Verandah and Pergola. These two DIY construction projects are under the spotlight in this week’s Holiday DIY series at Sabie Poles. Having a lovely garden is a treat to anyone, but when you’re under the African sun you don’t always want to be in direct sunlight to view your masterpiece.
Therefore, many people opt. to have pergolas or verandahs added to the yard to make viewing the garden a pleasure without the added sunburn and uncomfortableness.
But why pay thousands and thousands to have someone else build it for you when you can DIY it exactly the way you want it with products locally sourced and delivered?
With this in mind, we have compiled a blog post that will give you ideas, plans and more about starting your very own DIY project this holiday!
Difference between Pergola and Verandah:
Firstly, let’s get into the differences between these two structures. According to Darwin Entertainment, the differences are as stated below:
The term “Pergola” is an Italian word which means an outdoor structure specifically designed to support climbing plants. Pergolas can either be freestanding, open, sheltered or attached to the home which makes it one of the most versatile types of outdoor structures. Most of the detachable pergolas are typically square, hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal or circular.
Whereas a Verandah is always attached to the house, whether it is at the front, back or side of the house. It stands for all sorts of rooted platforms in and around a house. Verandahs are often located in an open space and usually have a railing fence. It is meant as a place that leads to the outdoors, which is exactly what the word means in Spanish!
Why do you need to make use of Pressure Treated Wood?
When looking at products for a Pergola and/or Verandah, it’s important to note that it will always be exposed to weather conditions and other natural elements of nature like termites, mold, and, wood borers. Check out our previous post on Factors of Deterioration in wood to see the long list of natural elements that can cause your wood to degrade if not treated accordingly.
Therefore, it is very important for you to make use of Pressure Treated (CCA Treated Wood). It ensures that your timber is protected, and will last as long as you need it to.
Furthermore, there are a few things that you as a consumer need to be aware of when on the hunt for CCA Treated Timber. While you may find cheaper Pressure Treated timber, it is important that you buy from suppliers that are:
- SABS Approved (South African Bureau of Standards)
- NRCS Approved (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications)
These two regulatory boards ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of products that the company is selling. Therefore, when CCA Timber is SABS and NRCS approved, you can be sure that the timber is of the highest quality. Thereby, you can rest easy knowing that the timber will last.
What is a Pergola?
As mentioned above, a Pergola is usually used to create a space for vines to grow in the garden. Usually, a Pergola can be freestanding, but in some cases, it is attached to the house.
The roof structure does not need to be covered with any type of corrugated iron etc. It can exist with only crossbeams that will allow vines to climb and fill the area to create a completely natural “roof” out of vines.
Dictionary.com puts it simply: “An arched structure in a garden or park consisting of a framework covered with climbing or trailing plants.”
Pergola plans/designs
You won’t have any problems looking for free plans and ideas for your Pergola! But we are determined to save you time, so we have rounded up some of the best lists with Pergola designs and plans:
Additional Pergola ideas
A Pergola can be customized to your heart’s delight. When it comes to DIY, you can choose what profiles you want to use in your projects.
Products frequently used in Pergola DIY projects:
You have two options when it comes to deciding on products for your DIY Pergola: A Rustic rounded look and a Sleek, Modern look.
With the Rustic rounded look, you can make use of Pressure Treated Poles. At Sabie Poles, we specialize in CCA Treated Poles. We can supply you with the following sizes:
- 50/74mm diameter in lengths 1.2m to 8.4m
- 75/99mm diameter in lengths 1.2m to 10m
- 100/124mm diameter in lengths 1.2m to 15m
- List Item125/149mm diameter in lengths 1.2m to 15m
- 150/174mm diameter in lengths 1.2m to 15m
- 175/199mm diameter in lengths 1.2m to 15m
- 200/224mm diameter in lengths 1.2m to 15m
These Pressure Treated Poles are perfect for use in the construction of a Pergola. They can be treated according to any class between H2 and H6. That means that they will be able to be used for outdoor use, and in-ground contact.
Additionally, you can also use Square-cut timber for a more modern Pergola look. The construction is almost identical but will have a different feel to it. More and more people are choosing this route as it looks more modern and sleek.
These Square-cut pressure treated timber products can be bought at Sabie Poles. We supply in the following sizes:
- 60/60
- 80/80
- 100/100
- 120/120
- 140/140
- 160/160
These all come in lengths from 1.2m to 5.4m.
Furthermore, you can add CCA Treated Droppers and Lathes for vines to cling to. Check out our sizes on our products page.
Therefore, these square-cut timber products will suit any construction size and plans!
What is a Verandah?
According to Dictionary.com: “A large, open porch, usually roofed and partly-enclosed, as by a railing, often extending across the front and sides of a house”
A Verandah is basically an extension of your house that leads from indoors to outdoors. Usually, this space is used for entertainment and/or relaxation.
Verandah plans/designs
For amazing Deck Designs, you can head over to decks.com. They have a wide variety of deck/verandah plans that you can download free of charge! These plans will include precise sizes and steps to build your own Verandah!
Unique Verandah ideas
Verandahs are a very versatile space and can be used as such. Therefore, a few ideas include:
- Placing Potted plants on the Verandah
- Adding a weather-proof material enclosure around the Verandah to close off the space on rainy days
- Placing a porch swing on the Verandah (Free Plan)
- Adding outdoor furniture to the Verandah
Products frequently used in Verandah DIY projects:
Products used in Verandah DIY is very similar to the products mentioned above for the Pergola, as well as the DIY Wendy House.
The basics will be using CCA Treated Poles as supports.
Furthermore, you will also make use of:
S5 Construction Timber
You can see all of our construction timber sizes available on a previous post: S5 Construction Timber
Sizes Available: 22m x 102mm (1.8m, 2.1m, 2,4m)
Verandah Fences and Products
One of Verandahs most noticeable features is a small fence enclosing the space. This fence is usually about 1.2m high. Products frequently used to build this fence include:
CCA Treated Droppers sizes:
32/50mm(H3) diameter in lengths 1.2m to 3m
Pressure Treated Lathes:
size: 25/32mm diameter in lengths 1.2m – 3m
