Things You'll Need:
- Spray paint
- T-square or laser distance measurer
- Post hole digger or post auger
- Yard stick or measuring tape
- Crushed rock or gravel
- Pergola post
- Post level
- Stakes
- Sledge hammer
- Nails
- C-clamps
- Hammer
- Several lengths of wood for bracing
- Concrete and water
- Bucket
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Step 1
Design your pergola. Clear your site and check for underground and above-ground utility lines, pipes or other impediments. Check building codes in your area to determine if any permits are needed.
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Step 2
Mark the location of your pergola posts with spray paint. Check that your posts are properly aligned. The marked area needs to form two straight lines. Each post must be directly across from its mate to properly support each rafter. Use a large T-square or laser distance measurer to mark a straight line.
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Step 3
Use a post hole digger or post auger to dig a hole on each area marked for a post hole. Dig the hole deep enough to provide the proper support for your pergola post. Check with local building codes to determine the proper support depth for outdoor structures in your area; generally 1/3 of the post is underground. Dig the hole wide enough to accommodate your post and concrete, about a 10 to 12 inch circle. Use a measuring tape or yard stick to measure the depth of each hole. Each hole needs to be the same depth.
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Step 4
Pour 5 to 6 inches of crushed rock or gravel in each hole for water drainage. Position your post into the hole. Use a post level to determine if your post is level and vertical.
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Step 5
Brace your post with a temporary bracing system. Use a sledge hammer to pound a stake into the ground several feet from your post. Nail a length of wood to the top of the post and the stake. Use a C-clamp to attach the wood to the post, if desired. Brace your end post on two sides to keep it stable during construction.
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Step 6
Mix your concrete with water in a bucket according to manufacturers instructions. Fill the hole with concrete. Build a small mound around the base of the post to assist with water runoff. Pat the concrete gently to eliminate air bubbles and to create a smooth surface. Check your post to see if it is level. Make any adjustments if necessary. Allow the concrete to set according to manufacturer's instructions.
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Step 7
Wait until your first post has properly set. Use your first post as your guide for subsequent pergola posts. Level your subsequent posts against your set pergola post.
