for example. Since this shrub doesn’t really climb, but rather clings to the slats with its thorns, you’ll need to provide it with flexible anchor points. Install these at intervals of about 45 cm and connect them with horizontal wires as a trellis.
Do you want to enjoy a pergola for years to come without having to maintain it year after year? The material has a lot to do with it: wood composite has the advantage of durability, both in terms of maintenance and resistance to sun and temperature variations.
We’re proud to offer individual products that allow you to create custom solutions, and we encourage you to use beams as slats to set the shade to your liking. Take advantage of our hollow beams to hide the wiring of a light display or a sound system and, of course, treat yourself to some greenery to cool off your summers.
We haven’t covered your ideal scenario? Contact a landscaping expert.
