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Family build cosy winter-proof pergola for just £800
The Hormbrey family, from Cheshire, successfully constructed a rain-proof and winter-ready pergola in their garden for a total cost of £800. This DIY project was inspired by a similar structure owned by Vicki-lee Hormbrey's parents, which had been professionally installed for £2,000. Faced with the higher cost of professional installation, Vicki-lee, 38, and her husband Luke, 39, decided to undertake the project themselves during the lockdown period, aiming to create an affordable outdoor living space for their three children, aged four, five, and seven.
Luke Hormbrey, driven by a desire for a calming outdoor area, particularly one where they could enjoy the rain, meticulously planned and designed the pergola. He completed the construction of the main structure within a single weekend. The family's approach involved sourcing materials cost-effectively. The roofing, made of Corotherm plastic strips, was ordered online from Building Supplies Online. After an initial issue with damaged strips, the company promptly replaced them. The wood for the framework was procured from a local builders' merchant, delivered directly to their home.
For the construction, concrete bolts were used to secure the pergola to an existing wall, and two support legs were set into the ground with concrete to ensure stability. The decorative elements, such as spindles and side panels, were purchased from B&Q once lockdown restrictions eased. Luke then applied feather edging to the back frame to guarantee its watertightness. Additional furnishings and accessories, including mirrors from The Range and outdoor furniture from Out and Out, were acquired later once physical shops reopened. The total cost breakdown included £260 for the roof and fittings, and approximately £550 for the wood and bolts.
Vicki-lee expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting that the pergola serves as a valuable extension of their home, essentially a 'second living room'. This addition provides a dedicated space away from the main house, particularly useful with young children who often dominate the television. The family also invested in a patio heater and shower-proof curtains, ensuring the pergola remains a functional and comfortable area even during colder and rainy winter months.
The project offered a significant distraction during the lockdown, transforming their garden into an all-weather amenity. The children are enthusiastic about using it, even planning to camp out in it. Luke especially appreciates the tranquil atmosphere created by the rain falling on the roof. Vicki-lee encourages others contemplating similar DIY projects to proceed, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning, precise measurements, and comparing prices to manage costs effectively. This endeavor allowed the family to achieve their desired outdoor space at a fraction of the professional cost, demonstrating a successful blend of resourcefulness and practical skills.
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