Steps on How to Build a Backyard Custom Built Pergola


Building a custom built pergola can be a simple to challenging building project depending on what plan you pick so make sure you know your skill level before starting. All the free pergola plans include building instructions, lists of tools and materials that you'll need, diagrams, and photos.

Steps for Custom Built Pergola
1. Measure the existing deck and sketch out a design for the project. The new deck posts and roof frame can support a traditional roof, pergola beams or a louvered roof system. If using a louvered system, determine the finished size of the louvered panels before starting to make sure everything fits properly.

2. Use a prybar to remove the deck panels from the posts being replaced. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through nails as needed. Don't cut through the panels — they'll be reused with the new posts. Remove everything attached to the posts, including any benches or swings. Use a prybar to remove the necessary posts from the deck. To prevent injury, use a hammer to bend down any nails sticking out of the posts before setting them aside.

3. Measure and cut the new posts that will support the roof structure. Measure the notches in the old posts and mark the notch lines on the new posts. Use a circular saw to start the cuts for the notches, then follow up with a reciprocating saw to create clean inside corners. Use a miter saw to angle the top of the new posts to match the style of the old posts of your custom built pergola.

4. Have a helper hold the new post in position and drill two holes through the post and into the deck frame. Drive lag bolts through the holes, tightening with a socket wrench. Tighten or loosen the bolts as needed to keep the post plumb.

5. Measure and cut a center post to help support the roof frame; the post should be long enough to sit flush with the bottom of the floor joist under the deck. Use a spade bit to drill a hole in the deck next to the floor joist; enlarge the hole so the post will fit snugly. Slip the post through the hole, line it up with the bottom of the joist and attach to the joist. Make sure the post is plumb and tighten the bolts with a socket wrench.

6. Measure and cut 2-by-8-inch cedar lumber to frame the outside of the posts, plus a pair of 2x8s to go between the center posts. The louvered panels will fit snugly inside these frames. Tip: Use a jigsaw to cut a decorative edge on the ends of the long beams and attach the beams to the tops of the posts with lag bolts of your custom built pergola.

7. Use long, galvanized screws to reattach the deck panels and any benches or other accessories that were removed for the project.

8. The posts and frame are now ready for a the roof treatment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Building DIY Pergola Kit is Easy and Hard at The Same Time

Have you been scouring DIY sites trying to find the perfect set of instructions for how to build a pergola? Have you considered more of a hybrid approach to creating the perfect wood structure for your backyard? Our pine and cedar pergola kits give you the best of both worlds. Take the guesswork out of knowing whether you’ve got the right materials. The cutting and drilling are the steps that will be most time-intensive and require special tools. Let us do all that and ship it to you, and you’ll get the satisfaction of building a pergola. Or, if you truly want the whole DIY experience, you can still find some helpful info here that might come in handy for your project such as pergola wood comparison and assembly steps. These steps specifically apply to how to build a pergola from one of our DIY pergola kit , but could be applied to your project. These instructions are how to build our DIY pergola kit, our trellis or arbor style pergola that can be used as a garden or patio border...
Read more

Pergola Shopping vs DIY pergola kit

If you are hesitant about tackling pergola construction using pergola plans and your budget is not too restricted, then you really should do diy pergola kit . Pergolas are very attractive and make a great addition to any yard. Before you can enjoy your own pergola, you have to decide how you will acquire one. Will you build one yourself or will you buy the kit? Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your time, construction experience, and financial situation, you have a couple of choices. It's just the thing to bring backyard landscaping to life. Pergolas were common features of Italian Renaissance gardens, often covering walkways or serving as grape arbors. Today, the same design can be used to define a passageway or frame a focal point in your yard. Add a climbing plant such as wisteria or, yes, grapevines, and your pergola will provide color and shade as well. Your own DIY Pergola Kit from start to finish creating your own unique design by ...
Read more

Critical Steps to Building a Freestanding Pergola

Freestanding pergolas have at least four posts and like their name says, stand without being attached to any other structure or wall. They are typically located independent of any anchored surface like a deck or patio and therefore require the posts to be sunk into post-hole footings or to have the posts surface mounted to concrete footings. Be sure your freestanding pergola is properly anchored for worry free enjoyment. Anchoring pergola posts to paving stones is not an acceptable method of anchoring. The advantage of building a freestandingpergola is there are no limitations on total size, height, or orientation. There are however always limits to the span of the beams. Unless you are working in structural steel (and we do work with that quite often), spans should be limited to twenty feet between posts to avoid special orders and special prices that go with extra-long lumber. Installing the Posts The posts are composed of pressure-treated 4 x 4 cores that are sheathed...
Read more