Pergolas have been redefined for the modern age. With so many options available, you can purchase a pergola that will add value, beauty, and enjoyment to open spaces of all shapes and sizes. For example, the open-air feel of an arched pergola can transform a pretty terrace into your favorite gathering place. Pergola options are nearly endless and buyers often tend to make some common mistakes that can prove stressful down the road. Having a checklist for buying a pergola helps buyers avoid typical costly mistakes. Here are some tips to include in a checklist for buying pergolas.

I) Choose the right material

ii) Opt for thicker structures

iii) Notches and hardware

iv) Don’t ignore your local climate

v) Get details of the manufacturer’s warranty

saw) Reduce sizing errors to zero

vii) Amount of mounting required

Correct material: Make sure you have chosen a pergola that will continue to look beautiful for ten years or more. The correct choice of material is a key point. Most arched pergolas are constructed of wood, steel / aluminum, concrete, or PVC / vinyl. Among them, wood is the most reliable and popular material. However, given a wide range of wood types including California redwood, teak, cedar, and imported hardwoods, among others, buyers can easily be confused as to which one would be the best for their situation. Your choice of wood is one of the main factors in determining the longevity of your pergola.

Thicker structures: Thicker wood pergola structures tend to last longer. Make sure you have compared the thickness of the wood and the quality before purchasing. Check the quantity and quality of bras in your set. An easy way to compare 2 similar sized pergolas is to compare the shipping weight. The weight of the shipment is a true indicator of the weight of competitive products.

Notches: Another important point to consider is the notches. Serrated pergolas last longer and have greater wind resistance capacity. Therefore, when buying wooden pergolas, ask their manufacturers if they have partial or full notches. Buyers should note that the notches create interlocking joints and this strengthens the structure. Also the notches ensure that all your woods remain straight and true for decades because they cannot be moved. Most manufacturers skimp on notching partially or completely to cut their build costs and will tell you that the hardware will take care of the problem. It is not like this. If only one of your pergola rafters has hidden stresses (fairly common), as it wears down over the years, it will twist, twist, or sag. This will ruin the beautiful lines of your pergola.

Humidity problem: Less expensive materials often last longer in dry climates, while they can gradually weaken in humid and harsh climates. Consider the amount of moisture in your local climate and the long-term decay problem. Drier mild climate areas are easy for pergolas, but wood quality becomes an issue when there is significant humidity or extreme weather conditions.

Manufacturer’s guarantee: Before purchasing an arched pergola, make sure you can get replacement parts for years to come, even if your pergola is custom designed. Look for pergola manufacturers that have been in business for at least five years. The advantage of choosing such a manufacturer is that they can be more reliable in terms of meeting the product warranty or helping you with replacement parts at any time.

Avoid size errors: Since most pergolas buyers are one-time buyers, many sizing errors are common. For example, a common mistake is to assume that the position of the 4 corner posts is the size of the pergola being offered. For example, if the four corner posts of a pergola are expected to sit in the corner of your new 10 ‘x 12’ concrete deck, and you purchase a 10 ‘x 12’ pergola, you will find out when you receive your kit. pergola that the posts are positioned 8 ‘x 10’ at the outside corners. The reason is that pergolas are always sized according to the size of the roof. And, in most cases, the pergolas are recessed back from the roof edge from 8 inches to a couple of feet, depending on the design (commonly 12 inches). Custom design or size can be a good idea to get a suitable pergola for your venue. Look for manufacturers who insist on shop drawings before construction and take the time to check everything repeatedly and make sure all measurements and details are agreed in writing before delivery time.

Requires Assembly / Assembly Instructions: Make sure you have compiled the manufacturers’ mounting instructions. You can usually request and receive them by email before you buy to see how much work awaits you. Most pergola kits install in just one day. If they are fully assembled in the shop prior to shipment, you must be sure to install them correctly. Insist on the assembly instructions before you buy and ask if there is any carpentry work you need to do or not. The best kits are like giant Lego sets that you just have to reassemble – no sanding, sealing, cutting or drilling required.

Pergolas made from quality wood tend to be slightly more expensive than those made from woods that are less resistant to decay. Your first real decision is how long you would like the structure to last. Once you determine this, see if the manufacturer has warranties that match your requirements. If so, you can move on to thinking about the size, design and orientation of your pergola. Most reputable pergola manufacturers will allow you to submit photographs of your backyard. They will also allow you to ask any questions about the product and its installation procedures. A good percentage of pergolas installation requires some customization. Take the time to make your investment in an arched pergola pay off by taking a few minutes to make sure the dimensions and positioning are well thought out.