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Easier to construct than large enclosed porches, pergolas can be an attractive addition to add outdoor living area to your home. A pergola is a tiered, open air structure built like a trellis with vines grown through the roof. You can also hang planters from the roof beams using eye hooks for added decoration or hang privacy screens of canvas or burlap. Add a goldfish pond or fountain for a little extra flair. The floor can be a wooden deck or you can use stone, brick or concrete.

The structures also need to be strong. For large pergolas, consider at least 6-by-6-inch primary timbers sunk below the frost line and set in cement. Small, shortish pergolas can use 4-by-4-inch timbers. For cross members, 2-by-6-inch timbers are preferred.

The rationale for rock-solid substance to pergolas is that weighty climbers such as wisteria and honeysuckle vines place enormous strains on the cross members. Over time, the woody vines can cause cross members to bow. A single strip of lathe centered the length of the pergola is insurance to keep the cross members in place.

To attach cross members to the support beam, one unique idea is to cut a 1- or 2-inch notch in the cross member and support beam. Some construction pros drill lengthy lag screws through the cross members and into the support beam. Otherwise, smaller lag screws can be angled at the base of the cross member into the support beam.

Source: Daily Record - Morris at Home - Build a PERGOLA