How to Build Pergola

How to Build Pergola How to Build Pergola Pergola is an interesting structure that people often prefer to add to their porch, walkway or garden. It is a beautiful home addition that is gives a decorative element to the home exterior. It allows you to suspend attractive flower pots and provides support for several climbing plants. Besides being used as decorative addition, it can also provide shade and comfort on a sunny day. With all these benefits attached with pergola, it is worth an addition.

Learn how to build pergola from the following given instructions:

Instructions

First thing you need to do is to select an appropriate design. There are different pergola designs that you can opt from like free standing, attached or a free standing pergola next to a structure.
Now as per your design requirements, dig post holes for the desired number of posts. For instance, if you decide to go for a free standing pergola, you will need at least four posts, though some may require six. But for an attached pergola, two to three holes (depending upon the size of your deck or patio) will be sufficient. While making the post holes take care to dig the holes below the frost line or as per the specification requirements of your local municipality.
Once the required number of post holes is created, install the posts by filling the holes with the concrete. You can directly mix the concrete in the hole by pouring dry mix into the hole and then adding water to it. When the mix acquires right consistency, put the poles into the wet concrete and allow the concrete to dry.
When the concrete hardens properly, install the top rails of the pergola. In case you are making an attached pergola, then make sure to use metal wall brackets. This will make your installation process easier. Carefully attach the wall brackets and then insert the lumber into them and finally secure the entire thing with wood screws.
For proving required support to the posts, use standard ceiling joists underneath the four posts. Also use them for each length beam across the pergola.
Now, before placing the beams on top of the pergola make sure to cut their ends at an angle with a few inches of overhang.
Depending upon how much coverage you want for the pergola top, select the desired number of beams. Also add some lattice work on top of the beams for creating a comfy look.