The following pages show four drawings with dimensions for the various parts of this project.At the end is a list of materials required to complete this DIY project. The builder has of course got discretion as to how he achieves the final product.
Be advised that some dimension will depend on other factors. For instance, the width of the custom purchased woven screen panel will govern the whole width of this pergola and especially the Top Struts which currently show a slot spacing of 681mm.
All top strut ends are finished with an upward curve. The choice of this shape remains with the builder, however, experience has proven that a template is quite useful from which to trace an accurate and consistent curvature.
With regard to how you fix it together, I would suggest the the top be constructed firstly, that is, once you are sure about the slot spacings in the top struts. Fix the parts together using - Drill- Peg and Glue, possibly nail in places.
Assembling the whole unit prior to mounting within the garden was a cumbersome task, but the result was quite rewarding and the post legs were correctly positioned from the start.
An excellant additional treatment for this tanalised timber is Cuprinol Golden Brown. Make sure that those parts that remain below ground are well treated with bitumastic paint prior to fixing in the ground. I would recommend using an earth auger to prepare holes to half metre depth, then fixing the posts in the ground with concrete.
Good luck with this project and maybe let me know how you went on with it. John.
