Thinking about building an outdoor pergola?
Outdoor living spaces are getting more popular than ever with homeowners. In 2024, pergolas were actually the leading segment of the outdoor living structure market with a 61.3% share of revenue generated. Makes sense too… They’re attractive backyard features that provide shade, style, and can even add value to your home.
The issue is..
Dozens of people rush the pergola building process. They focus solely on how it looks and don’t consider how safe or durable their design is. Before you know it, their pergola is falling apart in the wind or falling apart from age.
When shortcuts are taken, pergolas won’t stand the test of time.
Thankfully any homeowner can avoid this mistake. If you take the time to nail down the basics you can build a secure outdoor pergola that will stand strong against extreme weather and heavy usage. Everything from material and size to anchoring and build location plays a role. One important step that many owners don’t think about is stabilizing freestanding pergolas so everything stays put.
Below is everything you need to know!
You’ll learn:
- Why Proper Pergola Safety Should Be A Priority
- Material Considerations For Durability
- Anchoring/Structure Stability
- Weather Protection & Wind Resistance
- Maintenance Advice
Proper Pergola Safety Should Be A Priority
Pergolas seem like a pretty straightforward structure. But if you don’t take the proper steps they can go from attractive to dangerous quickly.
A weak pergola can fall apart when snow accumulates on top of it. High winds can send it tumbling. And rot can weaken the wood before you ever realize it.
Consider this:
Wind and hail was responsible for almost 40% of homeowners insurance claims in 2021 with the average claim costing $12,913. Things like outdoor structures can easily become damaged during bad storms.
Not all of these incidents are avoidable. But many of them are. Building a secure outdoor pergola should start with taking the proper safety precautions when planning your design. Doing things correctly from day one is vital.
Material Considerations For Durability
Let’s start with materials.
The type of material used for a pergola will determine its lifespan.
Here are the options:
Not every material is the same. Each has its own cost trade-offs, maintenance requirements, and longevity. Here are the three most common materials you’ll find pergolas made from today:
- Pressure-treated wood is inexpensive and easy to find. The downside is wood will require periodic sealing/staining to prevent rot.
- Cedar/redwood wood are very strong options that contain natural oils to resist decay and insects.
- Aluminum/vinyl materials don’t require sealing or staining and are incredibly durable. However, they are more expensive than wood.
A lot of homeowners go for cheap wood without thinking about maintenance. Then a year down the road their wood pergola has started absorbing moisture which leads to structural problems. That’s where things start to go wrong.
Buying cheap means spending more in repairs later.
Don’t be that homeowner. Think about how long you want your pergola to last and choose materials that reflect your goals.
Anchoring/Structure Stability
This is something a lot of pergola plans skip…
If a pergola doesn’t have proper anchoring then it doesn’t matter how well it’s built. Instability can make a pergola lean to one side or fall over when gripped by Mother Nature.
There are some different methods of anchoring a pergola:
- Concrete footings are by far the best choice. The poles will be set into concrete below the frost line.
- Screw post anchors into existing concrete then place the pergola posts into the anchors.
- Ground anchors work for softer soil types. These can be driven deep underground to ensure a tight fit.
The size and location of a pergola determine which type of anchoring to use. Another thing to pay attention to…
Make sure to check with local building codes. Some areas will require a permit before building an outdoor structure. Don’t want the city showing up and tearing a brand-new pergola down.
Weather Protection & Wind Resistance
Here’s something else to think about…
Mother Nature isn’t always kind. Just like how too much sun can damage skin, it can wear down a pergola. Heat, rain, snow, and wind can break down a pergola over time. When building a pergola, think about how to protect it from all types of weather.
Especially wind. Water can be drained/treated pretty easily. But if a pergola isn’t built to withstand high winds then expect it to fall over eventually. When shopping for a pergola make sure it has a high wind rating. Something that can handle at least 60 MPH wind speeds. Even better for those in hurricane-prone areas.
Outdoor fixtures like hanging lights or retractable shade covers can also become damaged in high-wind areas. Make sure these are secured or taken down when storms are approaching.
Snow load is another thing many pergola owners forget about. A foot of snow isn’t too bad. But that snow can actually weigh over 20lbs per square foot. Make sure a pergola is able to handle the maximum snow load in the area.
Maintenance Advice
Building a quality pergola is just part of the battle. Proper maintenance is key to keeping a pergola standing strong for many years.
Maintenance really doesn’t take much effort. Follow this simple guide to maximize the life of a pergola.
A few key things to remember:
- Inspect the pergola once or twice a year. Look for any damaged wood or rust on the fittings. The sooner an issue is caught, the better.
- Keep the pergola clean by giving it a good wash with soap and water. This prevents a build-up of mold or dirt.
- Wooden pergolas should be restained and sealed every few years. This creates a barrier from moisture and UV rays.
- Trim back any vines/climbing plants. They look great on a pergola but can actually hold moisture against the wood.
- Go around and tighten all the bolts/screws. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes but it can reduce stress on the pergola.
Pergolas can last upwards of 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Neglect it and that number decreases greatly.
Wrapping It All Up
Don’t cut corners when building a pergola. By taking the time to plan and using high-quality materials, anyone can build a safe and sturdy pergola.
Here’s what to remember:
- Pick quality materials that will last for years to come.
- Properly anchor the pergola to avoid any structural issues.
- Make sure it can handle the area’s wind speeds and yearly snow load.
- Check with local building codes for any permitting requirements.
- Maintain the pergola yearly to avoid any major issues.
Doing these things will ensure a nice looking pergola that doesn’t fall apart.
