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This is video two of How To Build a Pergola. In the last video, we showed you preparation.
In this video, we'll show you how to construct the frame, from the posts, to the beam, to
the wall plate, to the rafters. Let's get started.
The first thing we need to do is start digging the holes, but remember check with council
about regulations in regards to hole depths. Now that we've cut our posts to length, we
need to cut a chuck out for our beams. Chucking out is the process of making a stronger joint.
To chuck out a beam 240 by 45 in widths and lengths, we need to first measure down from
the top of the post 240, and then square it across. Mark our waist. Roll the post over,
square that line across, measure down 45 millimetres, top and bottom, and with a straight edge or
a saw even, mark out our waist. Repeat the process on the other side.
Now that we've marked out the chuck out for our beam, we need to cut it. Before we do
this, make sure you're wearing your dust mask, earmuffs and safety goggles.
Now that we've removed the bulk of the waist using the mitre saw, we now use the sharp
chisel to remove the remainder. The string lines represent the outside of the pergola.
Therefore, the post must sit square within the string lines spot on.
We've just put the post in the hole. To plumb the post I've used two bases at right angles
to keep it level. We check for plumb on both faces, and now we're ready to pour the concrete.
Make sure when pouring the concrete for the post that you place it all around the post
and compact it in.
The first thing we do when we're building our pergola is attach our wall plate. That
wall plate supports our rafters, so let's go and put it on. We've cut our wall plate
to length. All we need to do now is to fit it into place using dynabolts.
That's the wall plate done. We'll move onto the beam next. Just make sure when working
at heights that we check with our local council for guidelines. When installing the beams
we need to place it on our posts using edge clamps. Fix it into position. Once we've fitted
the beam we need to ensure the distance between our uprights are equal, equal at the bottom
and equal at the top. Gold!
Once our measurements are accurate we can fix our beam into position, then we can move
onto the rafters.
Once we've put the wall plate and the beam into place, we need to put the rafters on
top. The rafters need to be equally spaced along the length of the pergola. It's probably
best to use three nails on each side. The stronger the bond, the stronger the joint,
the better.
When it comes to the pitch of the roof, make sure you check with your local council about
guidelines.
Well, the pergola frame is done. In the next video I'll show you how to put on the roofing.