Lightweight Pergola Framing for Small Outdoor Spaces
Here on our website, we’ve looked at decks built with a wide variety of materials. In most cases traditional pressure treated Southern yellow pine is one of the most common materials for framing. We’ve also looked at some alternatives though where the deck frames were built with steel and other materials. In some cases, we’ve also looked at pergolas and large gazebos or arbors built with steel and other alternative materials as well. It’s true that a wide variety of materials can be used to build these different types of construction assemblies. In many cases they can really enhance the use of a backyard or outdoor space.
In the past, we’ve also looked at some examples of very large size pergolas. Some of them have been part of public spaces and or large areas. The one we’re looking at today is very simple. It’s much smaller by comparison. You can see the view of the majority of the pergola upper area in the photo below. The majority of the framing is built with 2×4, 2×6, and even 1×3 pieces of lumber. All together, these elements are lightweight and therefore also much lower cost and some of the large pergolas.
You may notice the angle brace at the corner between the post and the underside of the pergola frame. We’ll talk more about that and the need for stiffening and structural resistance.
If you look at the patio area underneath of the pergola you can see that the pergola is doing a great job of creating a partial shadow. In areas and cases where pergolas like this are used, people don’t really want full shade. If they really wanted a full shade they could set up an awning or build a ramada. Those types of elements are open on two or more sides, in most cases, but they have a solid roof above. With that roof, they can provide full shade and it can even be used for outdoor usage coincidence with precipitation.
Essentially you have a place to sit and still enjoy the outdoors even while there’s rain happening around you. You can mostly stay pretty dry though. After living in houses here in DC that have both no outdoor space or a great dearth of outdoor space and others with ample outdoor space, we highly recommend using the outdoor space wisely. It really can make the lifestyle of a home different. The picture below shows the benefit of the pergola, it provides partial shade. It also adds an element of visual interest to an outdoor space.
In the next picture below, you can see threaded toothed plates that allow for bolting through the the lumber frame. They’re similar to a carriage bolt, but they don’t need the excess bolt length running through to the exterior side past the framing. Instead they can be set directly into a threaded type of nut or threadwell that locks into the other side of the opposite board. In this case the teeth hold the nut into position. Those teeth allow it to stay in position and not spin while the bolt is turning, during tightening.
The next picture below shows a closer view. In this case, this pattern of four bolts is securing the vertical post to the horizontal beam. Here of course, this is used in the construction of a pergola, but similar types of bolting assemblies can also be used in deck construction for similar connections. Details of the capacity requirements change and depend on the exact type of connection.
Above, we pointed out the diagonal brace at the corner between the post and the main beams of the pergola. A closer view of this particular framing element follows below. This particular angled piece of lumber is only added for stabilization and structural resistance. Essentially, a board passing in this position resists the force of racking and sway which are lateral forces. This type of framing bracing reduces the tendency for deformation.
Essentially, in simple terms, as wind and other forces move the frame, without sufficient connecting mechanisms and bracing it will have a tendency to twist and move. As twisting and racking happens, the joints weaken to the point that the structure eventually can fail and collapse by disconnecting at the primary joints.
Use a contractor who understands and cares about doing things right. Always, feel free to reach out to us here at Dupont Decks and Patios. We are happy to help with almost all steps of the deck building and design process. A backyard and outdoor space should make a significant, positive impact on both quality of life and home value. We can help with more than just decks, we also build patios, pergolas, ramadas, awnings, gazebos, arbors, and privacy fences.
Let us know about your ideas and talk to us if you have questions about possibilities. We are happy to participate in improving your outdoor space and quality of life! You can call us at (202) 774-9128. You can find us online at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com and you can email us there as well at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com/contact-us
