Since we first went into lockdown, outdoor space at home has become extremely coveted.
But now that winter is creeping closer our days of BBQs and sunbathing in the garden are numbered. But one savvy family have come up with the perfect solution and built a cosy pergola to see them through the window.
The winter-proof pergola only cost the Hormbrey family £800, and we’re really jealous.
Vicki-lee Hormbrey, 38, a part-time cleaner and her husband Luke Hormbrey, 39, were inspired to build a garden pergola after falling in love with one Vicki-lee’s parents had installed.
However, Vicki-lee’s parents had paid a professional £2,000 to install it.
Instead, Vicki-lee and Luke, who are parents to three kids aged four, five and seven, decided to attempt to replicate the pergola but build it themselves to save money during lockdown.
The family, from Cheshire, managed to create their very own beautiful garden pergola for £800 – and it’s rain-proof so can be enjoyed all winter.
‘My husband Luke really wanted to build a pergola as my mum has one similar and he loves sitting out in it – as do we all – especially in the rain as it has such a calming aspect to it,’ Vicki-lee told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk.
‘We have wanted one for ages. My parents had theirs done by a professional which cost them £2,000 but there was no way could we afford that.
‘So with time on his hands due to the lockdown, my hubby drew up some plans to show me and went about doing it himself.
‘He designed and built it all in just one weekend and then it was over to me to decorate – my favourite part!
‘I decided on the decor and wanted it grey to match my kitchen, which Luke also made over during lockdown.’
Vicki-lee says the process of building was actually quite straightforward.
‘Firstly, he found the roof which is strips of Corotherm plastic, and so he based the size of our pergola on the measurements of the strips in order to save money,’ she explains.
‘The roof was ordered online with Building Supplies Online. We had an issue with the first delivery as the roof strips were damaged so we emailed the company and sent pictures and they were fab and sent new ones within a week.
‘He ordered the wood over the phone from a local builders’ merchants and they delivered it all to the front garden.
‘He used concrete bolts to attach the piece to the wall and sunk the two legs into the ground using concrete. He was then able to finish the frame and add the roof.
‘The spindles and decorative side panels were bought from B&Q once that had opened back up.
‘He then feather edged the back frame to make it all watertight. Again, the wood was ordered over the phone.
‘The mirrors were from The Range and the furniture was from online company Out and Out, but all the furniture and accessories came at a later date once we were able to get to the shops.’
The roof cost £260 including fittings and the rest of the wood and bolts cost about £550.
Vicki-lee says she is delighted with the finished look of the pergola, and found the project to be an excellent distraction over the last few months.
‘It has given us a much-needed second living room as we have three young children who like to control the TV, without having to fork out for an extension that we couldn’t afford,’ says Vicki-lee.
‘We have a patio heater and shower-proof curtains to use when it’s raining or cold too so will get use out of it even in the winter.
‘The kids want to camp out in it. It’s so calming, especially for Luke and he loves to sit out when it’s raining and listen to the rain on the roof.
‘I would say to anyone thinking of doing it – go for it! Have a plan and your measurements all sorted first so you don’t over-order on supplies and shop around for the best prices.
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Get in touch: metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/01/family-build-cosy-winter-proof-pergola-for-just-800-13355042/
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