I had promised to post a close up photo in my blog of the mock bamboo pergola I installed during the summer, but thought it might be of more use here. So, here's the pergola again, which is a seating area: [image missing] ...and a closeup of the modelled 'bamboo' uprights: [image missing] The uprights are plastic water pipes from the DIY store. Modelling the 'rings' on them was easy... I took a 'two-ring' section from a plastic waterfall pipe (which are sort of corrugated like a vacuum cleaner hose), and slotted it around the pole. I then worked up filler above and below the rings, and sanded them smoothish. Left to set, and then painted. I joined everything together with strong garden wire, and covered the main joins with thick rope for a 'native hut' look. Purchasing actual thick bamboo was not an option, as the expense was more than I was prepared to pay. It turned out that each pole came out at a fraction of the cost...and they won't rot of course.
Well they definately look the part Pete especially the colour you've painted them. So much more practical, and most definately cheaper, than actual bamboo posts. A job well done!! :-D
Looks fantastic Pete! I would never have guessed from the photo that the big poles were plastic pipes. Very realistic indeed!
That's very clever Pete. Did you ever think there may be a market for a plastic bamboo pergola kit? Rush to the patent office! Great work.
I absolutely love it, Pete - aren't you the clever one? I am still very impressed with your homemade cobbles that you have at pond's edge, too. *zuzu scans the yard outside her window, searching for just the right spot to construct an "homage-to-Pete-bamboo-pergola"*
Hi Bethie - the paint is just normal gloss. Over time it'll start to lose it's shine a bit, which will help. I didn't prime it, but suppose you could.
pegola That is really a cool idea.. Plastic pipe comes in that shade and like he said , dulls in time........ Back here we been knows to take the larger pipes and cut holes in them and make hanging baskets out of them.. Would work as Bird feeders also. b
I love this idea! It's absolutly gorgeous! I have always been fond of asian inspired designs and this is no different. I could have kicked myself reading this however since when I lived in Houston my nieghbors and I would pull up and burn out the roots of huge bamboo stalks every summer. It grew year round and multiplied like crazy, too bad I didn't join this forum years ago I could be sitting under a nice bamboo pagoda today.
