How to Frame a Pergola
A pergola is a popular type of overhead structure for patios, walkways and landscape getaways. While the terms "pergola" and "arbor" are often used interchangeably, historically a pergola was an open-roofed structure attached to a house or other building. Today, a pergola is just as often a freestanding structure that can be placed anywhere in the landscape.
The frame of a pergola is much like that of a large arbor, with four corner posts or columns supporting heavy lumber or timber beams. Atop the beams are a series of 2-by-4-inch or larger rafters, spaced according the desired look and shading effects of the overhead. For more shading or light filtering, you can add an optional layer of 2-by-2-inch slats on top of the rafters, using the desired spacing.
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Things You'll Need
- Basic carpentry tools
- Excavation tools
- Stakes and mason's string
- Concrete
- Post bases with anchor bolts
- 4-by-4-inch, 4-by-6-inch or 6-by-6-inch posts*
- Timbers or 2-by beam lumber*
- 2-by lumber rafters*
- 2-by-2-inch lumber for slats* (optional)
- Lag screws (for attached pergola)
- Washers and/or Z-flashing (for attached pergola)
- Joist hangers and nails (for attached pergola)
- 1/2-inch carriage bolts or post-beam connectors and fasteners
- Framing nails
- *All lumber must be pressure-treated or a rot-resistant grade of cedar or other species
Instructions
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Mark the precise post locations on the ground, using stakes and mason's string. Dig a hole at each location, and pour a concrete pier (footing) as specified by your city's building code. Embed anchor bolts into the wet concrete for securing the post bases.
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Install the post bases as directed by the manufacturer. Cut the posts to length (if desired; or you can trim them during the beam installation). Install the posts and brace them temporarily with cross bracing so the posts are perfectly plumb.
For an attached pergola, install a 2-by ledger board on the house wall, fastening it to the wall studs with lag screws; include flashing above the ledger or use washers to provide an air gap, as applicable.
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Install the beams on the posts. You can use 4-by-6-inch or 6-by-6-inch timbers for the beams, anchoring them to the tops of the posts with post-beam connectors, or use two 2-by boards sandwiched over the posts and anchored with carriage bolts. For an attached pergola, the ledger serves as one of the beams.
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Make layout marks onto the beams (and ledger) for the rafters. Cut the rafters to length so they overhang the beams as desired, and install them with nails or metal framing connectors such as hurricane ties. For an attached pergola, secure the house-ends of the rafters to the ledger with joist hangers. Add 2-by-2-inch slats over the rafters, if desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Have your plans reviewed and approved by the local building department to be sure your project is up to code and any necessary permits are obtained.
