To begin, congratulations on your decision to build a do it yourself pergola, it will surely add a great addition to your home! There are several steps involved in building your own pergola. To begin, create a plan and obtain permissions. Once permission is obtained you can start building your pergola by measuring, setting up posts, attaching horizontal beams, and finally attaching your rafters. If you have no idea where to begin in building your pergola, don't fear! These do it yourself pergola instructions will have you on your way to building a pergola for your home in no time.
The first step, before you even begin your do it yourself pergola, is to buy some quality plans. Make sure to take these plans to your local building office to ensure that your plan meets all of the permit requirements. Once you have obtained permission to build your pergola, check the area for any gas, water, or electric lines to ensure that you don't run into any problematic situations along the way. After gaining permission and checking for any underground lines, you can begin your do it yourself pergola. By following your plans and measuring out your designated area you can ensure that your pergola will fit perfectly.
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Once you have finished your measurements you can begin the actual building of your do it yourself pergola. You will most likely start by digging holes to secure your posts. Make each hole slightly deeper than 3 feet. It is often recommended that once you are finished digging the holes, you place 2-3 inches of crushed rock in them. This is promote drainage and prevent your wood from rotting. Once you have added the crushed rocks, carefully place your posts into each hole. Use a level to ensure that each post is straight. For extra support, clamp temporary braces to the poles to ensure that they remain standing. Once this is finished, fill each posthole with concrete.
The next step in your do it yourself pergola is attaching your horizontal beams. These will be placed at the top of your pergola. Start by placing your first beam horizontally across 3 of your vertical beams. Ensure that you attach horizontal beams to both sides of the vertical wood. To make things easier, you can first attach these beams temporarily with regular screws. Once the beams are in place, drill in carriage bolts, secure them with nuts and washers, and tighten the nuts with a socket wrench until the wood begins compressing. Repeat this process until all your beams are in place.
The final step in building a do it yourself pergola is attaching your rafters across the top of your beams. Spacer boards are a great way to ensure that your rafters are equally spaced. Once you have your rafters in place, attach them to your beams using hurricane clips. When you have completed this step, building your do it yourself pergola has come to an end and you should have a completed pergola in your backyard.
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