We are having a patio installed in the spring (May). I will be building a Pogoda over one circular section of it. I am not sure if we should use pressure treated or cedar. We will most likely try to get vines etc. to creep all over it once our back yard is quite hot in the summer and hopefully this structure will allow us to sit out and entertain. If pressure treated wood is the way to can it be stained and how long do you have to wait. I have seen some cedar with black on it. My last question is what is the optimum height from the patio floor to the upper cross members since we would want to have a table under the structure (no umbrella) thus giving enough head room.
Answer:
I think, with the most recent publicity given PT lumber, that I would stay away from it. That leaves you with cedar and there is certainly nothing wrong with that but staining can become a bit of pain. Your idea of the vines is positive and the height should be eight feet at least but with the vines, I would probably suggest a cathedral ceiling so when they hang down you aren't bothered by them. The other thing of course is that wasps, hornets and other flying critters are not really attracted to cedar - quote important if you plan to sit with your shirt off! For pagoda plans you'll just have to keep hunting.
