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Decked Out, Pt. 2: How to Build a Pergola Home improvement goes outside in this project with a deck, pergola and water feature. Check out more value-enhancing home projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-210

The newly installed pergola

Tim and Dawn want a pergola to shade their deck. Pergolas are tasteful shade structures that enhance the beauty of an outdoor landscape without blocking too much sky. Adding decorative lighting makes this deck feel more like a living room than a backyard; a major equity boost, especially because it can be enjoyed year-round.

Below is a summary of the basic steps as seen in this Sweat Equity project, as well as a list of materials and tools used.

Materials and tools:

tape measure
plumb level
2x10's (support beams)
2x6's (shade members)
4x4's (posts)
clamps
circular saw
power drill
carriage bolts
washers and nuts
wood stain

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

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Build a Pergola

• The posts on either side of the deck act as the support beams for the pergola (figure A).

• Hang a crossbeam from these posts, checking level as you work (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Attach a ledger board onto the side of the house (figure C) 6 inches higher than the cross beam, so that the shade members will rest on the cross beam and sit in joist hangers on the ledger board.

• Attach your joist hangers (figure D), using a joist jig for consistent size, every 6 inches on center.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Cut your shade members to size and hang them into the joist hanger, and resting on the crossbeam (figure E). Toenail the shade members into the cross beam to secure.

• When all the shade members are installed, cut crossbeams that will rest on top of the shade members (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

• Cut 2x3 inch notches into the cross members so that they will interlock with the shade members to create lattice (figure G).

• Stain and seal your pergola.

RESOURCES :

Resources for Sweat Equity, episode 210:

contractor: Eldon Linker

hot tub — Jacuzzi Hot Tubs
Website: www.jacuzzihotttubs.com

pond materials — Savio
Website: www.savio.cc

lighting — Unique Lighting
Website: www.uniquelighting.com