When the Kiwi summer sun is out, there’s nothing better than enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. A DIY pergola or outdoor shelter is the perfect way to create shade, add style, and extend your living space into the garden. Even better, with the right materials and a bit of planning, it’s a project most homeowners can tackle themselves.
At Renovation Warehouse, we supply timber, roofing, reclaimed joinery, and building materials that make creating a backyard pergola affordable and achievable. Here’s how to get started.
Why Build a Pergola or Outdoor Shelter?
A pergola adds more than just shade:
-
Outdoor living space: Create a sheltered dining or BBQ area.
-
Property value: A well-built pergola adds character and appeal to your home.
-
Custom design: Build to your size, style, and budget.
-
Material flexibility: Choose new or reclaimed timber for framing, and polycarbonate or corrugated roofing sheets for cover.
Planning Your Pergola
Before you start buying timber, think about:
-
Location – Attach it to your house for seamless flow, or build freestanding in the garden.
-
Size – Measure carefully to ensure enough head height and space for furniture.
-
Style – Open-roofed pergolas provide dappled light, while solid roofing offers all-weather protection.
-
Council rules – Many small pergolas and shelters in NZ don’t require building consent, but always check your local council guidelines.
Materials You’ll Need
Renovation Warehouse carries a wide range of affordable renovation supplies perfect for pergolas:
-
Timber posts & beams: Treated H4 posts for ground contact, H3 timber for beams and rafters.
-
Roofing sheets: Polycarbonate, corrugated iron, or reclaimed roofing for shade and rain protection.
-
Joinery & fixings: Bolts, brackets, joist hangers, and screws to secure your frame.
-
Optional extras: Reclaimed doors, trellis panels, or screens for added privacy and design flair.
Step-by-Step: Building a Simple Pergola
-
Mark out your site – Use string lines and pegs to map the footprint.
-
Install posts – Dig holes at least 600mm deep, set posts in concrete for strength.
-
Add beams & rafters – Bolt beams to posts, then attach rafters at even spacing.
-
Fix the roofing – Lay polycarbonate or corrugated sheets, ensuring overlap and secure fixings.
-
Finishing touches – Sand and stain the timber, add outdoor lighting, or train climbing plants for a natural look.
Design Inspiration with Reclaimed Materials
Want something unique? Use reclaimed timber for a rustic frame, or install second-hand windows and doors as windbreaks. These touches add character and sustainability to your build, making your pergola one-of-a-kind.
The DIY Advantage
Building your own pergola is a rewarding project that creates a space you’ll use year-round. By sourcing timber, roofing, and reclaimed materials from Renovation Warehouse, you’ll save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.
👉 Visit Renovation Warehouse Whangārei today to explore our huge range of timber, roofing, and reclaimed materials—perfect for your next DIY pergola or outdoor shelter project.