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Building a pergola is easy - if you have certain woodworking skills. If
you are unsure about how to proceed with the pergola construction, then
get a professional - or at least a friend with good DIY skills.
Providing you can mark out and cut a straight line - then there
should be no problems in building your pergola. Take your time, study
the images and other information that we have on how to build a pergola,
and if in doubt - Stop!
The images on this page are for a general rectangular pergola. |
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On the left hand side, you will see most of
the details which are required to build your pergola. 45deg
bracing struts are screwed into the upright posts and also to a
well-fastened cross rafter. The picture
is of a typical corner section of a timber garden pergola
The rafter is 'notched' to add stability - and
for visual effect. The upright pergola post is also
notched at the top, to allow the pergola main support beam to
sit in, and basically help support your pergola as you build it.
Ends of beam and pergola rafters have been
shaped with a good heavy duty Jig-saw. (A variety of shapes can
be cut out - save the cut off piece as a marking template for
any other bearer or pergola rafters. |
| This section gives a
better idea of the 'in-line bracing that is required to prevent
any instability along the length of the pergola.
Again the support posts are notched at the
top. By using 100x100mm upright posts, and 50mm thick bearers,
the notch can be cut halfway through the post. Notice that the
notching allows for the pergola support beam to protrude above
the upright post. This allows you to slide the pergola cross
rafters along without snagging on the post! It is therefore
possible to have one of the rafters - sat on top of the bearer
joist over the top of the post. This would otherwise be
impractical.
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It is important that the angled support struts
are firmly screwed into the uprights and also the main pergola
support beam. Pre-drilled holes through the angled struts are
essential to avoid splitting and weakening of the timber at this
point.
A detail of the post fastening through
to the main support beam of the pergola. If you use normal coach bolts,
then push them though from the inside of the pergola to the outside -
this will have a better visual effect, as the nuts and 'spare' thread
are on the outside of the pergola.
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to main pergola page |
