Setting a tall 6×6 post is a two-man job. The posts are made of 6×6 treated lumber rated for ground contact. Using string along the face of the posts can help guide a square layout. Double and triple-check your measurements during installation. Compact the soil at the bottom of the post holes, add gravel for drainage, then secure the post bottom with concrete while ensuring the posts are plumb and aligned perfectly square with the adjacent post locations. Most pergolas are constructed square to the nearest building structure.ĭig the post holes according to the depth determined by your local building codes to get beneath the frost line in your area. Layout the post locations with stakes and string using the 3-4-5 method to ensure square corners. To integrate a pergola into the existing landscape, they’re usually built square to the house or the nearest structure. Make sure the post material is rated for ground contact. For anything larger, though, the 6×6 stock will not only offer a beefier look and greater carrying capacity, but 6×6 also resists the twisting associated with the more spindly 4x4s. For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work. To adequately support the lumber overhead as well as give the pergola a sturdy look, you’ll probably need to use 6×6 for the support posts. Typically built of treated lumber, cedar, or redwood, they are fairly simple structures in design, but you should keep some basic building practices in mind to ensure the construction of a pergola lasts for years to come. Pergolas are generally constructed with four support posts connected at the top with rafters and decorative cross-members. A pergola offered a good solution to decorate the patio and mitigate the heat and brightness of the shining sun. The hot tub was exposed to direct sunlight, however, which can get overbearing at the height of a sweltering Alabama summer. The rear patio of the homemade is a nice place to congregate, complete with a fire pit, ample seating, and even a hot tub. That was Steve and Blakeney’s reason for adding a new pergola to their backyard. They can vary in size and design to fit different landscapes and have the added benefit of breaking up the sunlight (but not too much) in areas of the yard where people like to relax and entertain. Pergolas have long been popular additions to a home because they add style and character to the outdoor living space. Alternative Heating & Fireplace InsertsĪdd a stylish pergola to enhance your backyard.

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