How to Build a Pergola on a Deck
A pergola is like a roof for a patio or a deck, but it is not completely covered with roofing materials. It is a striking addition to your landscape because climbing plants such as clematis, climbing roses, or ivy can be trained to grow on the pergola, eventually creating more natural shade.
Tools and Materials:
- Wood Planks and
- Several two-by-four’s
- Fence or Other Posts
- Bolts
- Drill
- Saw
- Screws
- Nails
- Screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Tape Measure
- Ladder
- Wood Stain or Varnish (optional)
- Measure and record your deck or patio dimensions. Use the information to determine the best placement and size for the pergola.
- Draft or design the pergola yourself, or research designs in a book, magazine, or online. Write out the lumber dimension.
- Purchase finished lumber preferably that is pretreated for outdoor use. Many home improvement retailers sell already cut and finished pergola boards and posts to hold up the cross beams of the pergola.
- Assemble the materials and gather all of the tools you will need on a day that has suitable weather for working outside.
- Prep the tops and bottoms of the posts. Fasten or secure the posts into the ground or on the porch itself. The pergola has to be able to withstand weathering and strong winds, so make sure the post placement and anchoring is sufficient.
- Varnish or stain the wood after cutting and sanding the wood. This will further protect the wood from the elements such as sunlight, water, and cold temperatures.
- Construct the top of the pergola by installing the cross brace beams, the diagonal beams, and the top most slats of wood.