The Shed Man
Adrian Calow

There are few things that most homeowners enjoy more than a beautiful yard. Whether that includes a deck, landscaping, gardens, water features, a pool, or a combination of all of these features, a great yard is a greatly satisfying accomplishment for many, many people. One of the most beautiful items to include in a backyard plan is an attached pergola.

This is a simply built structure, with posts that support a simple lattice overhead. A pergola provides a measured amount of shade to a sunny deck, and also adds a wonderful place for hanging plants, vines, and other similar features.When it comes to building a pergola, options truly do abound. Pergolas are most commonly made of either vinyl or wood, with the former requiring less maintenance and the latter requiring less money.

Homeowners also have the option of building an attached pergola or a stand-alone pergola. An attached structure will build upon an existing deck plan and will usually be anchored to the side of the house. The size of the pergola is another huge variable, as well as the installation method, whether do-it-yourself or professionally installed.When it comes to the type of structure, most people consider the attached pergola to be the easier of the two.

Since it literally builds upon the existing foundation of a deck, and ties into the exterior wall of the home, it is more stable than its freestanding counterpart. The attached option also uses fewer materials, since it takes advantage of existing items. Since it uses fewer materials, it is also less expensive. One other advantage is the use of a deck for a foundation.

Since using an existing deck for a foundation doesn't require digging deep holes, setting posts, and working around existing utilities, an attached option is usually easier for a do-it-yourselfer to successfully build.Once the decision has been made to build an attached pergola, the next step is to either design the pergola, or to find an existing plan.

There are myriads of options available in books, magazines, and on the Internet. Before looking at plans, be sure to measure the space in order to have a vague idea of styles that will fit. Most small pergolas can be built in one weekend, and will require about three people to complete.