How to Build a Pergola So Vines Can Grow Over It

Set the Posts

• 1

  Hammer two stakes into the ground to indicate the location for two end posts. Space them 44 inches apart and tie a string around each stake. Keep the strings parallel and stretch them 8 feet away from the stakes. Hammer stakes into the ground to indicate the location for the other two end posts.

• 2

  Measure from stake to stake to ensure your measurements are accurate. Take two diagonal measurements between opposite corners. The measurements must be the same. If not, move the stakes and make the necessary adjustments.

• 3

  Dig the post holes 24 inches deep and 10 inches in diameter using a post-hole digger. Place a post in each hole.

• 4

  Mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow according to the instructions on the bag. While a helper centers and steadies a post, shovel the mix into the hole. When the hole is half full, poke a broom handle into the mix around the sides of the post to get rid of any air pockets.

• 5

  Fill the hole and hold a carpenter's level along the four sides of the post to check for plumb. Repeat the process to set the remaining three posts. Check for the proper alignment between posts and then allow them to set for 24 hours.

Construct the Pergola

• 6

  Rest a 10-foot 2-by-4-inch board across the post tops, place a level on the board and check to see if the post heights are even with each other. If any post is too high, reduce the height using a reciprocating saw.

• 7

  Hold a tape measure along the top edge at one end of a 2-by-6-inch rafter and make a reference mark at 7 inches. Use a square to make a reference mark on the bottom edge. Place the tape measure along the end and place a mark 2 inches from the top edge. Use a straight edge and draw a diagonal line to connect this mark with the mark on the bottom edge.

• 8

  Cut along this line to make the end of the rafter angled. This is referred to as a rafter tail. Repeat the process for each end of the 2-by-6-inch rafters.

• 9

  Hold one rafter, with the angled-cut down, against the outside of two posts that are spaced 8 feet apart. Have a helper hold up one end and adjust it so that there is an equal amount of rafter extended beyond each post. Check for level, attach your end with four 3-inch wood screws and then attach the other end.

• 10

  Attach the next rafter on the inside of the same two posts in a similar fashion. Repeat the process on the other side of the pergola.

• 11

  Make a rafter tail cut on the ends of 18 2-by-4-inch top crossbeams using measurements to accommodate the size of the lumber. Start at one end of the pergola and hold the first crossbeam across the top of the rafters with the angled-side facing down. With an equal amount of overhang on each side, position the crossbeam 6 inches outside and away from the center of the two end posts.

• 12

  Attach the crossbeam to the rafters with hurricane clips and galvanized nails. Position the second crossbeam over the center of the end posts and attach it in a similar fashion. Continue to attach the remaining crossbeams every 6 inches as you work your way toward the opposite end. The last crossbeam is attached 6 inches outside and away from the center of the two ends posts.

• 13

  Nail a 4-by-8-foot sheet of wood lattice to the inside of the posts at each end of the pergola using galvanized nails. Plant climbing plants at the base of the lattice and as the plants grow, train them to grow up the lattice and over the top of the pergola.