There’s something magical about transforming your outdoor space into a personal sanctuary. This summer, my husband and I decided to take on a new project to elevate our backyard – installing the 111S Takasho Wood Grain Aluminum Pergola with an Adjustable Rainproof Louver by Mirador. The experience was not just about enhancing our home but also about spending quality time together and creating something beautiful with our own hands.
A Vision for Our Backyard
Our backyard has always been a place of gathering, relaxation, and joy. With a grill already in place, it was time to add a new element that would provide shade, style, and functionality. We had been eyeing the Mirador pergola for some time, and its sleek design, coupled with the adjustable louver feature, made it the perfect choice.
The Big Day
On a cool afternoon at around 4 pm, we began our pergola installation journey. We had picked up the pergola from Port Huron, MI, a couple of days earlier, renting a U-Haul 6’x12′ cargo trailer and towing it with our Tesla. With everything now in place and organized, we were ready to dive into the installation.
Essential Tools And Safety Precautions
The pergola comes with many of the tools you’ll need, in addition to that here’s a rundown of what we used:
– Impact Driver: For assembling the pergola.
– Hammer: For driving expansion bolts into concrete.
– SDS Rotary Hammer Drill: Essential for drilling through concrete.
– Ratcheting socket wrench: For precisely tightening the concrete expansion bolts.
Safety is crucial, especially when working with concrete. We made sure to wear a respirator to protect ourselves from silica dust, as well as ear plugs, safety glasses, and gloves to keep us safe throughout the project.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
We started by laying out all the parts and reviewing the instructions together. My husband, with his knack for understanding diagrams, took the lead on the initial steps while I organized the smaller components. The aluminum frames, designed to mimic wood grain, were not only lightweight but also incredibly sturdy.
As we assembled the pillars, I couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship. Each piece fit together seamlessly, and the pre-drilled holes ensured everything aligned perfectly. We took turns holding pieces in place and tightening screws, a rhythm that soon became second nature.
A Helping Hand
While the majority of the build was manageable for the two of us, we did need an extra pair of hands for a few minutes to hold parts in place during assembly. Luckily, our neighbor’s son was happy to lend a hand. His assistance was invaluable, and we were grateful for his help.
A Smooth Build
One of the highlights of the pergola is its adjustable louver roof, which allows us to control the amount of sunlight and rain protection we need. Installing the louver blades was surprisingly straightforward. With each blade clicking into place, we could see our pergola taking shape. It was a satisfying feeling, watching our hard work turn into something tangible and beautiful.
A Job Well Done
Five hours later, we stepped back to admire our handiwork. The pergola stood tall and proud, anchored securely to our concrete patio. The wood grain aluminum finish added a touch of elegance to our backyard, and the adjustable louvers were a game-changer. We could now enjoy our outdoor space regardless of the weather, adjusting the blades to let in just the right amount of sunlight or to keep the rain out.
Enhancing the Space
After building the pergola, we decided to add a granite island to complement the space further. It became the perfect spot for preparing meals and enjoying casual dining outdoors. Additionally, we have a beautiful water fountain that provides a soothing backdrop as we relax under the pergola. The seating area we arranged underneath has become our favorite spot to unwind and enjoy the view. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can now be enjoyed under this beautiful addition.
The First Evening
As the sun began to set, we set up our outdoor furniture under the pergola and fired up the grill. The soft glow of our newly installed LED lights added to the ambiance, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. We toasted to our successful project, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.
A Lasting Impact
The 111S Takasho Wood Grain Aluminum Pergola by Mirador has truly transformed our backyard. It’s become a focal point for gatherings, a place to unwind after a long day, and a testament to what we can achieve together. Every time we look at it, we’re reminded of that beautiful summer day and the joy of building something with our own hands.
Cost-Effective
We also reflected on the options we had considered. DIYing the pergola would have cost us $3,350.00 and taken over 3 days of hard work to build something similar, with the added burden of yearly maintenance. Hiring a contractor would have set us back $8,600. Choosing the Mirador pergola was not only cost-effective but also a time-saver.
Where To Buy?
In USA
You can order the pergola on Amazon. Link to buy: https://bit.ly/Cooking-with-Thas
Use my discount code THASNEEN & you’ll be able to SAVE 5%.
Note: The discount code is valid from August 2nd to August 11th, 2024.
In Canada
It’s available on Wayfair & also sold by other distributors.
Youtube Video
I have a detailed video of the whole installation process, including how we got the LED lights installed easily without drilling holes in the pergola.
Here is the picture of the pergola illuminated with LED lights at night:
This pergola will not only enhance your outdoor space, but it will also create lasting memories and strengthen the bond with your loved ones.
Happy building!
Things To Buy
To help you with your own pergola project, here are some items you might need, along with Amazon links for easy shopping:
- Impact Driver: Buy on Amazon
- Hammer: Buy on Amazon
- SDS Rotary Hammer Drill: Buy on Amazon
- Ratcheting Socket Wrench: Buy on Amazon
- Respirator: Buy on Amazon
- Safety Ear Plugs: Buy on Amazon
- Safety Glasses: Buy on Amazon
- Gloves: Buy on Amazon
- LED Neon Rope Lights: Buy on Amazon
