Attached pergola construction and suggestions needed
#1
07-30-16, 07:30 AM
Join Date: Feb 2013
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Attached pergola construction and suggestions needed
Currently, we have a battered and weathered deck on the back of our house (small house approx. 28 x 30 feet). Since the deck needs to be replaced, I was planning to build an attached pergola to the back of the house and drop the deck down closer to ground level.
The problems with the space now is that I only have 13-15 feet to the neighbor's fence. Also, as it stands now, the back of the house is oriented to the west, so with the blistering sun in summer, there is no shade and the narrow space makes planting trees difficult. This not only makes using the exterior space uncomfortable, but it also heats up the west side of the house tremendously and increases cooling costs. Not to mention, there is no privacy with our neighbor. By the way, I'm in northeastern WI, so snow load would be considered.
I'd like to build a pergola that would accomplish the following: decrease the sun/heat hitting the west side of the house and create a usable entertainment space that has some privacy. I'd like to keep the style somewhat modern/contemporary with clean lines. I was thinking of covering the side facing the neighbor with some lattice and plant some vine-type plants to help for privacy and for shade. Also, we would lower the deck as mentioned before and replace it with either composite decking or pavers.
As far as features, what are thoughts in terms of style, material coloring, and utilities (power, lighting, network drops, audio, video, etc.). I've got my own ideas, but I'd like input on all of these things and whatever else. I'm trying to develop a budget for next year when this would occur.
Thanks for the feedback. Pictures are now attached, including the neighbor's proximity to my back deck.
The problems with the space now is that I only have 13-15 feet to the neighbor's fence. Also, as it stands now, the back of the house is oriented to the west, so with the blistering sun in summer, there is no shade and the narrow space makes planting trees difficult. This not only makes using the exterior space uncomfortable, but it also heats up the west side of the house tremendously and increases cooling costs. Not to mention, there is no privacy with our neighbor. By the way, I'm in northeastern WI, so snow load would be considered.
I'd like to build a pergola that would accomplish the following: decrease the sun/heat hitting the west side of the house and create a usable entertainment space that has some privacy. I'd like to keep the style somewhat modern/contemporary with clean lines. I was thinking of covering the side facing the neighbor with some lattice and plant some vine-type plants to help for privacy and for shade. Also, we would lower the deck as mentioned before and replace it with either composite decking or pavers.
As far as features, what are thoughts in terms of style, material coloring, and utilities (power, lighting, network drops, audio, video, etc.). I've got my own ideas, but I'd like input on all of these things and whatever else. I'm trying to develop a budget for next year when this would occur.
Thanks for the feedback. Pictures are now attached, including the neighbor's proximity to my back deck.
Last edited by Josh Lardinois; 07-30-16 at 07:59 AM.
#2
07-30-16, 07:44 AM
Super Moderator
Your pics are too large. They need to be resized.
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Go here: Free Online Picture Resizer - Crop and Resize photos, images, or pictures online for FREE!
Or here: Web Resizer - Making Photos Faster - Optimize pictures for websites and email
Or d/l this: IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide
#4
07-30-16, 08:49 AM
Group Moderator
Where are you located?
Boy, with such an unattractive view I would even consider getting rid of the elevated deck. It just puts your recreation/relaxation area up higher providing a great view over the fence into the neighbors junk. The height of the deck also makes a pergola, roof or shade structure more difficult and preserve head room.
Getting rid of the deck and installing a ground level patio would allow a fence to much better screen the view of the neighbors. It also would allow you a lot more options for a shade structure while maintaining head height on the patio.
Now, many of my ideas depend on your location. How long you need to provide shade and whether or not this structure would need to survive winter snow loads.
Boy, with such an unattractive view I would even consider getting rid of the elevated deck. It just puts your recreation/relaxation area up higher providing a great view over the fence into the neighbors junk. The height of the deck also makes a pergola, roof or shade structure more difficult and preserve head room.
Getting rid of the deck and installing a ground level patio would allow a fence to much better screen the view of the neighbors. It also would allow you a lot more options for a shade structure while maintaining head height on the patio.
Now, many of my ideas depend on your location. How long you need to provide shade and whether or not this structure would need to survive winter snow loads.
