How to Design a Tuscan Pergola

Design Your Own Tuscan Pergola

• 1

  Figure your scale on the graph paper, such as one block equals one foot. The height of the girders should be at least 80 inches unless a ceiling fan is to be added. If so, add eight inches to the height. You will need at least six of these posts. Instead of posts, you may want to use columns. Draw the girders on the graph paper.

• 2

  The length of the roof should be a multiple of 16 inches plus 18 inches for overhangs. Figure the desired size and draw the roof on a separate sheet of graph paper.

• 3

  Follow your design and make a list of all materials needed. Plan to purchase rough sawed cedar or treated timbers, six inches by two inches, for the roof rafters.

• 4

  Plan to purchase two-inch by eight-inch timbers to build a base the same size as the top of the pergola. The base can be filled with sod and planted or filled with concrete and paved or covered with bricks.

• 5

  For a rectangular Tuscan pergola, plan for at least six holes for support posts if you have a sod base or plan to set up six columns if you have a concrete base. Plan to set columns or posts the length and width of the roof.

• 6

  Design rafter ends to suit your personal style. Choices range from simple 45 degree angles to curves and points. Draw a template of your rafter end to transfer to your rafters before cutting. All the ends need to look the same. You will want to stain the ends.