Build A Pergola
Pergolas are both practical and decorative, providing support for climbing plants, while giving the garden structure. Follow our guide to building your own pergola, or if you find this too tricky call on one of our SafeTrade Registered Gardeners to complete the job for you!
Time needed
2 half-days for a simple pergola, with 2 days break for concrete setting
You will need
• wooden posts, 85mm x 85mm x 3m (3.3in x 3.3in x 9.8ft)
• wooden cross members, 33mm x 33mm x 1.8m (1.3in x 1.3in x 5.9ft)
• wooden beams, 45mm x 95mm x 3m (1.7in x 3.7in x 9.8ft)
• bolts to support the frame
• stainless steel screws, countersunk
• ballast and cement
What to do
• Plan your pergola location and measure the space available. Think about what the pergola will be used for.
• Choose your pergola. It\\\'s possible to erect simple structures yourself, but professional advice is recommended for complicated designs.
• Select the materials for your design. Pressure-treated softwood is the most popular material in the UK.
• First clear the site then mark the positions for the upright posts. Dig post holes 60cm deep and insert the pillars.
• Place cross members to link posts together and check they are level.
• Use a fairly stiff mixture of concrete to secure the posts and allow to harden for two days.
• Once the concrete is set build the remaining framework.
• Stain the wood a colour of your choice and coat with clear water repellent.
• Plant climbers to scramble up your pergola and provide trellis or wires for support.
Time needed
2 half-days for a simple pergola, with 2 days break for concrete setting
You will need
• wooden posts, 85mm x 85mm x 3m (3.3in x 3.3in x 9.8ft)
• wooden cross members, 33mm x 33mm x 1.8m (1.3in x 1.3in x 5.9ft)
• wooden beams, 45mm x 95mm x 3m (1.7in x 3.7in x 9.8ft)
• bolts to support the frame
• stainless steel screws, countersunk
• ballast and cement
What to do
• Plan your pergola location and measure the space available. Think about what the pergola will be used for.
• Choose your pergola. It\\\'s possible to erect simple structures yourself, but professional advice is recommended for complicated designs.
• Select the materials for your design. Pressure-treated softwood is the most popular material in the UK.
• First clear the site then mark the positions for the upright posts. Dig post holes 60cm deep and insert the pillars.
• Place cross members to link posts together and check they are level.
• Use a fairly stiff mixture of concrete to secure the posts and allow to harden for two days.
• Once the concrete is set build the remaining framework.
• Stain the wood a colour of your choice and coat with clear water repellent.
• Plant climbers to scramble up your pergola and provide trellis or wires for support.