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| Draw a detailed plan
for your pergola, either by hand or using a computer program
like SketchUp.
View a copy of Ron's
Pergola Plan |
Determine the location for the
pergola's six posts. Be sure they are lined up straight... |
...and directly across from one
another. |
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| With a piece of 2x2 laid out straight
along the front edge of the pergola, place an oversized
right triangle against it. This will help you draw
the line for one side where the posts will go. |
Mark where the front corner post
will go with a stake. Tie a piece of string to the stake. Move
the string left and right until it is parallel to the
edge of your oversized right triangle. This will
ensure that you place your posts in a straight line. |
Place a second stake roughly where
the back of the pergola will be. Tie the string
to the stake to create a guide along which to place your
posts. |
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| Measure out the distance to your
second post along the string guide. Tie a ribbon
at the placement for the middle post. Do the same
for the rear corner post. |
Line up stakes alongside each ribbon
and drive them in. Repeat the entire process on
the other side of the pergola until all six post locations
are staked out. |
Draw perfectly round circles around
the stakes using a bottomless bucket and chalk dust.
Repeat with the remaining five stakes. |
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| Use a post hole digger to dig the
holes for the posts. |
Measure and check that your holes
are the correct depth to support the posts. In this
case, 36 inches to meet building department code for hurricane
country. |
Pour a few inches' worth of crushed
rock into the bottom of the hole. This will provide
drainage to keep the ends of the posts from soaking up
moisture and rotting. |
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| Carefully place the
post in the prepared hole. |
Use a post level to make sure your
post is plumb. |
Use temporary braces clamped to
the post and to a temporary stake to steady the post. |
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