How to Build a Walk-through Pergola

A pergola can be a focal point for your garden or yard. While pergolas can be made in almost any size, shape or material you can think of, a simple weekend project for two is a walk-though pergola. Build one in your yard or garden to make a pathway from one area to another, or to frame a lovely view. Read on to learn how to build a walk-through pergola.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nails
• 2-by-6-inch boards
• Bolts
• 2-by-2-inch boards
• Trellis

Begin the Walk-through Pergola

1. Check with your city or county building department to see if you need a building permit for your pergola. Regulations vary by region, but if you need a permit or variance, be sure to get one or risk receiving a fine.

2. Decide where you want to place your walk-through pergola. The spot should be level and an appropriate spot for a transition. Decide how large you want it to be. Typically a walk-through pergola is narrower than an outdoor-room pergola, but it can be any length you choose.

3. Lay out a grid for your pergola's space with string and pegs. Make sure the lines are straight and parallel. Mark the spots where you want to put your upright support posts, and make sure that the pairs are directly across from one another.

4. Dig a hole at each support post spot. Level the bottom of each hole, and place a 12- to 14-inch deep concrete footing with a bolt on top in each hole. Make sure that the tops of the footings are still level. Fill in any open area in the holes with loose soil, and tamp it down.

5. Bolt a 4-by-4-inch-by-8-foot support post into each footing. Make sure that they're plumb and level. Make a mark 4 inches from the top of each post on both the front and back of the post.

6. Cut a 2-by-6-inch board with a tablesaw the length of the distance from the outside of a support pole to the outside of the opposite support pole plus 8 inches for overhang on each side. Cut a pair of 2-by-6-inch boards this length for each pair of poles. These are your crossbeams.

Complete the Walk-through Pergola

7. Place a crossbeam against the front pair of support posts so that the top of the beam is level with the mark on each post. You can use a couple nails underneath the beam on each post to hold it while you check to make sure it's level. Then bolt it to the post with four bolts at each joining. Repeat with the next crossbeam on the back side of the posts.

8. Attach two crossbeams to each pair of poles the same way you did the first one. You may want to use a router or a jigsaw to make a decorative curve on the bottom edge of the overhanging ends.

9. Use the table saw to cut a 2-by-6-inch board the length from the front side of the first support post to the middle of the next post in line. This is a side beam. Cut a side beam for each space between support posts.

10. Put the first side beam against the outside of the front post under the crossbeam. You may want to notch each side beam so they fit more securely. Hold the beam in place with a nail and place the other end of the side beam against the next post in line. Bolt the sidebeam to both posts.

11. Fasten the remaining side beams in place along the outside of both sides of the walk-through pergola in the same way.

12. Saw 2-by-2-inch boards to the same length as the crossbeams. These are the rafters. Nail the rafters in place across the side beams. You may wish to notch the rafters, if you notched the side beams, for a consistent appearance.

13. Secure a pre-made trellis to each space between support posts if you want. These can support climbing plants growing just outside the pergola.

Tips & Warnings

• You may choose to make each arch (two support posts with crossbeams across the front and back) and then stand the posts in the concrete footings.
• Plant climbing plants along the outside of the walk-through pergola for increased privacy and for the scent of flowers. You may want to choose thorn-free plants as branches may work their way inside the walkway.
• For more decoration or for an evening party, you can hang lights along the length of the walkway on both sides.
• Consider using a wood preservative on the tops of the support posts to keep them from rotting, especially if you've had to saw them to size.