How to Build a Bamboo Pergola

A rustic bamboo pergola defines garden passageways and provides a focal point for your yard. According to Carol Stangler, in her book "The Art and Craft of Bamboo," these simple square or rectangular structures have been used in gardens around the world for centuries as subtle outdoor architecture. Allow vines or climbing fruits and vegetables to envelop your arbor-like framework for a more picturesque and practical garden accent.

Instructions

Choose an area for your pergola. Find a flat space with room for a 6-foot by 6-foot square. Decide where you want to have the corners and measure 6 feet between each spot. Mark the places you've chosen for each corner.

Dig a hole 1 inch larger in diameter than the diameter of the larger ends of your 8-foot poles. Dig each hole 6 inches to 1 foot deep, depending on the stability of the ground in your garden.

Lay two of the 8-foot bamboo poles parallel on the ground, 7 feet apart. If your poles are not the same circumference on each end, make sure the larger ends are facing down, since these will be the base ends of the structure.

Lay a 6-foot pole 6 inches below the top of the first two poles, creating a bridge between them. Secure both junctures with twine or hemp rope. Weave the twine front, back and in between the poles to create an X-shaped pattern.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to make the other side. Lay the other two 8-foot pieces, crossing them with a 6-foot piece, and tie them together with your twine.

Test to make sure all the junctures are secure before standing up each side, one at a time. With the upper poles facing out, secure the poles by placing the bottoms of the poles in their respective holes. Make sure the structure is facing in your chosen direction.

Fill in the holes and pack the dirt around the bottom of the poles. You can pack clay or even concrete around them for greater stability. Have someone help you hold the poles until they are set.

Place one pole across the top of each side, connecting the two structures. Position them so that they rest in the joints of the wall and roof poles. Test all the poles with a level to make sure they meet at the appropriate angle. Secure the new poles to the previous structures. Wrap the twine among all three pieces of bamboo at all four connection points. At this point, your structure should be able to stand on its own, if it hadn't before.

Lay the last two 6-foot poles across the open space on top of the structure to complete your roof structure. Tie the poles to the cross beams with the twine. If you wish to make a more enclosed roof, continue tying down more 6-foot poles until the open spaces are filled.

Instructables.com - How to Build a Bamboo Bicycle
www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-a-Bamboo-Bicycle
I saw a picture of a bamboo bike and decided I had to have one. I found out that professionally built bamboo frames cost a few thousand dollars so I decided to build ...
How to build a gazebo HowToSpecialist - How to Build, Step
www.howtospecialist.com/outdoor/gazebo/how-to-build-a-gazebo
Diy step by step article about how to build a gazebo. Building a square outdoor gazebo is easy if you learn how to build the floor and the roof, using our plans.
DIY Info - how to build a Timber Fence, Patio Cover or Pergola
www.cannyliving.com/diy_fence.php
How to build a timber fence, patio cover or pergola. Timber fences are easy to build and a competent handy-person should be able to achieve an acceptable and ...
EzineArticles - Pergola Plans - How to Build a Pergola Attached
ezinearticles.com Home Improvement DIY
Jan 05, 2008 It's easy to get discouraged about building a pergola when you look at pergola plans, designs, and photos on the Web. Sure it would be nice to build a ...
EzineArticles - How To Build A Pergola - 7 Sure-Fire Tips For
ezinearticles.com Home Improvement Patio Deck
Apr 08, 2008 Do you know how to build a pergola? Do you know how to do it safely? And at low cost? You soon will once you've read this article of seven sure-fire tips ...
How to Build a Pergola on a Concrete Patio eHow
www.ehow.com Landscaping & Outdoor Building Decks & Patios
How to Build a Pergola on a Concrete Patio. An existing concrete patio can be upgraded to include a pergola over it. A pergola can add beauty and charm to an ...
How to build a pergola - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqx1y_oBkkw
http://www.askmediy.com How to build a free standing pergola
Popular Mechanics - How to Build a Pergola - DIY Building a ...
www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/pergola/3352816
Jul 14, 2006 Build a Pergola That's Perfect For Your Backyard ... How to Build a Backyard Pergola: Simple DIY Woodworking Project Step-by step plans to make an
Free Gazebo Plans How to Build a Gazebo Garden Gazebo
www.bluegrassgardens.com/garden-gazebo-plans-build.htm
Build a garden gazebo with free garden gazebo plans including wooden gazebo construction plans, spa gazebo plans, patio gazebos, hot tub gazebos, and more.
How to Build With Bamboo Poles eHow
www.ehow.com Building Materials & Supplies
How to Build With Bamboo Poles. Bamboo is an increasingly popular building material because of its durability, versatility and eco-friendliness. Bamboo is an easily ...