Pergolas are a great way to add shade and style to your backyard. But what if you wanted to create a larger outdoor area? Can you put 2 pergolas together?
There are numerous ways that you can join two pergolas. You might want to structurally join them by adding connecting roof joists. Or you can make a path, thematically linking the two spaces. The most common reason to join two pergolas is to create more outdoor space.
Joining two pergolas doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few options that you can explore. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about joining two pergolas.
Ways To Join Two Pergolas
There are a few ideas that you can explore when joining two pergolas together. These include:
Creating A Structural Connection
This approach is best if you want to create one large outdoor space. Often, this will require you to place the two pergolas close to each other.
Then, you will need to use roof rafters to join the two structures together. You might also have to connect the walls.
As you can imagine this can be a difficult job, requiring some engineering skills. This is especially true if one pergola is already existing.
You might need to demolish some parts of the structure to join the walls. Because of this, it’s best to consult with a professional builder.
Creating A Connecting Pathway
If you already have an existing pergola and you want to add to it, you might want to consider building a connecting pathway. This will lead to the new pergola.
This can allow you to create two distinct spaces. For example, you might want to have one pergola for cooking and another for dining.
Or you can have a cooking/dining area and another pergola for relaxing. There are a few forms that the connecting pathway can take; some potential ideas include:
- Cobblestone pathway. A path can be a great option. If you want, you can add some solar lights, to make the area look spectacular at night.
- Structural corridor. You might want to join the roofs of the two pergolas together. You don’t need to join the whole roof, just a strip narrow enough to create a pathway.
Expanding An Existing Pergola
Sometimes, you might not want to create a whole new pergola. Depending on your plans, it might be easier to expand the pergola. This will use the existing structure.
There are a few ways that you can do this. For example, you might only want to expand in one direction.
Or you can choose to expand all four sides.
Creating A Two-Tier Pergola
It’s important to consider what the finished design will look like. If you are looking for a visually stunning approach, you might consider creating a two-tier pergola.
In this case, you will need to have the roof set at two different levels.
Often, this will be a way of adding three pergolas to your backyard. You will need a taller pergola in the middle and two shorter ones on either side.
A quick online search will give you plenty of design insights to help you create a beautiful backyard.
Things To Consider When Joining Two Pergolas
If you want to join two, or more, pergolas together there are a few things to keep in mind.
These factors include:
- Styling. If you want to make sure that the two pergolas have a similar feeling, you will need to consider the way that you are styling them. Often, it can help to incorporate a few similar elements, like using a common color theme. It can help to look at some online images, to get a sense of what can be done.
- Position. When you are putting in the pergolas, you’ll need to make sure to consider how close they are to other items, like the house and the fence. This ensures that you will be complying with local council requirements and state law.
- Amenities. It’s a good idea to consider the type of amenities, like lights or heaters, you want to use. These will often need to be known in advance, so you can make sure that an electrician will be able to install the wiring.
- Whether you need professional help. Sometimes, you might be able to assemble a pergola yourself. This will be okay if you want to build two separate pergolas. But trying to build two connecting structures can be a little trickier. Because of this, you might want to consider using a professional builder.
Generally, though, as long as the structure is built to a high standard, you shouldn’t have any problems making the pergolas look beautiful through your choice of furniture.
Reasons Why Two Pergolas Should Be Joined Together
There are a few reasons why you might want to build two pergolas, that you can later connect, rather than one large pergola.
These include:
- Budgetary issues. Sometimes, you will only have enough space to construct one outdoor area. After a few years, you might have saved up enough funds to add an additional pergola.
- Complying with building codes. Many states will have a limit on the size of the pergola you can build. This can be limited to 120 to 200 square feet. By building two separate pergolas you might be able to get around these limits. Though it’s best to check with your builder first.
- Getting more backyard space. One of the most common reasons why you might want to get two pergolas is to give yourself some more backyard space. For example, you might want to create a large area for entertaining or something that makes it easier to relax.
Most people will appreciate a larger outdoor space, giving you a large area to host family gatherings and a larger zone to chill out.
Will Joining Two Pergolas Together Increase the Value of My Patio?
Connecting two patio pergola structures may increase the value of your outdoor space. It offers a larger and more versatile area for entertaining and relaxation. A professional value assessment can help determine the potential impact on your property’s overall value.
Final Thoughts on Joining Two Pergolas
There are lots of ways to set up your backyard so it suits your needs. Because of this, many people opt to explore joining two pergolas.
This can be a way of expanding an existing pergola or increasing the functionality of new structures.
Either way, an experienced building team will be able to help bring your dream pergola to life.
