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CartHere’s How to Build a Pergola
Create a cool and relaxing environment with this stylish retreat.
Total Project Time: Weekend Project | Difficulty Level: Advanced
Here’s What You’ll Need*:
Supplies
All Pressure-Treated Lumber
(4) 6" x 6" Posts (12-foot lengths)
(4) 6" x 6" Posts (10-foot lengths)
(8) 2" x 10" (8-foot lengths)
(12) 2" x 8" (16-foot lengths)
(54) 2" x 2" (8-foot lengths)
(17) 2" x 2" (10-foot lengths)
(17) 2" x 2" (12-foot lengths)
(17) Fence boards
(8) Saddle bracket (if attaching to existing pad)
3" Deck Screws
Carriage Bolts
Tools
Screw Gun
Electric Drill
Pencil
Level
Speed Square
*Lumber may vary depending on your location. To see all your options, use our Store Locator to find the Home Hardware Building Centre or Home Building Centre closest to you.
Steps:
CONSULT: Before you begin, consult with your local building authority regarding community and neighbouring building codes to determine if a permit is required, or if other restrictions apply.
ORGANIZE: Assemble all the materials and tools for your project.
4. LEVEL: Since most backyards are not level, you will need to create a level mark before cutting the tops. You can ensure your posts are level by measuring from the mark to 8' and 11" up (or desired height; this creates a level line across all posts). Cut off any excess. On one side we did 8' and the other side (including the end) we did 11'. Now you have 8 posts level and standing.
NOTE: Don’t cut the 2 inside posts on the side with the verticals, as you will need different heights once the roof pitch is determined.
7. MARK: Square up from the 2 outside posts and mark across 5 1/2" (the width of the post) a “bird’s mouth” cut, so that the board sits flat at the desired pitch on each end.
8. TEMPLATE: Once all of this is drawn and cut out, you will use this as a rafter template.
11. ASSEMBLE: Cut out your remaining rafters and assemble as pairs with 3" gap. Space out the pairs of rafters evenly across the top (ensure one pair hits the posts on the other end).
14. SECURE: Temporarily secure all 2" x 2" pieces with a cross-piece on the back. Screw in a temporary block at the bottom of the posts (at your level mark) to support the frame. Now you can lift your frame into place. Secure the tops into the spaces between the rafters (secure to the inside rafter from the back and screw into the front rafter). Screw the side frames 1/2" from the face of the 6" x 6" (repeat on the other side). Counter sink and secure the bottom-frame piece into the posts and remove the temporary blocks. Secure a permanent 2" x 2" cross-piece, 4' up from the bottom, across the back of all 2" x 2" pieces. Now you can remove the temporary block. Repeat the process for the tall side.
