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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clamp the temporary braces firmly once your post is plumb. This will hold your post in place while pouring in the concrete.
Pour in the quicksetting dry concrete to the post hole.
Add a gallon of water to the dry concrete. Using quicksetting dry concrete requires no mixing.
Nailing a temporary support to the post helps hold the heavy beam in place.
Rest the beam on the support.
Drive screws through pre-drilled shank holes to attach the first beam to the posts.
Place the second beam on the opposite side of the posts.
Use the appropriate size drill bit to drill shank holes through both beams and the post.
Insert carriage bolts through the shank holes.
Secure each carriage bolt with washers and nuts. Tighten with a socket wrench. Repeat the entire process on the remaining two beams for the other side of the pergola.
Once your beams are secured, place the first rafter across the span of the beams.
Use hurricane clips to safely secure the rafter to the beams. Use a hammer and hot-dipped galvanized bracket nails to attach them to the beam.
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