How to Build an Angled Pergola

Cut the top ends off two of the 4-by-4-by-96-inch posts at a 14-degree angle, using a miter saw. These are the front corner posts of the angled pergola. Cut the top ends off two of the 4-by-4-by-72-inch posts at a 14-degree angle, using a miter saw. These are the back corner posts. Measure up 36 inches from the bottom of the front and back corner posts. Mark this measurement with a pencil.

Measure in at 12 inches and 30 inches from both ends of the remaining four 4-by-4-by-96-inch posts, using the measuring tape. Mark these measurements with a pencil. Measure in at 12 inches and 36 inches from the ends of the remaining 4-by-4-by-72-inch posts. Mark these measurements with a pencil. Set up the dado set on the table saw. Set up the table saw to make a 1 1/2-inch-deep-by-3 1/2-inch-wide dado cut. Run a test piece of 4-by-4 post through the saw to make sure the saw is set up to make a correct cut. Cut a dado on the center of the pencil marks on each of the posts. These posts will form the interlocking grid of the roof.

Position the four 4-by-4-by-72-inch posts parallel to each other with the dado cut facing up. Lay the four 4-by-4-by-96-inch posts perpendicular to the 4-by-4-by-72-inch posts with the dado cut facing down. Lock the posts together, placing the upward-facing dado cuts into the downward-facing dado cuts. The boards will form a grid. The grid will form the roof of the angled pergola.

Screw one 2 1/2-inch coated deck screw at each intersection of the 4-by-4-by-72-inch and 4-by-4-by-96-inch posts, using a screw gun. Flip the pergola roof over. Place the two front corner posts on the center of the first intersection point of each front corner of the roof. Align an L-bracket with the post. Fasten the bracket to the post and the intersection point on the roof, using a screw gun and the screws provided with the brackets. Do the same for the back corner posts.

Fasten the two 2-by-4-by-48-inch boards to outside of the front and back posts at the pencil mark you made on them at 36 inches. Use a screw gun and two 3-inch deck screws per end. These will support the pergola on the sides. Flip the pergola upright and move to the desired spot in your yard.