Explore the Advantages of a Pergola with a Steel Frame
Our company builds decks and patios and lots of other outdoor elements that can beautify and improve the use of outdoor space. One of the many other different things that we built for patios are pergolas.
Today we’re looking at a particular pergola configuration that uses a steel structure but is also topped with some elements of natural wood. The main structural frame of the pergola is built with a combination of tube steel and steel I-beams.
If you look closely at the steel framework in the picture below, you can see there’s several different types of elements used. We mentioned the tube steel and the I-beams, but there are also other elements such as C-channel, bolting and lags, and angle irons. All of the steel elements have been painted black.
Steel or iron of this type is required to be coated with a metal primer, in most cases and at least two coats of exterior grade paint to protect it from moisture and the exterior elements which will cause accelerated deterioration in the form of oxidation or rust. Rust can be so debilitating to a steel structure that it can cause it to deteriorate back into debris or dust.
In many cases, red primers are used for ferrous metals. When the successive coats, generally the final colour coats, are applied, lighter colours may require more applications than darker colours. For example, with black finish paint, often only two coats are required, but by comparison, if coating the final colour with a white paint, often as many as four or more coats are required to achieve full coverage.
The main beams have been bent into a curvature. C-channel such as shown here is much easier to bend than typical I-beams.
A pergola is a structure that creates partially shaded walkways, passages, or seating areas in gardens and backyards or other types of outdoor spaces. These structures generally use vertical posts which support cross-beams with an intentially partially open roof, intended to balance a degree of both shade and openness.
Pergolas are often built with wood comma but other materials can also be used as well. Some alternative materials may include: vinyl, aluminum, and composite materials. Wooden built pergolas often use cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber which are more resistant to exterior rot or decay, where exposed to the elements. Since, the fundamental design blends these vertical posts connected with horizontal beams, topped with a slatted or grid-like roof that filters sunlight they can create an airy atmosphere.
The actual I-beams used in this design have been custom cut, likely with a plasma or water jet process to remove a portion of the bottoms of each beam so that they have a custom and unique look.
This design approach allows for a degree of sunlight and continuous air circulation which generates a sense of spaciousness while also providing partial shade. Pergolas have some versatility in defining outdoor living spaces and boundaries of an outdoor space, creating a visually interesting landscape, and expanding functional exterior areas.
The next picture shows the cutout more closely.
In addition to typical decks and patios, pergolas can be used in backyard applications develop or create:
- Patio coverings
- Deck enhancements
- Garden focal points
- Outdoor dining zones
- Pathway delineation
- Landscape architectural elements
Some of the advantages of pergolas include, as described: spatial definition, partial sun protection, support for climbing vegetation, architectural aesthetic enhancement, potential property value increase, and creation of distinctive outdoor spaces.
Stainless steel bolts, washers, and nuts have been used to join the wood and the steel. Steel to steel connections can in most cases be provided with just welding. MIG welding and stick welding are common processes for this type of ferrous metal.
Contemporary pergola designs range from minimalist modern configurations to elaborate traditional styles. Pergolas can often be customized with additional features like retractable canopies, integrated lighting, ceiling fans, built-in seating, hanging plant arrangements, and privacy screens.
In this coming week’s blog article, we will look at additional examples of other pergolas and look more at this particular pergola as well showing some of the additional types of bolting patterns.
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
