How to Build a Pergola
On a hot summer day it is nice to have a cool, breezy spot of shade to relax in. A pergola is fairly simple to build and will give hours of shade in even the hottest of summers.
Required Materials
- 2×4” stock
- 4×4” post stock
- 2×8” stock
- cement
- foundation tubes
- post anchors
- screws/bolts
- nails
- paint/stain
Required Tools
- hammer/nail-gun
- drill with countersink bits
- wheelbarrow
- shovel
- tape measure
- stakes
- ladder
- ratchet
- circular saw/table saw
- paint brush
Instructions
- Layout - Pergolas can take many forms. For a rectangular pergola, lay out the rectangle using stakes. If there is a straight line somewhere near the pergola, use that as a reference so that everything stays relatively in line with it.
- Laying Foundations - Because you are going to be covering a fairly large space and forcing the new structure to bear weight, a good foundation is needed. Dig a posthole several inches wider than the post (under the frost line) to a depth of 2-4’. Mix concrete according to the instructions on the bag, and then pour it into the concrete tubes; the tube heights should be approximately 3” below ground level. Now set the post anchors into the cement before it dries.
- Posts and Headers - Temporarily place the posts into the post anchors and support them with some strapping. Lay out the headers and distribute them evenly them with a level. Mark the level line around the posts, and then cut the posts to length. Measure the length of the headers and cut them to length too.
- Painting - Sometimes it is better to paint or stain a project before it is assembled. This ensures that the piece is fully covered. It is also easier to paint the pieces when they are on the ground.
- Cutting the Cross Members - Cut the cross members to length. When choosing your stock, make sure there aren’t any bends in the wood. To make sure all the members look alike, use a 3-4-5 triangle level. Now paint the cross members.
- Interior Flooring - If you are planning on laying a patio or other floor in the pergola now is the time to put it in place.
- Assembling the Posts and Headers - Attach the posts to their anchors and tighten them, then countersink the bolt holes at the corners of the posts and headers. Cut corner blocks to size, for where the headers and posts meet, and then countersink the supports. Screw the corner supports into place.
- Cross Members - Lay out the cross members on top of the headers, then toenail each header to the longer header boards. If you used a middle header for additional support, toenail that here as well.
Other Pages on How to Build a Pergola