How Do You Build An Overhead For A Patio?
A custom-built overhead can enhance a patio space by providing sun and/or rain shelter, increasing privacy, and defining the space and adding a subtle sense of enclosure for an “outdoor room” feel. The most popular patio overheads are arbors and pergolas, both of which look right at home in any landscape, blend well with most home styles, and are relatively easy to build. Arbors and pergolas are simple lumber structures with vertical corner posts supporting horizontal beams topped with evenly spaced rafters. Adding roof slats (typically 2-by-2s) over the rafters is an option for increasing shade or privacy. While arbors are typically freestanding structures supported solely by their corner posts, pergolas are often attached to the house, with the house-side of the overhead frame supported by a ledger fastened to the house framing, much like the structure of a wood deck. Set the metal post bases. For a freestanding arbor, you may be able to anchor the bases to an existing concrete patio
