How to Build a Pergola on Deck
A pergola is a wonderful way to make the most of an outdoor living space, creating shade and adding interest to the area. It can be built on a freestanding deck or attached to the house wall, which is helpful if you are trying to maximize your backyard living space without sacrificing privacy. Before you begin, consider the amount of shade you need. Then select a design that will suit your needs. For example, a gabled or arched roof will give you more overhead protection than a simple slatted version. If your deck is over water or soft ground, you will need to anchor the posts of your pergola on the joist structure beneath. This is much more secure than merely attaching them to the deck boards. This is because the supports can move over time if they are not properly anchored, and a pergola can collapse if it becomes unstable. Most pergola kits will come with the rafters and the necessary hardware to fix them to the top of the support beams. Once you have your rafters installed, you...