THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PERGOLA SUPPLIES: BUILD STRONG, STYLISH OUTDOOR SPACES

July 10 2025, by Harry Sandhu, 5 min reading time

A pergola is more than just a stylish addition to your outdoor space- it's a functional structure that provides shade, adds character, and increases the value of your home. Whether you're building a freestanding garden pergola, a poolside retreat or a patio extension, choosing the right materials is crucial for long-term durability and aesthetic appeal.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about pergola supplies, including key materials like Corrugated roofing sheets, Cypress and Merbau Posts, Treated Pine, Brackets, U-Beams, and more.

🌿 What Is a Pergola?

A Pergola is an open outdoor structure typically consisting of vertical posts supporting a roofing grid of of beams and rafters. While traditionally open-roofed, modern pergolas often feature coverings such as polycarbonate or corrugated roofing sheets to provide shelter from rain and UV rays.

Pergolas can be:

Freestanding- in gardens, lawns or, beside a pool
Attached- extending from the home to provide a shaded patio or walkway
Custom designed- with added screens, privacy panels, or decorative finishes

🛠️ Essential Pergola Supplies

🪵 Posts

Cypress Posts-

Cypress is a naturally durable and termite-resistant hardwood, making it ideal for outdoor structural use. It has a rich golden colour and provides a more traditional, rustic look.

Benefits-

Naturally resistant to rot and pests
Aesthetic, high-grade finish
Low maintenance

Merbau Posts-

Merbau is a dense, tropical hardwood popular for its strength and rich reddish-brown tone. Perfect for premium pergolas where appearance matters.

Benefits-

High durability class
Beautiful natural finish
Ideal for coastal and exposed areas

Treated Pine(MGP10)

MGP10 is a machine-graded structural pine, commonly used for pergola frames. Treated pine is cost-effective, versatile, and readily available.

Benefits-

Budget-friendly
Treated for termite and rot resistance
Easy to paint or stain
Graded or structural use (MGP10= Machine Graded Pine with specific strength properties)

🏗️ Beams & Rafters

Treated Pine Beams

Used for structural support across the top of the pergola. Choose MGP10 or higher grades for strength and reliability. Available in standard sizes like 90x45mm, 140x45mm.

U-Beams / Steel Beams

Galvanised U-beams or RHS (Rectangular Hollow Sections) are used in modern pergola builds where higher spans or clean lines are desired.

Benefits-

Stronger than timber for longer spans
Minimal movement over time
Clean, contemporary look
Rust-resistant (if galvanised or powder-coated)

🧱 Brackets & Connectors

Structural hardware is essential for securing posts, beams and rafters together.

Common Types:

Post Supports (bolt-down or concrete-in)
Angle Brackets & Joist Hangers
U-Plates & Strap Ties
Triple-grip & Framing Anchors

Tip: Use galvanised or stainless steel brackets for outdoor use to avoid rusting.

🛡️ Roofing Sheets

Adding a roof to your pergola enhances its functionality, especially in Australia's unpredictable weather.

Corrugated Roofing Sheets

Corrugated sheets (in polycarbonate, Colorbond Steel, or Zincalume) are a popular choice for pergola roofing.

Options Include:

Polycarbonate Sheets- UV Resistant, clear or tinted, lightweight
Colorbond Steel Roofing- Durable and available in various colours
Zincalume Sheets- Economical and corrosion-resistant

Benefits-

Protection from rain and sun
Long Lifespan
Aesthetic variety (classic or modern profiles)

🧰 Other Supplies You’ll Need

Bugle Screws / Structural Timber Screws- For fixing beams and rafters
Bolt Sets & Coach Screws- Heavy duty connections
Concrete Mix- For setting in ground posts
Paints, Oils, or Sealers- To preserve timber finish
Flashing & Cappings- For waterproofing where the pergola joins a well
Gutters & Downpipes- Optional, but useful if you have a solid roof and want to manage rainwater

🎯 Choosing the Right Materials for Your Pergola

When planning your pergola, ask yourself:

Do you want a natural timber look or modern steel aesthetic?
Choose Merbau or Cypress for timber charm; U-beams and Colorbond for a sleek finish.
Is your pergola fully exposed or partially sheltered?
Opt for Treated Pine for affordability or hardwoods for longer durability in exposed settings.
Are you DIY-ing or hiring a builder?
DIY builds may benefit from pre-cut treated pine kits, while professionals may use custom-sized beams and U-brackets.

✅ Final Tips for Building Your Pergola

Always check with your local council for building regulations, permits, and boundary rules.
Use quality fasteners and structural hardware for long-term strength and compliance
Consider drainage and water runoff, especially if adding a solid roof
Treat or seal timber to protect against UV, rain, and pests.

🧱 In Summary

A Pergola is not just an outdoor structure- it's an extension of your living space, a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors year-round. To build a pergola that's not only visually appealing but also structurally sound and long-lasting, it's essential to choose the right combination of materials and hardware.

Start with quality structural posts, such as Cypress for its natural durability, Merbau for its rich aesthetic and strength, or Treated Pine (MGP10) for a cost-effective and versatile solution. These posts from the backbone of your pergola and must be selected carefully based on exposure, budget, and design preferences.

For beams and rafters, options like treated pine framing and galvanised U-beams provide excellent load-bearing support, U-beams, in particular, are ideal for achieving longer spans and a sleek, modern design, while treated pine remains a staple for traditional timber pergolas.

When it comes to roofing, Corrugated Sheets- whether Polycarbonate, Colrbond, or Zincalume- offer reliable protection from the elements and enhance the pergola's functionality. These roofing solutions are available in various profiles and finishes to suit different styles, from rustic to contemporary.

Don't overlook the importance of brackets, fixings, and structural hardware. Using high-quality galvanised or stainless steel brackets, post supports, and fasteners ensures pergola remains strong and secure through all weather conditions. Supporting elements like concrete for footing, sealers or stains, and even optional gutters and flashing complete the picture, protecting your structure and extending its lifespan.

Ultimately, the success of your pergola build lies in using the right materials- sourced thoughtfully and installed correctly. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or working with a contractor, investing in the proper pergola supplies means you'll enjoy a beautiful, functional, and durable outdoor space for many years to come.