Pergola

[Virmand]

We intend to build a socalled pergola on our property in Hin Lek Fai. Do any of the readers know a local carpenter or contractor who could do the job? The pergola should be built in wood, any recommendations to an appropriate type of wood? Teak would be too costly, but is there a cheaper alternative that is resistant to termite attacks?

[PeteC]

The idea is really the same as a Thai sala and there's plenty of workman with experience building those. If you can get hold of a set of plans for the style/size you want, it would probably be helpful not only with construction but with costing as well.

Don't rule out teak completely concerning the in ground corner poles. There's plenty of used poles around taken from old Thai houses, cleaned up, and resold for sala building.

Will leave to our local construction gurus to answer concerning specific builders and other tips. We have an existing thread on here somewhere concerning the various types of Thai hardwoods as an alternative to teak. If I can find it, I'll post. Pete

[PeteC]

Here's a portion of another thread concerning hardwoods. Pete

"mai sak: best wood, light, good for furniture (teak) (most expensive, half inch, 8 inch wide, one meter long from 90 to 150 baht)

mai pradoo, mai teng, mai daeng: very good thai hardwood, nice for building

mai takaen: ok for walls, same size as teak above about 45 baht

mai makaa: famous, but heavy, hard to paint, I don't like so much"

[Francois]

Hi Virmand

I have built one behind my house. It's made from recycled teak which much cheaper. I paid 90 000 THB, including a ceiling made from polycarbonate, a swinging fan and light.

More details here:

http://www.thaigardendesign.com/photos/ ... index.html

The pergola shown is mine.

You may contact Ben Shingleton who is a nice guy

[Virmand]

Thank you for the early input. Very helpful.
Francois, very nice sala or pergola. The one we have in mind should be free standing without fans or lights. At the corner poles we want to plant vines that will eventually overgrow the pergola and give shade, and underneath grow various herbs and some vegetables like tomatos, cucumbers. Nothing like fresh herbs and vegetables for the chef....

[Virmand]

Francois, forgot to ask how do I contact Ben Shingleton?

[deepee]

try ringing ben on 0806558110

[Francois]

Francois, forgot to ask how do I contact Ben Shingleton?

Mail him at :

Ben@thaigardendesign.com