- 1). Measure the dimensions for the pergola with a tape measure. Then mark each corner with a wooden stake. Tie the stakes together with twine. When finished you should have a rectangle measuring 10 feet wide (at the front and back) and 16 feet long (on the left and right).
- 2). Where each stake is located, dig a 2 1/2-foot-deep post hole. Next, add approximately 6 inches of gravel to each hole. Place the posts in the holes. Make sure that each post is standing completely upright. Two feet of each post should be below ground level; the tops should be exactly 10 feet high.
- 3). Mix a batch of concrete and pour it into each of the four holes. The concrete should be poured up to the soil line. Smooth out the concrete with a trowel. Then allow the concrete to dry for 24 hours.
- 4). With the concrete dry, begin working on the roof. Set up a ladder at the first post. At the top of the post, measure down 7.25 inches on the exterior and interior portion of each post and mark it with a marker or pencil. Repeat the process for the other three posts.
- 5). To set up the beams, you will need an assistant. If you begin on the side that is 16 feet long, you will need an 18-foot long beam. This beam will hang 1 foot over each :side.
Set up ladders at each end so that you and your assistant can raise the beam to the markings on the post. Drill two holes, one at the top of the beam and one at the bottom of the beam. 12 inches from the end. Drill the holes through the beam and into the post. Secure the beam into the post with two carriage bolts. Repeat this process on the other end of the beam that your assistant is holding. - 6). Now install another beam on the opposite side of the post you just finished working on. Again, mark 12 inches in from the end of the beam, and drill two holes through the beam and into the post. Then fasten the beam into place with carriage bolts. Once you are finished, two of the posts for the pergola will be sandwiched between two beams. Repeat this same process on the two posts on the other side. Once this is finished, you will have four beams running parallel to each other.
- 7). Take the 12-foot long crossbeams and install them directly above the main beams. The crossbeams will run perpendicular to the main beams. Drill the crossbeams into the posts, allowing a foot of overhang on each side. Drill a top and bottom hole through the crossbeam and into the post. Fasten the crossbeam into the post with carriage bolts. Install these crossbeams on the front and back of the pergola. When finished, you will have a rectangle with a foot of overhang on each side.
- 8). Now nail in the five 18-foot long slats above the crossbeams. The slats will run in the opposite direction of the crossbeams. Each slat will have a foot of overhang on each side. The slat will be nailed into the crossbeams at an angle and secured into place. Start at one end of the pergola and nail in each slat until you reach the other end. Space each slat one foot apart.
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