Knowing how to build a pergola is a highly rated DIY job for summer. And what better time to build yours than when warm weather is here? As is a little drizzle from time to time...
A pergola will add structure and more interest to your outdoor space, whether you have a small decking area or are looking to zone a large patio space. Plus, it will create shelter and a little shade for when you need it, making al fresco dining or lounging all the more enjoyable.
Follow our practical step-by-step guide to build yourself a pergola and enjoy more outdoors, in comfort and style. When you're done, you can cover yours in evergreen vines, roses and whatever kind of climbing foliage you'd like to simply add a little more personality to your space.
- See our other garden pergola ideas – DIY or not.
1. Line up the upright posts of the pergola
Lay the three upright posts for one side of your pergola on the ground. Cut two lengths of timber to 1.22m and use them to mark the correct distance between the uprights, top and bottom.
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2. Line up and mark the pergola rafters
Lay a rafter in position, jutting 200mm from the edges of the outer posts. Then mark the outline of the post tops on the rafter. As the timbers may not be identical, it's a good idea to number each upright and the rafter in pencil so you can match them up again. Repeat this process with the other side of the pergola.
- If you're including a pergola as part of a new garden design be sure to read our feature.
3. Cut and chisel out the rafter housing
Cut out the housing with a saw, wood chisel and mallet. Make sure that it's a neat, tight fit.
- And, when you're looking for more garden ideas and inspiration, head over to our dedicated page
4. Profile the ends of the rafters and crossbeams
Profile the ends of the rafters and crossbeams. Then measure 25mm down from the top and 75mm in from the outer edge. Draw a line between these points with a pencil and extend it square down the adjacent faces of the timber. Then saw off the marked wedge - or if you prefer, you could design a decorative profile of your own.
- See more budget garden ideas in our edit.
5. Mark out the post holes
Use the rafters as a guide to help you mark out the post holes. Square their ends with a length of timber and line them up exactly parallel using a 1.32m measure. This'll give you the precise position for the centre of each post hole. Mark these with canes, then remove the timbers and dig the holes to a depth of 450mm.
- Love DIY? See how to build a fire pit too.
6. Fit the posts
Fit the posts into the housings in the rafters. Then drill pilot holes and secure them with two 125mm galvanised nails.
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7. Brace the pergola structure
Use the 1.22m length of wood to space the uprights accurately and a try square to check they're square to the rafter. After that, brace the structure with three lengths of timber.
8. Raise one side of the pergola
Raise one side of your pergola into the post holes and prop it up with temporary supports. Double-check the posts are vertical and in line with each other and that the rafter is level.
9. Check the levels
Raise the other side of the pergola and use a spirit level to make sure both rafters are at the same height. You may have to adjust the depth of the holes when doing this. Finally, concrete the posts in and leave them to set for 48 hours.
- Smooth out the rest of your plot with our guide on how to level a garden.
10. Fit the pergola cross bars
Start by resting three crossbeams across the rafters at the post positions and nail them into position. Then nail the remaining four crossbeams in place, evenly spaced between the first three.
11. Fit trellis to enclose a pergola
Drill pilot holes and nail the first trellis panel into position using 65mm galvanised nails. Remember to leave a gap between the bottom of the trellis and the soil to avoid rot.
- Check out our trellis ideas for more inspo.
Finish the job by nailing the final three trellis panels into place.
How much does it cost to build a pergola?
This DIY is actually one of the cheapest ways to build a pergola, and it can cost less than £100 to make yourself with the kit.
- This guide to building a pergola has been supplied by B&Q; browse and shop the pergola kit you need to get the look