Are you thinking of having a pergola erected at your home? Well if you are confident of your own basic DIY skills and able to use a hammer and screwdriver, then you may want to consider erecting your own pergola from a pergola kitset. Before commencing work you should arrange for another able-bodied person to assist with lifting some of the heavy timber beams during the erection process as these items can be long, heavy and awkward to lift… Erecting your own pergola from a pergola kitset can seem a good option for many people, especially if it means saving the expense of engaging a builder to do the work.
These days, pergola kitset suppliers generally supply their ready to build kitsets with a set of easy to follow instructions along with all the necessary materials to complete the job. For example, a pergola kitset should contain everything required to complete the job such as pre-drilled and notched timber beams and rafters along with all the necessary bolts, nuts and screws.

Prior to buying the pergola kitset of your choice it will be necessary to measure out the area outside your home where you will be erecting your pergola as this will give you a good idea what size beams and rafters you will require. Buying a pergola kitset from your local hardware store can be a good option because you will then be able to see for yourself if the wood supplied is suitable before buying. For example, is the pre-cut wood of good quality and free of unsightly knots and other defects? Is the wood weatherproof, insect proof and able to be stained? The advantage of being able to use a local supplier means if you have a problem with the product or materials supplied you will be able to contact them relatively easily.

Buying a pergola kitset from an online supplier can in some instances be fraught with difficulty if you find after delivery an item is missing or damaged. This could cause you anxiety especially if you are part way through erecting your pergola. You should also check before buying online what the shipping and insurance costs are as these costs can be very high if the kitset package needs to be shipped a long distance by the supplier to where you live.