SHADING IT

Turn your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat with this sturdy and stylish pergola, made from easily available timber and built using simple tools – perfect for any DIY enthusiast!

- 

A pergola is a fantastic addition to any garden, offering shade, structure, and a touch of elegance. Whether you're looking for a quiet reading nook, a space to entertain, or a way to define your outdoor area, this simple pergola design is a great project for DIY enthusiasts.

The beauty of this build lies in its simplicity. Using readily available timber and a few basic tools, you can create a structure that's both functional and visually appealing. Plus, by adding decorative elements like finials and braces, you can personalise the design to suit your garden's aesthetic.

This guide takes you through the entire process – from cutting and shaping the wood to assembling and securing the structure.

What you will need

• Wood: Construction-grade pine, which measures 100 x 100mm and 100 x 25mm after shrinkage.

• Hardware: Coach bolts, screws, post bases, and glue.

• Tools: A saw, jigsaw, drill, measuring tape, spirit level, and router.

For a 4 800 x 3 600mm pergola gather:

Wood:

• 4 x 100 x 100mm posts, 2 400mm long

• 4 x 100 x 25mm beams, 4 800mm long (joists)

• 13 x 100 x 25mm cross members, 3 600mm long

Hardware:

• 8 x 150mm coach bolts, nuts, and washers

• A box of 60mm screws

• 4 metal post bases

Other materials:

• Offcuts for braces, collars, and finials

• Outdoor wood paint or preservative

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Cut decorative ends on the cross members

Adding a decorative touch to the cross members gives the pergola a more polished look. Use a jigsaw to shape the ends – any design will work, but for consistency, create a plywood template.