How to Build the Perfect Pergola

?

?

Regardless of shape, size, or style, nearly all pergolas require just a few basic carpentry skills. Follow our eight basic steps and downloadable plans to build your own.

By Joseph Truini

Pergola Plans (PDF, .5MB, requires Adobe Reader)

\n\nPergola plans are an enduring favorite in Popular Mechanics (we\'ve been publishing them since the 1920s), and it\'s easy to see why. The finished product is a blissful addition to any yard, a shady place to sit and read, eat and drink with friends, or zone out on a summer day. From a DIY point of view, the return on investment is high: A small pergola can be built in a weekend and requires reasonably inexpensive materials, plus basic carpentry skills and tools. A simple pergola consists of four parts fastened into a square or rectangle: posts, crossbeams, rafters, and lattice. Here we present eight essential building steps, as well as plans for a pergola to build?or just consider for inspiration. Either way, you win, because a pergola is as enjoyable to make as it is to simply behold.", credit: "Getty Images/Corbis/Photofoyer", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/OF/perfect-pergola-01-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/yu/perfect-pergola-01-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide2", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-2", slidetype: "image", title: "Step One", description: "After cutting the posts, crossbeams, and rafters to dimension, secure one crossbeam to two posts, driving a 4-inch decking screw through the beam into each post. This is a temporary subassembly, so it doesn\'t pay to get too fussy with it. Just make sure that the top of the beam is nearly equidistant from the top of each post.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Ne/perfect-pergola-02-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/C9/perfect-pergola-02-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide3", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-3", slidetype: "image", title: "Step Two", description: "Raise the subassembly, sliding the posts into 18-inch-deep holes. Attach 1 ? 3 crossbraces (these are also temporary) to the posts using 1 5/8-inch drywall screws. As you can see in the photo, the crossbraces are secured alternately to the inside and outside of the posts to increase stability. Next, drive a stake into the ground about 4 feet away from each post. Using a 4-foot level, plumb each post and fasten the braces to the stakes to hold the subassembly in place. Backfill the postholes. Repeat on the opposite subassembly.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/6d/perfect-pergola-03-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/jk/perfect-pergola-03-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 450, srcheight: 600 }, { id: "slide4", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-4", slidetype: "image", title: "Step Three", description: "Place a 2 ? 8 rafter upright on the crossbeams and strap the level atop the rafter with a bungee cord. Loosen the decking screw from the crossbeam to the post, and raise or lower the beam slightly until the rafter is level. Secure the crossbeam to the post with four decking screws, then slide the rafter over and repeat the leveling process at the adjacent post. Next, add the remaining two crossbeams.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/ua/perfect-pergola-04-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/fJ/perfect-pergola-04-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide5", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-5", slidetype: "image", title: "Step Four", description: "Cut the posts to finished height with a reciprocating saw, using the crossbeams to guide the blade; this ensures a neat, flush cut.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/bn/perfect-pergola-05-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/9E/perfect-pergola-05-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide6", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-6", slidetype: "image", title: "Step Five", description: "Attach each rafter with eight screws. Drive each decking screw at an angle through the rafter face into the top center of each crossbeam.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/rH/perfect-pergola-06-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/Wj/perfect-pergola-06-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide7", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-7", slidetype: "image", title: "Step Six", description: "Lay the 2 ? 4 slats in place and secure them to the rafters with a pair of 3-inch decking screws at both ends of each slat.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/7P/perfect-pergola-07-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/iG/perfect-pergola-07-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide8", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-8", slidetype: "image", title: "Step Seven", description: "The lattice frame consists of two rectangular assemblies with the lattice fastened between them. The frame pieces that face the interior of the pergola are made with 1 ? 4 lumber. This frame fits between the posts. \n\n

\n\nOn the exterior frame, the vertical members are 1 ? 6s and the horizontal pieces are 1 ? 4s. The extra width provided by the 1 ? 6s creates a flange through which you drive screws to secure the frame to the posts. \n\n

\n\nTo build the frame, crosscut the horizontal frame pieces to match the distance between the posts. Next, crosscut the vertical frame parts to length. Fasten the lattice-frame pieces to each other using 1 5/8-inch decking screws. Finally, place the frame between the posts, check it for level, and fasten the 1 ? 6 frame members to the post with 1 5/8-inch decking screws.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/ow/perfect-pergola-08-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/rj/perfect-pergola-08-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 }, { id: "slide9", url: "how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola-9", slidetype: "image", title: "Step Eight", description: "Build the flower box and the bench. Level each using a 4-foot level, and attach them to the posts using 4-inch decking screws (and carriage bolts for the bench). Once the pergola\'s construction is complete, apply two coats of semitransparent stain.", credit: "Scott Jones", sourceid: null, sourcename: "", sourceurl: null, sourcelogo: "", thumbsrc: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/LJ/perfect-pergola-09-0812-smn.jpg", src: "/cm/popularmechanics/images/ds/perfect-pergola-09-0812-lgn.jpg", srcwidth: 600, srcheight: 450 } ] };

Back Next

Getty Images/Corbis/Photofoyer

Pergola plans are an enduring favorite in Popular Mechanics (we've been publishing them since the 1920s), and it's easy to see why. The finished product is a blissful addition to any yard, a shady place to sit and read, eat and drink with friends, or zone out on a summer day. From a DIY point of view, the return on investment is high: A small pergola can be built in a weekend and requires reasonably inexpensive materials, plus basic carpentry skills and tools. A simple pergola consists of four parts fastened into a square or rectangle: posts, crossbeams, rafters, and lattice. Here we present eight essential building steps, as well as plans for a pergola to build?or just consider for inspiration. Either way, you win, because a pergola is as enjoyable to make as it is to simply behold.

Return to Slideshow

Related Links

Related Links

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/pergola/how-to-build-the-perfect-pergola?src=rss

braveheart james harden earthquake california earthquake california roy orbison the third man 2012 nfl draft order