DIY Network

Redwood Shade Structure Build a great place to chill out. From "Yard Crashers" episode DYCR-104

Strong anchors and careful leveling make this pergola sturdy as well as beautiful.

Fun in the sun is a lot more fun if there's a shady area to cool off. A new redwood shade structure gives these homeowners a place to kick back and enjoy their like-new pool deck. Rounding out this outdoor oasis: a custom table made from an existing tree stump.

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Redwood Shade Structure

Materials: post bases expansion bolts wood screws two-part epoxy epoxy gum 6x6 rough redwood posts 2x8 rough redwood stringers 2x4 rough redwood laterals 2" wood screws half-inch lag bolts nuts and washers to fit lag bolts

Tools: chalk or pencil post level tape measure safety glasses skillsaw sawzall cordless drill combo kit concrete hammer drill general woodworking hand tools electric impact driver socket driver kit

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

• Sketch out the structure design. The exact design for the structure will depend on the area to be shaded. For this project, six posts were placed 8 to 10 feet apart to support the structure.

• Measure and cut lumber. Carefully measure and mark the redwood lumber to correspond with the structure's design (figure A). Wearing safety glasses, cut the various pieces of lumber to size for posts, stringers and lateral pieces.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses when working with any type of power tool such as a power saw.

• Measure and mark post positions. Carefully measure and mark the positions for the shade structure posts.

• Anchor the posts. If anchoring the posts in concrete – as with this project – use a concrete hammer drill to anchor the posts at the desired positions using metal post bases and expansion bolts (figure B). Make sure to wear safety glasses when using the hammer drill. If not anchoring the posts into concrete, dig a posthole, insert and level the post, then fill the hole with concrete and let dry.

• Level the posts. Using a post level, make sure each post is standing level and in line.

• Install the 2x8 redwood stringers. Each pair of posts will be connected at the top by two 2x8 stringers. To do this, sandwich the 2x8s around the tops of the posts, then level them and tack them into place with 2-inch wood screws (figure C). With the 2x8s held in place (figure D), drill holes through both 2x8s and the post and secure them using half-inch lag bolts and nuts. Slip a washer over each lag bolt before sliding it through the wood, then add another washer before attaching the nut. Use the same procedure to install the stringers on the other pairs of posts.

• Install the 2x4 redwood laterals. Space the 2x4 laterals 6 inches apart across the top of the 2x8 stringers. The laterals should be on edge (tall) to prevent sagging. Secure the laterals to the stringers using wood screws (figure E).

• Stain and seal the structure. If desired, apply an exterior-grade wood stain to the structure, following the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a clear sealer. (If staining, make sure the stain is completely dry before sealing.)