Kellicreek – Pergola
| Room | Backyard Patio |
|---|---|
| Project scope | Create back porch shade and add an outdoor kitchen |
In Houston, a little sunshine goes a long way. This home’s owners wanted to enjoy their patio by the pool, but the area was absolutely hammered by the sun with no real means of hiding from it. The metal grill would be too hot to touch, and meals at the outdoor table were basically out of the question most times of the year.
So they wanted a low-maintenance, cost-effective way to cool off the area without losing all the rays on that side of the house that included a new outdoor kitchen.
The cedar pergola transforms the back of the house from a washed-out facade to a warm, inviting scene. We installed 2’x 6’ rafters to secure the structure to the house via a ledger board. The intricate network of crosshatch shadows along the top of the pergola are a result of 2 x 4s added for extra shade.
Three columns set in stone bases provide support along the front. The bases are surfaced with lime coat, a process that mimics natural flagstone; as you can see, the final result blends with the stone around the pool perfectly. Dual ceiling fans allow for comfortable seating either by the grill or at the table.
What before was just an unprotected grill is now a full-featured cooking area, complete with built-in grill, stainless steel three-drawer cabinet for accessories, and a custom fabricated granite countertop.
Project Highlights
- This was an especially big pergola, measuring in at 30 feet long and 12 feet wide.
- In addition to its elegant looks, rough cedar is rot-resistant, durable against wind, rain, and sun, and naturally insect-resistant.
- The limecoat used on the column bases and the back of the grill is a significant cost-saver compared to flagstone, and it stands up beautifully to the elements over time.
