A pergola is one of the many things you can build in your garden or backyard to beautify it. The word pergola is of Italian origin. Though this structure does not provide protection from the wind and rain, it provides some shelter against sunlight. A properly built pergola can be the pride of your garden or backyard.

Planning

Decide where you want your pergola to be located and what design you want. This is the most important part of building a pergola. You can build your pergola either on floor or directly on the ground. In case you are building the pergola directly on the ground, you should make the posts longer.

Fixing the posts (Use 4 X 4 sized posts)

If you are fixing the posts on a surface other than the ground, you should use post-base anchors. Once you have fixed the post base anchors, secure the posts such that they stay plumb.

In case you are fixing the posts directly on the ground you will need some concrete to keep the posts plumb. Before you start digging holes, make sure there are no underground gas lines or electric cables. You can use either a power auger or posthole digger. The depth of the hole should be around two feet or more and the diameter around one foot. Place your two foot long forming tube into the hole in such a way that it is level with the surrounding ground. Place the post and fill the tube with concrete. You will have to make sure that the post is plumb and properly aligned. Once this is done, leave it alone till the concrete hardens and then proceed to add the columns.

Fastening the columns (Only if part of the design)

Place the hollow columns upside down over the posts. This will enable you to measure the height of the columns. If the height is above the required level, cut the extra part using a jigsaw. Once the columns are of the right height, attach 1 X 4 shims to the 4 X 4 posts. Attach the shims on all four sides of the post and plug the top of the hollow columns using wooden plugs. Use industry adhesives when placing the plugs. Now fix the columns properly and make sure they are secure.

Fixing the beams

Place the main beams over the columns and attach them to the wooden plugs using angle brackets. The next step is to attach the ledger strips, which are used to support the rafters. Now place the rafters and secure them properly.

Cutting the rafter tails

Cut the rafter tails ensuring that they are all of the same size and shape. The rafter tails can vary according to the pergola design.

Fixing the rafter tails and lattice

Fix the rafter tails and secure them properly. Once the rafter tails are fixed, you can attach the lattice and attend to the finishing touches.

Follow the above steps and you will have a pergola you can be proud of.