Customised pergola for alfresco area

[Jimi]

This terrific customised pergola was made using a Softwoods pergola kit ordered through Bunnings.

• The project
• Before and after
• Help and ideas for your pergola project

The project

I decided it was time to extend my alfresco area and build a pergola. I did a lot of research for this one and found the most efficient way to do it was to use Softwoods through Bunnings.

I was sceptical but it turned out great and we were very happy with it. The Softwoods plans were very good and I honestly would recommend using them.

As long as all your measurements are correct and you know what you want, Softwoods sends the majority pre-cut and ready to paint and assemble.

There is quite a bit of work involved and I knew I wanted to add my own modifications, but now there are less restrictions on entertaining in any kind of weather.

My modifications to the standard design included:

• Connecting the pergola gutter to house's existing gutter and downpipe
• Aligning posts with the house/deck and including an 'eave'
• Joining existing posts.

The brackets on the side of the house are rafter stiffener brackets. They cut through the house fascia and connect to the rafters of the house.

You might notice that my dog always crashes my photos.

Before and after

Help and ideas for your pergola project 

Bunnings Workshop Members DIYgals built a pergola over a low-level deck, which you can see go up in their time-lapse video.

Workshop member tom_builds replaced old brick pavers with a low-level deck and used a Softwoods patio kit to build this covered entertaining area, all for around $4500.

Bunnings also has a series of videos about how to build a pergola, which includes building the pergola frame and constructing the roof.

Let us know if you need a hand with your pergola project. We're here to help.