Did anyone out there build a DIY pergola... tips?

Question

Janet Pizaro · Answer

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=pergola

Carol Thomas · Answer

We did. We used the plans below. It took us 2 days and the materials cost about $250.00.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a760/how-to-build-a-pergola-plans/

Deb K · Answer

https://www.thebalance.com/free-pergola-plans-1357132

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I did one for a client a couple years ago. The main columns are 6 x 6 rough cedar set with galvanized brackets in 10' dia concrete footers. the long beam runs are 4 x 8 rough cedar set in notched columns, the cross members are 4 x 6 cedar. the size is roughly 20 x 12 http://www.hometalk.com/diy/n-boulder-pergola-533913

Jeannine Maranchuk · Answer

We built one in our front yard years ago that was small. It was 4 4x4 green treated 10ft (3ft in the ground set in quick crete). We spaced the 4x4 6ft apart. Then we built the top from 8ft green treated 2x4s.We ripped the very top 2x4s in half lengthwise to relieve some weight on the top. It was really cool. Then we planted Hops (fast growing) and then some some vines (Virginia Creeper)that grew slower. Hope this helps

Holly Kinchlea-Brown · Answer

Use pressure treated wood or cedar

Mogie · Answer

We used pressure treated wood. Put put a plastic sleeve over the wood. That was over 15 years ago. Just hose it down once a year.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Use oak or you could use Pressure Treated Wood.

Karen Sebastiani · Answer

Use 4 posts 6*6 for the corners and make a box on top run cable (cheap fix is IKEA drapery cable system) to run parallel lines. Use canvas cloth with grommets and your shade can be moved open or closed. You could also put side drapes. Painters canvas drop cloths are great and can be painted if you want designs.

Dianacirce70 · Answer

Instead of attaching it to the wall it can stand free by using 4x4 posts and building the top on those. Most pergolas I've seen are freestanding, and not attached. This link may help https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/structures/how-to-build-a-pergola

Penny · Answer

cement your posts into large boxes or planters

Hillela G. · Answer

CHeck these awesome Hometalkers' pergolas out t get started http://www.hometalk.com/categories/woodworking/garden-needs/pergolas

Liz at Simple Decorating Tips · Answer

Here's the DIY pergola we built:

http://simpledecoratingtips.com/2015/04/08/before-and-after-landscape-and-diy-pergola/

Hope it helps!

Liz, SimpleDecoratingTips.com

William · Answer

https://www.thebalance.com/free-pergola-plans-1357132

Holly Kinchlea-Brown · Answer

Depending upon the size you want, simply using 2x4‘s and 2x2‘s for construction (stained to your taste) will look good without breaking the bank

SandyG · Answer

Click on the link below and you will find ideas for DIY pergolas to build and decorate, here on Hometalk.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=pergola

Janet Pizaro · Answer

https://www.hometalk.com/categories/build/outdoor-structures/pergolas

Shoshana · Answer

This awesome Hometalker has some awesome tips!

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-1328827

C. D. Scallan · Answer

This should help

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/decks/build-your-own-pergola-for-an-outdoor-retreat-1938028

Johnavallance82 · Answer

4 upright Timbers 2.5 metres long (enough height including for sinking in hole). Set into ground 450/500ml deep. Buy 4 bags 'Postcrete' for quick setting (Sets in mins). Use a Spirit level to make sure they are uptight and true. Buy enough cross timbers to choice allowing 1foot overhang each side (allowing 300ml (1ft). And screws or nails to fix

Lifestyles Homes · Answer

I would buy a pre-fab vinyl or aluminum kit, on clearance, as wood ones will need to be pressure treated or synthetic wood, if you don’t want to paint and re-paint it, every two years.

If you’ve the time, the tools & the skills, there are many DIY plans for pergolas onine & for just few bucks at big box DIY stores & real lumber yards. Be sure & buy exactly the materials & fasteners that they specify. Expect it to take twice as long as planned, in my experience.

It needs be anchored to the concrete, so that a storm doesn’t send it crashing into a house or car. That will require a long concrete drill bit, epoxy cement and long galvanized eye bolts. Measure twice, drill once.

Here’s the part no one likes to read:

Before any of this, make sure your local City Planning & Zoning Ordinances allow you to put this where you want it and that it’s not too tall & is structurally sound.

Yes, the Cities and the Counties have Ordinances on these things.

Depending on the size, construction methodology & the jurisdictional agencies, you may need a Building Permit.

It’s worth making some phone calls, as non-permitted construction can be both Fined & Razed by the jurisdictional agencies.

Emily · Answer

My husband built both the pergola and the grape arbor. Since we live in Maine, the post holes (he dug them) go four feet into the ground. The lattice is from Home Depot and on pergola a found piece shown here. He laid the brick for the patio (eight feet across) The pergola is more than 14' long. AS jobs go these were not difficult (except for post holes) however my husband is a person who goes from one project to another, painting an oil portrait, then building a pergola, then making a half hull model. In other words he has spent very much of his life in self training on projects he is interested in.

Presheila · Answer

'Plant' the ends in larger pot planters and seal before filling pots with soil and plants to preserve the ends. User friendly and aesthetically pleasing also mobile

Kelly-n-Tony · Answer

If you just want it roofed for shade versus completely roofed it just takes some 2x4's in the right length.

William · Answer

These free plans will explain how.

https://morningchores.com/pergola-plans/

https://www.thespruce.com/free-pergola-plans-1357132

Kelli L. Milligan · Answer

You can use outdoor canvas if want shade, or use clear corrugated roofing or plexiglass.

Liz at Simple Decorating Tips · Answer

Here is link to a pergola my husband and I built several years ago, (and 3 houses ago) The key that made it easy was using the fiberglass columns. They mounted directly on the concrete patio and wouldn't have issues from the water. Maybe it will offer some inspiration to your project! :)

Ruth Herron · Answer

PVC Pipes and for sides and top use plastic white lattice. My husband made one in front of our small pool. Dig holes for pipe and pour saccrete for pvc pipes 5 or 6 inches in diameter. We moved so I'm not sure of the size. The top took 3 lattice pieces I think they were about 4x8. Concrete base.

Holly Bertone | Pink Fortitude · Answer

These are two articles that show how we took our small and sad deck and turned it into a gorgeous entertainment space complete with a pergola. Hope they help with some inspiration! Hugs, Holly