| There's nothing better than having a pergola during | | | | concrete is still wet. |
| those sizzling summer days. In spite of what people | | | | Get some strapping to put the post into the anchors. |
| believe, constructing a pergola is fairly simple provided | | | | When you set the headers make sure that they are |
| you are familiar with the procedure. | | | | all even, and mark the level. When you have the right |
| This sort of starter home project is just perfect for | | | | measurements, cut the posts and headers. The |
| the novice carpenter who wants a functional yet | | | | proceeding step is to paint the pieces. Paint it any |
| artistic and beautiful addition to any home. And as | | | | way you like. Although some may prefer to paint |
| hard as it seems, you really don't need to worry | | | | later, doing it now is more preferable because the |
| about getting over your head as long as you keep it | | | | pieces are still separate. This makes the process of |
| simple and stick to your plan. | | | | painting and drying easier. |
| The best way to beat the heat during summer is | | | | Take the stock and slice according to the precise |
| with a pergola. However, there is no need to pay | | | | measurements. A 3-4-5 level (triangular) will help |
| someone do the work, because with the right | | | | ensure that all the pieces are similar. Before you start |
| equipment you can make it yourself. | | | | to cut and paint though, make certain that there are |
| To create your pergola you will need a stock (2 x 4 | | | | no bends. |
| and 2 x 8), post stock (4 x 4), several bolts and | | | | At this point you can put in a patio if you like, or |
| screws, foundation tubes, anchors, nails and paint. | | | | some other flooring. Do not add any more pieces until |
| You will also need a wheelbarrow, a shovel, ladder, | | | | you have placed the flooring, if you so desire. |
| stakes, hatchet, measuring tape, saw (circular or | | | | Now is the time to connect the posts to the post |
| table). paintbrush, and a hammer or nail gun. Also get | | | | anchors of the pergola. Use the countersink of the |
| a drill. | | | | drill to manufacture openings in the holes in both the |
| First use the stakes to shape the pergola. For a | | | | headers and the posts. Slice the blocks at the point |
| rectangular pergola, use a piece of wood or anything | | | | where the headers and posts will join up. Use the |
| straight as a guide. Next, you need to have a strong | | | | screwdrivers to securely tighten everything into |
| foundation, so use the shovel to create a hole wide | | | | place. |
| enough for the posts and also about 4 inches deep. | | | | Now you take the cross members and put them on |
| Next mix the cement and pour them into the tubes. | | | | top of the pergola headers, nailing the smaller ones |
| Place them some three inches beneath the surface, | | | | into the larger headers. Some use a middle header. If |
| and then set the anchors, making sure that the | | | | you do, nail it as well. |