40’ Garden Pergola It did not look like this initially. Customer called in late fall wanting to convert a bare ground area aside the pool into a lovely hang out spot.
The ground was uneven. After the drawing process was completed, we visited the site since it was in California. We began by digging and pouring 8 footings at slightly increasing heights so the posts would all be level to one another.
We added the High Wind Anchors atop the footings because the Malibu, CA area sometimes gets some strong wind storms.
Once the concrete cured for a week, our crew spent the day putting up the structure. First the posts were bolted to the anchors and then the support timbers were bolted to the posts on both sides as shown.
Before adding the rafters and slats, finish bolting all the support timbers to both sides of each post.
Once the dual support timbers are securely in place, we began placing the rafters in. First rafter on each end is bolted to the outside of the 6x6 corner posts.
Take a moment to make sure your work is level as you go through each step. If one piece is attached incorrectly or is a bit off level, the assembly will get unnecessarily difficult.
One rafter at time, toe nail them in with the galvanized screws provided. 8 screws total per rafter. One per side on each of the 4 support timbers.
The pergola will start to take shape quickly as the rafters are placed into their individual notches over the dual support beams.
After the rafters are installed, begin to install the 2x2 slats as shown. The slats are notched from below into each rafter. There are markings atop the rafters to show where the slats sit. The notches add structural strength by multiplying the individual rafter strength when notching ties them all together.
Ta da !!!! After the slats were installed and our crew cleaned up, our industrious customer went to work. He added padding around the center posts and filled the ground level with decomposed granite. Looks great and our industrious customer was kind of enough to send the photo as well!