The small backyard has many options in terms of adding convenience and functionality
. One of these additions is a pergola, which can create an inviting outdoor living space in your yard just in time for spring.
A backyard pergola will not only add charm to your yard but will also help you maximize the use of the space that you have available.
By building one on your own with untreated cedar timber or by contracting with professionals, this project is something that anyone can do after some careful planning.
Here are seven ideas for choosing a type of pergola to fit any backyard situation.
1). The Freestanding Pergola
This design features posts set into concrete footings and can be built adjacent to a fence or wall.
With this type of pergola, there are no supports to hinder you from accessing one side of your yard with ease.
2). The Frame Pergola
This type is the simplest in design and does not require any foundations or support beams.
It can easily be built to fit against an existing structure or fence line and can come with arches or without them.
If you prefer a freestanding pergola, but don’t have space for posts, consider using brackets instead.
3). A metal pergola with an octagonal roof
If you are planning on leaving your pergola outside all year round, make sure it is made of high quality resistant materials such as aluminium.
The octagonal shape of this roof adds a bit more privacy and style to your new garden feature.
We recommend covering the underneath part (where people would normally sit) with some simple flooring in order to protect it from water.
4). The Pitched Pergola
This type works well when your yard is too small for a standard pergola.
It usually features two or more parallel beams with brackets at the top to support crossbeams, which are covered in lattice or shade cloth for sun protection.
This design is great if you have a patio underneath because it makes an outdoor dining spot when paired with outdoor furniture.
5). The Arched Pergola
An arched pergola has a unique style that will enhance the look of any backyard area.
Keep in mind that these types of pergolas require sturdy foundations and take more time and effort to build than other designs.
If you do not have the right construction skills, it is best to hire a contractor for this project.
6). The Do-It-Yourself Pergola Kit
If you really want to save money on your backyard pergola project, consider building one from a kit.
These can be easily found in stores and online and are assembled with no heavy lifting required.
In addition, these kits often include all of the brackets or other hardware needed to make installation simple.
7). The DIY Triangle Pergola
To create a unique design that will add a pop of color to your yard while creating a shaded area, build a triangle pergola covered in climbing plants such as wisteria or grape vines.
By choosing plants that are appropriate for your climate, you can make this type of pergola a permanent fixture in your backyard with little effort.
This is a guide about building pergola in small backyard
Pergola is an ideal solution for small backyards. It adds style and comfort to outdoor living, whether it’s in the form of a simple freestanding pergola or one with an intricate layout.
Combined with some comfy chairs, your garden will become a perfect place for relaxation after work or any day of the year.
The three most important things about planning are:
- The design;
- Accessibility;
- Budget.
You should also consider other factors such as maintenance costs, durability, safety and more detailed information on this matter can be found here.
Designs are unlimited so you have to choose what you consider to be more appropriate considering all aspects before. A pergola typically directs the flow of foot traffic and adds to the visual appeal of the yard.
Keep Pergola close to the house
A pergola is not a place for storage or keeping junk. It’s an extension of your living space, so it should reflect your style and taste.
Position it within view and easy reach from inside your house (within 10 feet).
You can then enjoy it both day and night as you will be able to switch on some mood lighting after dark, by simply adding low voltage garden lights around its perimeter.
Size matters
Ensure that you make enough room for a comfortable movement around the perimeter of your pergola as normally they are 2-4 feet wide.
Considering that most people are taller than 6 feet, make sure to leave extra space for moving underneath the pergola.
Use of materials
The material is important because you want something durable and easy to maintain. There are many different types of materials available on the market, but some of them are easier to work with than others.
Don’t go for something too heavy or it will be difficult to install or move around (if you ever need or want to).
Keep in mind that a typical freestanding pergola can weigh up to 1500 pounds when fully assembled so make sure to place it on a level and solid ground.
Main entrance
You can choose if you want an opening or not, but keep in mind that having one will give the possibility of more light and air circulation inside your pergola which is always a good thing for any outdoor living space.
It’s also preferable if it’s facing east as this will allow direct sunlight inside during the morning hours so you can enjoy your breakfast out there.
It’s important to consider accessibility because we want our pergola to be enjoyed by everyone especially those who live with us such as small children and elderly people who might have problems walking around.
A good idea would be to include some benches in the structure so they can sit down if they want to. This also applies to those who might not be as mobile as the others. It’s a great way of creating a sense of unity and belongingness among family members.
A budget is a crucial factor because we need to stick with it otherwise our pergola might end up unfinished which would defeat its original purpose, so make sure you consider every aspect before deciding on a final price range you can afford to pay.
Pergolas are typically affordable structures that don’t require planning permission and most importantly they can transform your backyard into an outdoor room that will give many years of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Benefits of Pergola in a small backyard
- Creates privacy in your backyard– People who love spending time outdoors more than indoor activities typically want to feel more relaxed by creating some privacy around their house.
Installing a pergola can help you achieve this goal as this structure gives shelter not only for the people but also the things that they put on it such as barbecue grill or potted plants.
- Provides shade– Aside from giving privacy, you’ll be able to enjoy sunlight by adding pergola because even though it offers coverage it will not block the light.
- Creates focal point – If you have more than one thing in your backyard, the pergola will help create a focal point so that it makes it easier for people to locate where they want to go.
It may be around the pool area or more frequently in the dining area where family members usually gather together.
- Adds style – Installing pergola is also preferred by people who are looking for stylish ways to improve their home exterior outlook.
This addition not only provides visual appeal but can also serve as an ornamental piece of furniture that can make any theme or design more beautiful in its own way.
- Enhances outdoor living spaces – Having a small backyard doesn’t mean that you can’t maximize it anymore. Rather, installing a pergola can help you maximize the area by creating more living space.
You don’t have to worry about how to fit your dining table or patio set because this structure makes it possible for you to have comfortable outdoor areas while enjoying the natural atmosphere.
- Makes your home eco-friendly – If you are planning on making your backyard a green zone, a pergola can help you achieve that goal.
As mentioned earlier, a pergola provides shelter so people easily could put things they need which are usually in plant forms such as potted plants or even vegetable gardens. Having a greener backyard is one way of being eco-friendly.
- Provides additional storage space – Installing pergola also offers more storage space underneath its roof where people usually put stuff such as barbecue tools or even pool supplies. This is the best way to create more space around your backyard.
Conclusion
Installing a pergola can help maximize the use of your small backyard by providing shelter, adding style and creating a focal point, enhancing outdoor living spaces, and making it eco-friendly.
It also provides additional storage space which you can utilize to store things that you frequently use outdoors such as barbecue grill or potted plants.
