How to Make a Heavy Duty Pergola

Pergolas are popular features in many backyards. Formed with an open lattice roof, a pergola is a type of gazebo that can either stand alone or be attached to another building or structure. It provides a partially covered seating area as well as a structure on which many climbing plants can grow and thrive. Building a backyard pergola is not difficult, but the appropriate tools are needed to make the job easier.

Instructions

Choose where the pergola will be installed. Measure a spot that is 8 square feet. Mark the corners where the support posts will stand using metal stakes.

Cut four, 4-inch-by-4-inch support posts to the desired length and add 18 inches. Dig four holes, 2 feet deep and at least 12-inches wide. The holes must be deep enough to go below the frost line. Pour a thin layer of gravel in the bottom of each hole. Set one post in each of the holes and pour concrete mix around the post. Brace the post after verifying that it is straight and level. Wait at least two days until the concrete has completely hardened.

Cut four, 2-inch-by-6-inch support beams. Each beam should be the same length as the distance between two of the support posts. Add three inches to each side, which will allow the beam to go slightly past each of the posts.

Secure one beam to the top of the support posts using four screws. Secure a second support beam on the opposite side of the same posts, again using screws. Check to see if the two beams are level on the edges using the carpenter's level. Repeat the same steps on the other side of the pergola.

Cut 10 more pieces of 2-inch-by-6-inch lumber the same width as the pergola, but add 6 inches to the end of each beam. Cut double notches in each of the crossbeams using a table saw with a type of circular saw blade called a "dado" blade. This type of blade is most often used to cut notches or grooves in wood. The crossbeams will fit cross-ways, or perpendicular, to the beams that are already installed. Install the support beams at the posts first, placing one on each side of the post. Install the other three pairs by screwing each into the support beams using wood screws. Make sure the spacing of the other pairs is the same as at the support posts.

Measure diagonally, starting about 6 inches from the top of the support post up to one of the crossbeams. Cut four pairs of support braces from the 2-inch-by-6-inch wood to this length. Cut each of the braces with a miter saw, so that each has a 45-degree angle on one end. Place two of the braces flush near the top of one of the support posts and attach with screws.

Cut five roof slats from the 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber; cut them the same length as the support beams. Cut notches in each of the slats using the table saw and fit each over the beams. These roof slats should be secured in the opposite direction of the crossbeams. Attach each slat to the crossbeams with screws.

Stain the pergola once the structure has been finished. Pergolas can also be painted if staining is not the desired option.

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