Pergolas & More

Pergola Kits for spring

2011-03-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out our pergola kits for this upcoming spring. Nothing frames in an outdoor room like a Do It yourself Pergola Kit. Order now so you are ready for the warm weather! And remember, all of our patio covers include free shipping!

Our Pergolas will be featured on 2 upcoming episodes of Indoors Out on DIY Network

2010-08-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Tune into DIY Network to see our pergolas being built with the hosts, Dean and Derrick.

Click Here to view the airing schedule for the Omaha Nebraska show!

Click here to view the airing schedule for the Orlando FL show!

Here are a few shots from the Orlando Show, where we helped Dean and Derrick install a 12X20 Rough sawn cedar Big Kahuna Pergola Kit.

The yard before we began

Dean Squaring up the post layout

Setting the posts

Plumbing the posts

Helping the host install the ShadeFX shade system under the pergola

The Finished Product

Help Deciding Post lengths

2010-03-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

When trying to decide which post lengths you need for your wood pergola kit, there are a few things to consider. The most important of which would be what part of the country you live in. Do live in the northern states where the ground is frozen for many months out of the year? Or do you live in the south where the ground never freezes. If you live where it freezes you will want to be sure that you set your posts deeper than the frost line. This will ensure that frost heave will not pop your pergola out of the ground like a cork. The correct depth can be determined by calling your local building code department. We also have a map that shows average frost depths across the country. This map is to be used as a reference only. Your local building code official will know the exact depth to dig to stay in compliance with local codes. So in essence, warmer climates may be able to use 10' posts, which would be buried 2' in the ground, and colder climates will most likely use 12' posts which would be buried 4' in the ground.

If your pergola will be going on top of a patio you can order the 8 foot post option and add the post attachment hardware to your order. This will connect the posts to the patio and also hold the bottom of the post up 1" from the patio surface to keep the bottom of the posts out of water that may accumulate on the patio. Here is a picture of the post bases that would be provided.

If you will be sinking your posts into the ground you have two different options on how to pour the concrete around the posts:

Option #1. Works in warm climates where

the ground does not freeze.

Option #2 for climates where the ground freezes.

Notice option #2 has a flared bottom. When the concrete is set below the frost line and flared on the sides this prevents the frozen ground that will be pushing on the sides of the concrete from popping it out of the ground. Also the use of concrete form tubes helps this because the smooth surface of the tube will not allow the ground to grab the concrete and pull it up. If you follow these suggestions you are sure to have a shade pergola that will stay put where it was intended to be for the life span of the lumber. Take a shortcut and your bound to have a pergola that is out of level. Frost heave can push posts out of the ground 3" or more if not installed properly.

Looking For a Pergola?

2010-02-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

If you've been looking for a pergola, but are not sure about which site to order from, rest assured that Pergoladepot.com is the place. We have established ourselves as one of the top pergola builders in the industry today. Our pergola designs have proven themselves time and time again to be easy to install, and are built with only the highest quality materials available. Our customer service also sets us apart from our competition. With our live chat service and toll free phone line there is always a way to reach us right away. So be sure to check out our pergola kits, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all. We are always happy to help.

Pergola on DIY Network's Indoors Out

2010-02-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Keep your eye on DIY Network's "Indoors Out" as we will soon be installing a 10X20 Big Kahuna Pergola for one of their upcoming episodes.

Shade FX

2010-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

Pergolas are the ultimate outdoor living accessory. They define space in a way that makes it feel like a room, but without walls. They set the stage for cushioned furniture, coffee tables, ottomans and best of all, memorable parties and events. Till now, that was all a pergola provided, a defined outdoor space, leaving many wanting for sun and rain protection that just wasn’t part of the structure’s design purpose.

If you’ve been among those looking for comfort or protection from the elements at the push of a button, prepare for the awning of a new age! ShadeFX Canopies, has developed a new retractable canopy system that is designed to attach to wood pergola frames. Because it uses one beam (or track) to operate the canopy, it will not jam or bind if the wood frame shifts over time or the seasons. Only ShadeFX uses the new and patent pending ‘monorail drive’ that allows for areas up to 20’ wide and 30’ long to be protected from sun and rain. You can also order a waterproof fabric with welded seams that will protect from even heavy rain and for extended periods of time.

All ShadeFX canopies are made to order using only the finest materials like Sunbrella™ brand awning fabrics, and high strength 6063-T6 aluminum alloy components. When combined with the fact that it operates on a posted pergola frame, the result is a canopy system strong enough to take the winds of seaside locales, urban rooftops, and even Texas.

Visit www.shadefx.com to see a gallery of installations that reflect quality, performance, and outdoor living taken to the extreme in comfort and style. There are three versions available that range from affordable (operated manually) to downright indulgent (remote control motor drive). In all cases we’ll help you get the one that’s right for you. The future of outdoor living is ShadeFX. Ask for ShadeFX and we’ll do our best to make it the lifestyle decision you’ll never regret!

2009-02-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

In todays tough economic times it's easy to get caught up in financial woes. Most people are worried about losing their jobs and how they are going to make it if that happens. If you have expendable income try your hardest to help those that may be in fear of losing their jobs by buying products that are made right here in the U.S.A. Pergola Depot is proud to offer do-it-yourself pergola kits that are made in America.

Spring is coming!

2009-02-21T06:38:00.001-08:00

With winter getting ready to say good-bye it's time to start your outdoor plans. While these may include hiking and camping, don't forget about your own backyard. Pergola Depot offers a wide selection of do it yourself kits. Pergola Depot started with the philosopy that everyone should be able to afford a beautiful backyard. So what are you waiting for? Order a do it yourself pergola kit that won't break the bank!

Summer Kitchen

2008-07-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

In your quest for the ultimate in outdoor living one must truly experience the epitome of an oasis by adding a summer kitchen. What is a summer kitchen? It's the outdoor bar-b-q times ten! Imagine your grill standing all alone beside the beige stucco of your house. Kind of a sad existence for such a giving machine. Now imagine a beautiful covered, yet not enclosed, back porch. Surrounding your once lonely grill is custom cabinetry. You have storage for all your grilling utensils. Your mini fridge is stocked with cold beer, a bottle of wine and pure spring water. The beautiful Eco friendly patio furniture you bought is set up to ensure that feeling you're in a five start resort. Your summer kitchen is surrounded by beautiful potted plants native to your climate. Your pergola with climbing hydrangea is nearby only to solidify that you are in the lap of luxury. The meals you prepare taste nothing less that what Wolfgang Puck would create for you in his restaurant. Anybody can go on vacation once a year, but how many people get to feel that way everyday? You could be one of those people sipping a drink, sitting on fine outdoor furniture and eating meals prepared in your very own summer kitchen.

Outdoor Accessories

2008-07-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that once you decide that you're going to make your outdoor space a place you want to spend quality time in, why not go all out? If you have a pergola and add some plants, you might get a table and chairs, add some lighting, maybe even a water feature. These are mostly hard surfaces. Why not add an outdoor area rug? If you have your pergola over a patio this is a great way to soften thing up to create your "outdoor room". There are many websites that offer outdoor area rugs. Home Depot and Lowe's carry some as well as my personal favorite, Target. This is a great way to keep that outdoor indoor line seem a little more blurred.

Native Plants

2008-07-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

I found a great website http://www.plantnative.org/how_intro.htm to find the native plants in your area. It also has a list of the drought resistant plants in your region. Planting drought resistant native plants is not only beneficial the the enviornment, but also budget friendly since they need to be watered less often. Everybody wins!

Climbing Vines

2008-06-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

There are many options when it comes to climbing vines. Your pergola or trellis will be all the more beautiful with a vine as it's accessory. The most beautiful in my opionion is the Climbing Hydranga. It is the slowest to establish of all the climbers but is definately worth the wait. Once established they can grow up to 50 to 80 feet tall with blooms ranging about 6 to 10 inches in diameter. A sturdy tree trunk or pergola will help sustain such a large vine. Luckily they are not an overly aggressive vine and enhance your garden instead of take over it. The white flower blooms appear in June to late July. A climbing Hydranga is a welcome addition in my garden, hopefully you will enjoy one in yours!

Backyard Beginnings

2008-06-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

Backyard's aern't just for the dog and swing sets anymore. They provide an area to gather with friends and family and spend time together. Add a new dimension to your outdoor oasis with a pergola.

A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of posts and beams that add decorative value to your home. A pergola can be adorned with hanging light fixtures or sconces. Add climbing vines, like jasmine, to ensure that true garden feeling. Set a table and chairs underneath it and you automatically have an outdoor dining room. Put your fire pit in the middle with a few chairs around it and voila you've got romance or a place to make smores. Put your hot tub or spa underneath hang those sconces around it, what could be more beautiful? The possibilites are endless just use your imagination. What can be done indoors can be transferred outdoors with a little creativity.

Our lives are so busy and we are inside so often that being outside enjoying the fresh air is a luxury. Why not enjoy it with some style?