Build a Pergola With Canopy

Draped with weather-resistant fabric, this attractive pergola creates cool shade.

 Backyard Pergola
General Instructions

Cut and label the parts as needed, using the Cut List and Cutting Diagram as guides and adjusting for fit. We built our pergola on top of an existing concrete slab and used bolt-downs anchored with lag screws. Consult with a Lowe's employee if you are building your pergola on another surface.

  1. Install the posts as shown in Figure 1.
    • Lay out a 9- x 10-foot grid on the area designated for the pergola to mark the position of the bolt-down brackets for the four (01) posts.
    • Insert the (01) posts into the bolt-downs, and anchor them with 2 1/2-inch lag screws.
  2. Wrap the posts as shown in Figure 2.
    • Cut the (02) narrow wraps, and attach them to two opposite faces on each (01) post using adhesive and nails.
    • Check the width of the (01) posts and (02) narrow wraps, and rip the (03) wide wraps to match that measurement.
    • Attach the (03) wide wraps to the remaining faces of the (01) posts using adhesive and nails.
  3. Add trim to the posts as shown in Figure 3.
    • Rip enough 1 1/2-inch-wide stock from the 1 x 12 decking to fit around all four (01) posts. Cut a 1/2-inch bevel for the (04) crown trim along one edge of the stock.
    • Miter cut the (04) crown trim, and attach it to the top of each post assembly with adhesive and nails.
    • Prepare enough 7 1/4-inch-wide stock for the (05) base trim, making sure there is enough to fit around all four (01) posts. Cut a 1/2-inch bevel along one edge of the stock.
    • Miter cut and attach the (05) base trim to the post assembly with adhesive and nails.
  4. Prepare and install the short and long beams as shown in Figure 4.
    Note: Each beam is basically a box built with a 2 x 4 top and bottom, and a 2 x 6 front and back.
    • Build the first long beam assembly with the (06) long top beam, the (07) long bottom beam, the (08) long inside beam, and the (09) long outside beam using adhesive and deck screws. Repeat to create the second long beam assembly.
    • After building the long beam assemblies, miter cut each of them to length.
    • Repeat using the (10) short top beam, the (11) short bottom beam, the (12) short outside beam, and the (13) short inside beam to create the short beam assemblies.
    • Attach the beam assemblies to each other, and then to the post assemblies using adhesive and deck screws.
  5. Build and attach the rafters as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
    Note: Each rafter assembly is built with a 2 x 4 top and bottom, and a 2 x 6 middle. The top and bottom pieces are positioned flat, and the middle pieces are placed vertically.
    • Cut the (14) rafter bottoms, the (15) rafter middles, and the (16) rafter tops to length.
    • See the full-size pattern for the ends of the (15) rafter middles.
    • Assemble each of the rafters, making sure the three components are centered. Attach with adhesive and deck screws.
    • Starting 12 inches from one end of each rafter assembly, and 3/4 inch down from the top of the 2 x 6, drill five holes at 30 inches on center with a 3/4-inch Forstner bit.
    • Attach the rafter assemblies to the beam assemblies using adhesive and deck screws.
  6. Add the fabric supports as shown in Figure 7.
    • Cut the 1/2-inch black pipe 3/4 inch shorter than the two outside 2 x 6s on the rafters.
    • Spray-paint the pipe black, and allow to dry.
    • Insert the fabric support pipes, leaving an equal distance from the face of the rafter on each end.
    • Secure the pipe in place with adhesive.
    • Fill the outside holes with spackling or other filler. Allow to dry, and sand smooth.
    • Touch up the spackling with a color that matches the decking.
Pergola Illustration

Backyard Pergola

Pergola Cut List

Part

Material

Size (in inches)

Quantity

(01) posts 4 x 4 TSYP 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 80 4
(02) narrow wraps 1 x 12 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 73 7/8 8
(03) wide wraps 1 x 12 3/4 x 5 x 73 7/8 8
(04) crown trim 1 x 12 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 72 1/2 16
(05) base trim 1 x 12 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 72 1/2 16
(06) long top beams 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 120 2
(07) long bottom beams 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 120 2
(08) long inside beams 2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 116 2
(09) long outside beams 2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 120 2
(10) short top beams 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 108 2
(11) short bottom beams 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 108 2
(12) short outside beams 2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 108 2
(13) short inside beams 2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 104 2
(14) rafter bottoms 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 123 4
(15) rafter middles 2 x 6 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 141 4
(16) rafter tops 2 x 4 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 144 4

Finished Dimensions

Height: 8 feet
Depth: 12 feet
Width: 9 feet

Comments

Submit Comments & Photos
  • 10 out of 11 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 11 out of 12 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 16 out of 21 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 22 out of 23 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 24 out of 28 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 36 out of 37 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 21 out of 24 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 2 out of 5 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 3 out of 5 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 6 out of 6 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 8 out of 9 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 3 out of 9 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 6 out of 6 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 5 out of 5 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 50 out of 53 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 25 out of 26 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 1 out of 1 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 20 out of 25 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 6 out of 7 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 9 out of 9 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 36 out of 38 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 15 out of 16 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 1 out of 2 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 9 out of 10 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 7 out of 7 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 28 out of 32 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 9 out of 9 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 3 out of 5 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 20 out of 29 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 3 out of 8 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 4 out of 5 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 33 out of 36 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 7 out of 10 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 33 out of 36 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 14 out of 17 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 5 out of 6 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 14 out of 20 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 8 out of 9 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 9 out of 18 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 17 out of 19 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 4 out of 6 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 37 out of 40 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 53 out of 55 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 37 out of 41 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 46 out of 53 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 38 out of 42 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 50 out of 53 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 11 out of 14 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 21 out of 24 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 22 out of 27 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 29 out of 31 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 15 out of 17 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 19 out of 22 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.
  • 35 out of 40 people found this comment helpful. Was this comment helpful?
    Flag this comment.

Submit Comments & Photos

Please feel free to post a comment and someone from LowesCreativeIdeas.com will review your submission. You can check back after 24 hours to see if your comment has been posted.

Fields in BOLD are required to preview and submit your comment.

  • Instructions

    Your email will only be used in the event that one of our moderators needs to clarify your comment. It will be used strictly in the context of or relating to your comment.

    Your email will NOT be used for marketing purposes or shared with any 3rd parties.

  • Your Photo

    Have a photo? Attach it to your comment here.

    Make sure your photo meets the following requirements:
    Max File Size: 2 MB
    File Types: jpeg/jpg, gif

    Photos will be scaled to fit this space.

    Upload Photo
    Character count: 0
    (500 character limit)
  • If you do not see the security words image:

    • Make sure the version of your browser is current. For example, you need to have at least Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 6.0 or higher.

    • Make sure your graphics (pictures and images) are turned on or enabled in your browser.

    • Refresh your browser and try again. You may want to copy your comment though as it will not be saved.

    Instructions

    Please enter the words you see in the box, in order and separated by a space. Doing so helps prevent automated programs from abusing this service.

    If you are not sure what the words are, either enter your best guess or refresh the browser for a new set image.

  • Terms & Conditions




Total Votes: 134

These "social bookmarking" services make it easier to share and manage your favorite online content.

StumbleUpon, digg, and del.icio.us help you gather content from around the web, describe it how you see fit, and tag it for easy sorting. These sites also allow you to see what other people are gathering and tagging (if they've made it public), and find new content that may interest you.

Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace also allow you to share content that you find interesting, with people who visit or subscribe to your personal profile.

Post to StumbleUpon! Post to digg! Post to del.icio.us! Post to Facebook! Post to MySpace!


Project Details
Skillset: Intermediate
Rough Cost Estimate: $2,210*

Decking and lumber: $1,490
Hardware and supplies: $720

Rough Time Estimate: 1 Week**
Tools
  • Table Saw (Or Circular Saw With A Straightedge Guide)
  • Power Miter Saw (Or Handsaw With Miter Box)
  • Drill/Driver With Bits, Including A 3/4-Inch Forstner Bit And A Masonry Bit
  • Power Sander And Various Grits Of Sandpaper
  • Pneumatic Nailer (Or Hammer With Nail Set)
  • Pipe Cutter
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
Decking and Lumber:***
  • 16 Boards, 2 X 4 X 12 (Trex, Winchester Gray, Special Order)
  • 12 Boards, 2 X 6 X 12 (Trex, Winchester Gray, Special Order)
  • 7 Boards, 1 X 12 X 12 (Trex, Winchester Gray, Special Order)
  • 4 Posts, 4 X 4 X 8, Treated Southern Yellow Pine (TSYP)
Hardware & Supplies:
  • 5 Pounds Of (#8 X 3-Inch) Deck Screws
  • 4 Bolt-Downs
  • 1 Box Lag Shields
  • 2 Boxes Flat Washers
  • 20 (3/8- X 2 1/2-Inch) Lag Screws
  • 10 (3/8- X 1 1/2-Inch) Lag Screws
  • 1 Box Of 4d Galvanized Finishing Nails
  • 5 (1/2-Inch) Pieces Black Iron Pipe (#83114)
  • Black Spray Paint
  • Spackling (#41403)
  • Heavy-Duty Construction Adhesive (#44906)
  • Awning Fabric (Sunbrella, Burgundy Elite 4772, Special Order)

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.

**Does not include lead time for Special Order materials.

***Availability varies by market.

Tags:

Tags are keywords or terms that have been assigned to a piece of content.

A tag list is simply a list of all the tags used on all content and a count of their frequency.

A tag cloud is a visual representation of a tag's popularity based on how often it is used throughout the site.

Click on a category below to view other projects and articles. (What are these?)

Display as: cloud | list