How To Build a Pergola

Easy to Moderately Difficult

Introduction

Step by step instructions to building a perfect pergola
A pergola is the perfect object to supply partial shade that backyard area while adding a some elegance at the same time. Pergolas have become very popular in the last few years because of their attractive appearance and their ability to add function to any space! Pergolas were common in Italian gardens during the Renaissance period, They often covered walkways and served as grape arbors. Today, this design can be used to define a passageway or used frame a focal point in your yard or landscaping. You can add climbing plants such as wisteria, Ivy, or grapevines, and you will have both color and shade.

We at The DIY Home Pro have scanned the Internet, weeding through videos and articles to bring you the very best information available. We are confident that with the information links provided below, you will be able to design and build that perfect Pergola.

Quick Links

Introduction
What You'll Need

The Technique
Books and DVDs

Hire A Contractor
Ask Our Experts

Tools Needed
Materials Needed

What You'll Need

The Tools You'll Need

Hammer

This is a moderately priced hammer, the hammer is necessary to complete the assembly of your new Pergola! Great Deal on a Hammer at Amazon

Jig Saw

This Ryobi Jig Saw is economically priced and will be necessary to cut the rafter tails on your new Pergola. There are many choices in Jig saws and most will all perform the needed steps to complete the job!

Circular Saw

Here is a economically priced circular saw. This saw will be necessary to cut the boards to length in constructing that Pergola. There will be many cuts in preparing for the construction, we suggest a sharp blade and a good saw!

Tape Measure

You will need a tape measure such as this Stanley 25'. When laying out the job you will need a good, accurate measuring instrument, this will aid in making certain that everything is the right length. Great Deal on a Tape Measure at Amazon

Level

A level is very important to make sure everything is "plumb". This will insure that your pergola stands straight and tall, while having a professional appearance! Great Deal on a Level at Amazon

The Materials You'll Need

Brackets

These post base stand-off brackets will allow you to bolt that pergola down to the cement while keeping the wood off of the ground. This way you do not get post rot. There are other post tie-downs that will work depending on the application and geographical location.

More Brackets

We always like to use some brackets to help tie everything together (for strength), this is not mandatory in every case. You should always check with your local building codes before starting any project!

6" X 6" Posts

These posts are available at your local home improvement store. The length will be determined by your specific plans. Remember to figure an extra two feet f length that will go into the ground. we recommend cedar or redwood posts as they are rated for exposure to the ground.

2" X 10" Beams

These beams are also available at your local ho,me improvement store and the length will be determined by the specific plans for your pergola. These beams will work as the frame and the rafters both. remember on the rafters to figure an extra two feet for overhang ( one foot on each end).

Cement

Ready mix cement can be purchased at your home improvement store. Price depends on type and bag size. The cement is a key factor in the stability of your pergola. You should have a least of 6" of cement under the posts and then cement around the post in the hole.

The Technique

The first two videos explain how to attach and construct a pergola to an existing house. This is a very informative and detailed set of videos that will get you through your project. For a complete step by step printable article please click here.

Part One: The Base and Face Plate

Here is a two part video showing how to lay out and attach your Pergola to an existing building. This video is very informative, while covering in detail all aspects of building a beautiful pergola. In part one you see how to set up the posts that hold up the pergola, and then they walk you through the initial steps of preparing a face plate on the existing building to attach the pergola to.

Part Two: Framing up the Pergola

This video continues from part one "The Base and Face Plate" In this video you will learn how to tie together the cross beams with the base frame. They also show how to make a cool looking pitched section in the center of the pergola. If you decide not to build the pitched section you will just run your Cross beams from end to end perpendicular to the house, but don't forget to make them long enough for the overhang!

Over The Deck

Here is a video that explains how to add a pergola to an existing deck. The video clearly details how to lay out and cut the rafter and rafter tails, and also how to figure the overhang. Next the video details how to measure and mark the lay out to install and secure the rafters. This is a very good video and very informative.

Step By Step Article

Here is a great link with step by step instructions on how to build a Pergola. This covers every thing from pre-planning, lay-out and construction. This is an 8' x 8' structure but can easily be modified to meet your size requirements. This article covers everything from; installing and leveling the posts, adding the support beams, adding the cross beams and even the rafter tail design. There are great diagrams that will virtually take you through the entire process. View the Article >>>

Books and DVDs

Trellises, Arbors, and Pergolas

This paperback book is a do it yourself paperback from Better Homes and Gardens. This covers ideas and plans for creating several garden projects. Having ideas on the different types of Pergolas or Archer you can design will help in deciding which style is best accommodated to your existing landscape.

Pergolas, Arbours and Arches

This book covers several designs of Pergolas, several types of Arches and a few different types of Arbours. The book mainly shows different types of these structures, but having the book to give you some ideas of what is possible before you start, could really make a difference in the type of project you undertake!

Hire A Professional Contractor

Not convinced you want to go it alone? Reliable Remodeler is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.