How to Build a Pergola Step by Step

1. Fixing the Posts The first step is to dig six post holes in the ground, make three of the holes on each longer side to support the pergola. Each post hole should be 24 to 48 inches deep. Now place the 6 x 6 posts that should be between 12 and 14 feet long in each of the post holes and prop them up temporarily using 2 by 4 braces. Now fill all the post holes and tamp down the soil firmly. This pergola does not require concrete; instead use a long piece of wood to compact the soil around the posts.
2. Aligning the Posts Now align the height of the posts and cut away the excess wood. This is easier than digging holes of the same depths. This can be done by measuring one post at eight feet, cutting it and cutting the other posts to the same height. After that make pyramid cuts at the top of the posts since this makes the pergola look even sharper.
3. Fasten the Cross Beams Now fasten the three 6 by 6 cross beams across to the posts. Next, you need to measure the distances between the outer faces of the posts and cut the three main cross beams to span them. When cutting these cross beams leave an additional 12 and a half inches for overhang and trim the ends in a pyramid shape. Place the crossbeams over the posts and mark the places where the post and crossbeam overlaps.
4. Make Lap Joints Now, you need to shape the lap joints on the crossbeams. For this cut the wood at the place where it overlaps the post to the same dimensions as the post to ensure that the two pieces of lumber fit together tightly ad securely. The interlocking notches that form the lap joints can be made by first making small cuts using a circular saw and then knock out the remaining wood pieces using a chisel and mallet. Now, you need to place the crossbeams in position and bore half inch diameter holes through the crossbeam and post. The two pieces of lumber are secured using galvanized carriage bolts inserted through the holes.
5. Place the Roof Boards The roof boards can now be placed. These are the 2 by 8s which should be placed over the crossbeams. You can make the pergola more attractive by cutting a decorative edge to the boards. The boards should also have holes cut into them to take 10 inch screws.
6. Optional Lattice Panels Once the roof is in place you can install lattice panels as walls of the pergola. These are not necessary in all pergolas, but add a nice touch and provide privacy. You can use a dado blade in your table saw to cut the 1 and half inch by one and half inch groves or a handheld circular saw to make the grooves. The lattice can be held temporarily in place using deck screws. Now, you can pre-drill and fix quarter inch galvanized carriage bolts and remove the deck screws as you do this.
7. Apply a Finish The next step is to apply a finish by staining the wood or painting it. Depending on your preferences you can also allow the wood weather naturally for a unique look.
8. Final Steps To ensure that the pergola provides adequate shade you can either drape it with a shade cloth or plant vines and other plants around it. These vines can be trained onto the pergola to add color and beauty to it and the garden. If you paint or stain the pergola the wood needs to be treated each year, while the weathered option requires less maintenance. By planting flowering vines and small shrubs around the pergola you can add color and shape to the garden as well as an interesting feature that will be both attractive and functional.