Leichhardt Pergola Upgrade

Brief

The homeowner had an existing pergola that was structurally sound but needed a new roof and more coverage. They wanted to use the outdoor space year-round, including through summer, without tearing the whole structure down. The home was a heritage-style weatherboard they wanted to respect.

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Challenge

The solution had to work with the original timber structure and complement the weatherboard home. Ripping everything out and starting fresh wasn't the right approach for this property.

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Key considerations included:

• Reusing the existing timber posts rather than replacing them
• Extending the structure for greater coverage without changing its character
• Choosing a roofing material that let light through while blocking heat
• Keeping costs down by working with what was already there

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Solution

We kept the existing timber posts, extended them for more coverage, and fitted new polycarbonate opal roof sheets. The opal finish lets natural light pour through while cutting the heat, which was the main issue with the old setup.

The timber frame was reinforced where needed. The extension matches the proportions of the original structure, and the overall look sits comfortably against the weatherboard home.

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Result

The outdoor area is now usable year-round. Light comes through but the heat is blocked. The homeowner saved money by keeping the bones of the original pergola, and the finished result looks like it's always been part of the house.

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