With a few tools and our handy guide, you’ll be able to install a shady, stylish sanctuary in your garden in just an afternoon.
Using trailing vines and some cosy outdoor seating, you can create a modern focal point for your garden, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. It’s time to take the plunge and install the pergola of your dreams this summer so you can spend it chilling out in your new outdoor paradise.
Things You'll Need:
● Post Bases or Anchors: To keep everything upright and secure.
● Concrete Mix: Used to set your posts once they’re in the ground.
● Spade: For digging the holes your posts will sit in.
● Spirit Level and a Tape Measure: To make sure everything is sitting exactly as it should be.
● Bolts, Woodscrews and Fixings: These will be what holds your pergola together.
● Power Drill: It’s much easier to put a pergola together with power tools.
● Exterior Wood Stain or Paint: Choose something that enhances the space you already have.
● Brushes, Roller, Trays, and Sandpaper: Everything you need to prep and paint your brand new pergola.
● Ground Sheets: These make it easy to avoid a mammoth clean-up operation when you’re finished.
● Brackets and Joist Hangers (Optional): These all depend on the design you choose to build.
Step 1: Plan and Mark Out Your Space
Start off with a simple sketch then move things outdoors. Using strings and stakes you can get a feel for the size of your pergola and how it will fit in with your garden. You can even upload a photo to a design app and have a play around with styles, colours, and sizes before you commit to your final design.
Step 2: Dig and Set Your Posts
If you’re constructing a free-standing pergola, then you’ll want to dig down around 600mm deep. Then you can drop in post bases or concrete in anchors to create a sturdy foundation for your pergola. This is especially important when you’re working on softer ground.
Next, you should follow the manufacturer's guidance to mix up your concrete and pour it into the holes. Then you can carefully lower in your vertical posts. Make sure you have a second set of hands to help you hold them in place whilst the mix sets! This also allows you to use a spirit level to make sure the posts stay perfectly upright as the concrete sets.
Step 3: Attach Crossbeams and Rafters
Now you’ve got the vertical posts in place, it’s time to start putting up the crossbeams and rafters. Using your exterior screws and brackets you can fix the top beams across the posts first. Next, you can add the rafters at even intervals across the top beams.
You can use joist hangers or angle brackets for a stronger pergola with a cleaner finish. You might also consider using galvanised hardware as it weathers a lot better, especially in the British rainy season!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
It’s always sensible to treat your timber as soon as it’s standing to prevent any damage from the elements. Sand your timber to remove any rough spots, then apply your paint, stain or oil. Don’t forget to cover the area with dust sheets to prevent any spills or staining.