Design and build the perfect pergola

Engineered timber specialist Prolam has introduced a practical five-step process to help landscape professionals design and build pergolas that are strong, stylish and built to last

A pergola can completely transform an outdoor space – offering shade, shelter an

living and entertaining. From alfresco dining and poolside retreats to elegant entryways and garden features, pergolas remain one of the most versatile and impactful features in outdoor design.

For landscapers, the right materials make all the difference. That’s why many are turning to engineered timber from Prolam. Manufactured in New Zealand for outdoor performance,

Prolam glulam (glued laminated timber) beams, rafters and posts give professionals

the confidence to build pergolas that go up easily and look good for longer.

Strength and stability built in

Glulam is made by bonding layers of kiln-dried, structural-grade timber together with durable adhesives. This process creates beams, posts and rafters that are stronger, straighter and more dimensionally stable than solid timber – significantly reducing twisting, warping and splitting.

This makes it ideal for pergolas, where clean lines, structural integrity and resistance to the elements are essential.

Prolam’s glulam timber products are purpose-built for outdoor use, including New Zealand’s only CodeMark certified H5 posts for in-ground use – ideal for pergola footings.

The visual appeal is equally impressive. Prolam’s glulam timber is manufactured from New Zealand plantation-grown radiata pine and graded to be knot and defect-free, giving it a clean, consistence appearance. It can be painted, stained or oiled to enhance its natural aesthetic. All products are treated for long-term protection against moisture, decay and boring insects, ensuring pergolas stay structurally sound for years to come.

Making pergola design a breeze

Prolam has developed a five-step guide to pergola design that outlines key considerations

such as layout, dimensions, materials, fixings and finishes to help landscape professionals

streamline the design process and avoid common pitfalls.

Prolam also offers a pergola design service at no extra cost for standard designs. Fast and flexible, it provides architects and builders the freedom to tailor pergola dimensions, fixing options and finishes to suit the space, style and intended use.

Once the design is finalised, the pergola beams, rafters and posts are manufactured to specification and delivered to your preferred local timber merchant – ready for installation.

Prolam is a New Zealand-owned manufacturer of engineered timber and its products are stocked by timber merchants nationwide. Download the free Pergola Design Guide or explore Prolam’s pergola solutions at prolamnz.com