Planning a pergola: five things to decide first

A well-built pergola gives you a place to eat, gather and shelter from the afternoon sun. Before we talk timber sizes, these are the five decisions that shape the whole project.

1. What will you use it for?

An outdoor dining area, a spot for a lounge, or cover over a barbecue all need different sizes and layouts. Picture how many people you'll seat and where the table or furniture goes, then size the pergola around that.

2. Open or roofed?

An open pergola, with rafters or battens only, gives filtered shade and works beautifully with climbing plants. A roofed pergola keeps the rain off and lets you use the space all year. You can also start open and add a roof later if the structure is designed for it.

3. Freestanding or attached?

Attaching to the house can save on posts and feels like a natural extension of your living area, but the connection has to be done properly to protect your home's roof and walls. Freestanding pergolas suit a garden spot away from the house.

4. Timber and finish

Hardwood gives a warm, natural look and can be oiled or stained. Treated pine is more affordable and is often painted. Either way, the finish needs to suit the colours of your home.

5. Approvals

Many pergolas in NSW can be built without council approval if they meet set size, height and boundary rules. Some can't. We'll check this with you during the site visit.