Open Pergolas

Rafters only. No sheets. Shade from the timber, light through the gaps, room for a climber if you want one.

This is the cleanest structure of the lot, and it is often the right call over a deck or a courtyard that already gets enough weather cover from the house. Doing this in Sydney’s East and surrounds for 13+ years.

What it is

Posts, beams and rafters. Battens can be added for a tighter design feel and more shade control. No polycarbonate, no EzGlaze, no insulated panels. Light and weather come through the gaps. A climber can take the rafters later if you want more cover.

Hardwood on most jobs. Aluminium when that is the better match to the house or the deck.

I can fit ZipScreens later if you want the sides closed in. That does not turn an open pergola into a roofed one.

When I use it

A deck or courtyard that already has cover from the house. An entry or a bay that needs structure and shade, not a lid.

I reach for open when you want the timber to read as the architecture, and rain cover is not the point.

When I don’t

Rain off the table — Polycarbonate pergolas

Long clear spans — EzGlaze

Solid roof, less heat, typically Versiclad — Insulated roof pergolas

I will tell you which one I would use on your site.

Ironbark firepit — freestanding open pergola

The Ironbark firepit deck has a freestanding open pergola ready for creepers. Rafters only, no sheets — structure and shade over the deck, light still through the gaps.

Little Bay — slatted timber

The Little Bay spotted gum deck has a matching slatted timber pergola over it. That is the one to look at if you want this structure on a timber deck.

Little Bay spotted gum deck

How I build one

A consultation at your place. I look at the span, the fixings back to the house or the footings, sun, and how you actually want to use the space. Then I write a fixed price and a full scope.

I build it myself. Footings or connections, frame, and the last fix.

Who you’re dealing with

I’m a licensed NSW carpenter, licence 272840C, with 13+ years building outdoor structures around Sydney. The person at the consultation is the person on the tools.

Houses and townhouses in the Eastern Suburbs. I do not take apartment or unit jobs as head contractor.

Ready to plan your open pergola?

A consultation at your place. Fixed price, full scope written out. No pressure, no obligation.

Get a Consultation

Or call me: 0468 486 290

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