Did you know that an arched pergola is one of the most versatile structures in a home’s backyard? It’s true. While arched pergolas may not be as popular as triangular-shaped pergolas, they can accommodate more design elements and architectural details. From lattice to trellis, arches are beneficial for allowing natural light to filter through while still providing privacy.
So how do you build an arched pergola? With these tips on how to build it yourself and some research into the right materials and hardware. Whether your home has a standard rectangular layout or a non-standard shape, there are plenty of common elements that will affect how you construct your arched pergola.
Find the right location for your arched pergola.
Your first step in building an arched pergola is choosing the right location. Since pergolas are designed to extend your living area into the open air, it’s important to find an area that’s well-suited to hosting an extension.
Pergolas have three main criteria for finding the right place to build your arched pergola:
- It must have enough room for its footprint.
- It must receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- It must have enough clearance to accommodate the structure’s height.
Your best bet for finding the right location is choosing a spot that meets all three criteria.
Determine the size of your arch
Along with determining the best location for your arched pergola, you also need to decide on the size of the arched pergola. One of the biggest factors in determining the size of the arch is how much clearance you need underneath the structure.
This is important because you want to ensure your arched pergola doesn’t intrude on any other features on your property, such as sidewalks, patios, or landscaping.
Another thing to keep in mind when deciding on the size of your arched pergola is the amount of natural light that will reach your outdoor living space. It’s important to select an arch that allows enough light to make your pergola feel open and airy, but not so much light that it feels like you’re sitting in a greenhouse.
Choose the materials for your pergola.
Now that you’ve chosen a location for your pergola and decided on the size of its arch, you’re ready to select the materials for your pergola. Although you can build arched pergolas from various materials, the most common materials for the structure include wood, composite, and vinyl.
Arched pergolas made with wood are the most traditional but tend to be the heaviest. Arched pergolas made with vinyl or fiber-cement materials tend to be lighter and easier to work with, while concrete arched pergolas are extremely heavy and expensive.
Select the structure and frame type for your arched pergola
You’ll notice that arched pergola structures' three most common materials also have several different frame types. So how do you select the right frame type for your arched pergola?
First, consider the materials you’ve chosen. Then, think about how your arched pergola will be used. If your arched pergola is used for seating, you’ll probably want to select a frame type that provides a bit more support. If your arched pergola is used as a trellis, you’ll probably want to select a frame type that provides more flexibility.
Installing support before you build an arched pergola
Now that you’ve chosen a location, determined the size of your arch, and selected the materials for your arched pergola, it’s time to build it. Before you build your arched pergola, installing an arch support is a good idea.
Before you install the arch support, you’ll want to prepare the area under the structure by adding gravel or sand. This will help to prevent the pergola’s arch from pushing down significantly and crushing the grass.
Once the area is level, you can install the arch support.
Install a beam
A common way to support the structure of an arched pergola is to install a beam that spans the structure’s width. You can install a beam under your arched pergola by digging a trench and filling it with concrete.
After the concrete has had enough time to set, you can then install the beam. If digging a trench isn’t an option, you can also choose to install a wooden beam. You can install a wooden beam by attaching it to each post with a couple of lag screws.
Install curved supports and columns
A common way to support the structure of an arched pergola is to install a beam that spans the structure’s width. You can install a beam under your arched pergola by digging a trench and filling it with concrete.
After the concrete has had enough time to set, you can then install the beam. If digging a trench isn’t an option, you can also choose to install a wooden beam. You can install a wooden beam by attaching it to each post with a couple of lag screws.
Install curved supports and columns
Another common way to support the arched pergola structure is to install curved supports and columns. You can install curved supports by digging a hole and placing a concrete footing in the hole.
After the concrete has had enough time to set, you can then attach the curved supports to the footings. If digging a hole isn’t an option, you can also install curved supports and columns made from wooden boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a wooden arched pergola?
First and foremost, a wooden arched pergola will match the aesthetic of almost any home. Depending on the wood you choose, it could even enhance your home’s design. For example, redwood pergolas are soft and warm, while cedar pergolas are bold and bright.
Whatever wood you choose, it will last for years to come and add value to your home. Additionally, wooden pergolas are also easy to clean and maintain. They’re also cost-effective, especially if you choose pressure-treated wood.
What are the materials used to build an arched pergola?
Arched pergolas can be made out of a wide variety of materials. Cedar, redwood, pine, and fir are all common choices for their durability and resistance to decay.
While these are natural materials, you can also choose arched pergolas made of synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride or PVC. PVC is non-toxic and resistant to corrosion. It’s also available in various colors and patterns to suit any home.
What are the different kinds of arched pergolas?
Arched pergolas come in a wide variety of styles. Some of the most common are the classic arched pergola, the flat arched pergola, and the reverse arched pergola. The classic arched pergola will have one continuous curve from post to post.
A flat arched pergola will have two posts in the middle of the curve, with two smaller posts at the ends of the curve. A reverse arched pergola will have two posts in the middle of the curve and two posts at the ends of the curve.
What are the steps involved in building an arched pergola?
Building a wooden arched pergola will depend on its size and style and the type of lumber you use. Building a classic arched pergola, you’ll first want to lay out the posts. Use the dimensions from your plans to determine the placement of each post.
Mark the posts at the top and bottom, and then use a post-hole digger to dig a hole for each post. Attach the posts using braces and nails. Next, attach the beams. Depending on your pergola's height, you may also want to add a fascia board along the top to cover the beam ends. And you’re done!
What are some common arched pergola designs?
You can create a unique design if you’re interested in building a custom-shaped arched pergola. But if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, here are a few common arched pergola designs:
- The French arched pergola is a simple arched pergola with simple posts.
- The plantation-arched pergola has a flat top.
- The Victorian arched pergola has a pronounced curve and intricate details.
- The double-sided arched pergola is designed to be seen from both sides of the yard.
Wrapping Up
When you’re ready to build an arched pergola, it’s important to follow a few key steps. First, find the right location for your pergola, so it doesn’t intrude on any other structures on your property. Second, determine the size of your arched pergola and select the materials that best suit your needs.
Last but not least, follow these steps to build an arched pergola:
- Find the right location.
- Determine the size of the arch.
- Choose the materials for your pergola.
- Select the structure and frame type for your arched pergola.
- Install arch support before you build an arched pergola.
If you’re wanting to install some backyard features without all of the hardwork involved in a DIY, contact our team to set up a free consultation!
