Building Your Own Pergola - A Few Tips To Get Your Started
While it might look deceptively simple in design, you have to take care when constructing a pergola.
If you do so, you will have a wonderful addition to your out-of-doors living area that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
If you don't, then you will have a pile of lumber that might look like an unfinished pile of lumber.
While a pergola doesn't do a lot for keeping out the elements, it does do a great job of helping you define the boundaries of a specific outdoor area, thus helping to set things off in a very classy manner.
The first order of business after deciding on building a pergola and figuring out where you want to place it, is to decide what you want to make the pergola out of.
You should opt for a long lasting wood such as cedar and then, if you want it to last longer, you need to seal it appropriately for your particular geographic area's climatic conditions.
You will need to lay it out and install the four pillar posts.
You will typically set these posts in concrete to assure that they stay put and secure for a long time.
It is advisable to be sure that the pad is located below the frost line for long-term stability.
These pillars are frequently made of treated wooden 4 X 4s.
The main support cross beams are generally best made from 2 X 6 beams and you will want to make sure that they are level when you install these, since the entire pergola is depending on them.
You will more than likely want to notch the beams that go across in the opposite direction, so that they will interlock with the main beams for strength and aesthetics.
For those of you that are having issues envisioning this, think of the pergola project much like a large Lincoln log erector set and it might give you a mental picture of what is going on when we are discussing the pergola project.
You will also want to make sure that you use plenty of the correct-sized screws for the wood size and type that you are using, and that you install bracing where needed.
It is hard to completely describe the process in such a short article, but there are many plans available for you to construct your pergola.
The entire project can be assembled easily using only a hammer, nails and a basic saw.
You might be well advised, however, to look into getting a table saw to notch the boards, a power driver for screwing it together, a decent long level to make sure it goes together straight and a jig saw to make sure that your supports for the cross braces are easily cut so that they fit flush, look custom and provide the support that they are supposed to give.
Now, all you need is a little time and some climbing plants or vines to complete the project.
If you do so, you will have a wonderful addition to your out-of-doors living area that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
If you don't, then you will have a pile of lumber that might look like an unfinished pile of lumber.
While a pergola doesn't do a lot for keeping out the elements, it does do a great job of helping you define the boundaries of a specific outdoor area, thus helping to set things off in a very classy manner.
The first order of business after deciding on building a pergola and figuring out where you want to place it, is to decide what you want to make the pergola out of.
You should opt for a long lasting wood such as cedar and then, if you want it to last longer, you need to seal it appropriately for your particular geographic area's climatic conditions.
You will need to lay it out and install the four pillar posts.
You will typically set these posts in concrete to assure that they stay put and secure for a long time.
It is advisable to be sure that the pad is located below the frost line for long-term stability.
These pillars are frequently made of treated wooden 4 X 4s.
The main support cross beams are generally best made from 2 X 6 beams and you will want to make sure that they are level when you install these, since the entire pergola is depending on them.
You will more than likely want to notch the beams that go across in the opposite direction, so that they will interlock with the main beams for strength and aesthetics.
For those of you that are having issues envisioning this, think of the pergola project much like a large Lincoln log erector set and it might give you a mental picture of what is going on when we are discussing the pergola project.
You will also want to make sure that you use plenty of the correct-sized screws for the wood size and type that you are using, and that you install bracing where needed.
It is hard to completely describe the process in such a short article, but there are many plans available for you to construct your pergola.
The entire project can be assembled easily using only a hammer, nails and a basic saw.
You might be well advised, however, to look into getting a table saw to notch the boards, a power driver for screwing it together, a decent long level to make sure it goes together straight and a jig saw to make sure that your supports for the cross braces are easily cut so that they fit flush, look custom and provide the support that they are supposed to give.
Now, all you need is a little time and some climbing plants or vines to complete the project.
