How to Build an Arbor or Pergola
Arbores and pergolas, which are designed to provide relief from the sun's heat, can be just large enough to shelter a table for two, spacious enough to cover a large deck, or any size in between.
1. Fasten each post base to the concrete with an anchor bolt (if building on the ground, dig a post hole, fill with concrete, and position the top of the precast pier 3 to 4 inches above grade level). Cut the posts to length if necessary. Nail the posts to the post bases.
Regardless of size or style, an arbour or a pergola not only gives you a shady place to relax or party but can also solve the nagging problem of how to screen your site from above--for instance, to block the view from the windows of your neighbours' houses or a nearby apartment building.
Building an Arbour or Pergola
The terms arbour and pergola are often used interchangeably, but there is a minor distinction between the two.
Although both consist of posts supporting an open roof of beams or lattice, an arbor is broader and may be connected to a building on one side. A pergola, on the other hand, is always freestanding and narrow.
Regardless of which of these shade-giving structures you choose to build, the technique is the same. This project is best done with two people. As with any permanent structure, consult your local building department before proceeding.
Materials list
6-by-6 posts
One post base and anchor bolt for each post (if you are affixing to concrete) or one pre-cast concrete pier with post base, plus concrete mix (if building on soil)
Galvanized nails
One 1/2-by-10" lag bolt with washer per post
Two 1/2-by-7" lag bolts with washers per beam
Braces and wooden stakes
Two 6-by-6 beams
4-by-4 rafters
2. Use a level on two adjacent sides to check that each post is vertical. Secure it in position with temporary braces nailed to wooden stakes that are driven into the ground.
4. Set and space the rafters on top of the beams. With a 7/16-inch bit, drill 6-inch-deep holes through the rafters and into the beams. Install a 7-inch lag bolt into each hole. For more strength, you can install diagonal bracing between the posts and the beams. For shade, cover the rafters with vines or lath, either 1 by 2s or 2 by 2s.
3. With a helper, position a beam on top of the posts. Check that the posts are still vertical and the beam is level. Use a 7/16-inch bit to drill a 9-inch-deep hole down through the beam into each post. With a wrench, install a 10-inch lag bolt into the hole. Repeat for the other beam.
5. The final product.
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