Log Pergolas and Shade Houses

This page describes the method of construction for pergolas and shade houses built with round logs. By following a straightforward programme you can build an attractive and long lasting pergola with the minimum of effort and using only a few basic woodworking tools. Read Halfords Construction Guide with this page.

SETTING POSTS
a) Posts can be set by digging post holes to a minimum of 600mm and backfilling with concrete or fixing to concrete slab with post anchor bases (metal shoe) as shown here
b) Brace posts whilst ensuring they are plumb and of the right height.
c) Check top of posts diagonally for square.

For more detailed information on setting posts in concrete or anchoring them to existing concrete slabs, footings and rock please see this page.

DRILLlNG AND FIXING THE CROSS BEARERS

Place the bearer on the ground and hold against the base of the two uprights to which it is to be attached. Equalise the overhang and make sure any bow in the timber is facing upwards. Then mark off the two hole positions on the bearer in line with the post centres. Drill two vertically aligned holes right through the bearer. Place the bearer in position with two 12mm galvanised coach bolts or deck spikes entered in the holes. Fix by driving bolts or spikes into the end of the upright. Bearers for closed roof structures should provide for a 5% fall to provide a watershed. Where closed roof structures are likely to be exposed to high wind loadings it is recommended that bearers be fixed to the side of the upright with a through bolt.

When attaching rafters, carefully mark hole positions and pre-drill rafter only. Place the rafter in position on the bearer and drive spike into bearer. Where anchor bases are used, rather than embedment in concrete, it is necessary to brace the structure with angle braces on the corners.

SUGGESTED COVERING MATERIALS.
Cover your garden shelter to suit your particular needs. Use lattice for climbing plants, shade, brush materials for privacy and ferns or shade cloth for plant protection. Standard widths of shade cloth are 1.8 and 3.6 metres.

These drawings show commonly used pergola arrangements. Note that the basic modules can be linked by intermediate rafters (dotted lines) to give big, area coverage at low cost. Some general points to consider: When you have planned your pergola it is advisable to consult your supplier to make sure the structure conforms to local government regulations. It is also important to make sure that the pergola does not interfere with existing drainage, plumbing or electricity services. When lightweight roofing materials are used, check manufacturer recommendations as the addition of roofing material may alter spans and sizes quoted above. It may also be necessary to provide extra hold-down fixings against wind uplift.

• Hammer
• Power or hand saw
• Power or hand drill with bits -12mm bits for beam bolts and 12mm masonry bit if concrete drilling is involved
• String lines, string levels
• Builders level
• Square and plumb bob
• Spanner for 12mm nuts
• Screwdriver

For Halfords' price on the materials you will need to undertake this project, email us or call 02 9675 4100 and specify Version 1, 2 or 3 and delivery suburb/town.

Treated timber is the ideal material for garden structures. Strong yet light and easy to handle it is pressure treated with CCA wood preservative to give it life time durability. Halfords publish a guide to the safe use of treated timber. Ask them for a copy of leaflet NO. 10 or you read our on-line Safety page here.