Build a pergola the easy way

You will need the following materials:

• Enough treated wooden trellis to meet your desired size for the ‘roof’
• 4no. 4” x 4” lengths of treated wood cut to your desired height (plus a foot to go underground) for the posts
• 4no. screws
• A plank of wood at least as long as your desired length for the pergola
• Two sticks of wood exactly 18” long
• Rubble (e.g. broken bricks)
• Just add water ready mix concrete
• A spirit level

Then just follow these steps:

1. Dig four holes for the upright posts, spaced to fit the size of the trellis roof
2. Level the bottom of holes to the correct depth using the plank of wood, two sticks and a spirit level
3. Put the first post in its hole, shore it up with a little rubble and level it vertically as best you can
4. Put the second post in its hole, shore it up with a little rubble and level it vertically as best you can
5. Horizontally level posts one and two using the plank on top of the posts and the spirit level, checking the spacing for the trellis roof as you go
6. When you are satisfied with the first and second posts’ horizontal and vertical levels and spacing for the trellis roof, carefully pour enough water then dry concrete mix around the post to fill the hole except for a couple of inches below ground level
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for the third and fourth posts
8. Screw the wooden trellis to the top of posts once the concrete is set
9. Paint or stain as required
10. Add climbing plants and enjoy!

The key to this project is diligently checking and refining the horizontal and vertical levels and carefully spacing the posts for the trellis roof.

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