Expert Remodeling, Lasting Quality
Custom Deck Top Pergola
In the hot North Carolina sun it can be difficult to find a cool place to relax. This beautiful custom built pergola standing tall over this south facing deck is the perfect answer for those hot southern days. The lattice installed on top of the pergola rafters gives the perfect amount of shade while maintaining the open feel only a pergola can provide. It was important that we maintain the integrity of the deck’s structure so we set new concrete footings below the deck and anchored the new 6″x6″ pergola posts directly to an independent foundation system. Although the pergola has it’s own foundation we tied the entire structure into the deck framing to be sure that it all held together in a stable and cohesive way. With the high winds and hurricane weather we are prone to in the south it was paramount that such a large pergola be well anchored to the earth. Once our foundation footings were set we began the building process.
When deciding how to layout the pergola design it was important to the client that the new structure does not impede the view or light from either the doors or surrounding windows. We placed the posts strategically in-between the windows and doors so that they wouldn’t impede on foot traffic or create a undesirable view from inside the home. Beyond that, when planning and designing the rafter structure we were shore to set the structural elements in a way so that the finished top sat below the overhead window but above the door. After the structure was completed we added brackets to the intersecting parts of the frame to add a bit of structural integrity, but also add a beautiful design element. We then installed a white vinyl lattice atop the pergola to reduce maintenance and to give the deck area a comfortable amount of shade.
Because we installed the pergola posts through the decking, we had a bit of repairs to make in those areas. There were also a few weathered and degraded boards that we replace while we were going through the process. Because we pride ourselves in paying attention to detail we made the decision to add a small base trim around each of the posts giving that fished “anchored” feel. It was important that we made sure all elements of the pergola went well with the existing deck, so we painted the pergola white and gave the entire deck a refreshing coat of paint. Finally, we revealed the finished product to the client and thanked them for the opportunity to be part of such a fun project.
