How To Build A. Radial Pergola. Ready to assemble kit with all timber and hardware available, see our website

Transcription

1 How To Build A Radial Pergola Ready to assemble kit with all timber and hardware available, see our website Safety First Please read the section on workplace safety at the end of this manual before proceeding with any work.

2 How To Build A Radial Pergola Radial Pergolas can be built to many different shapes and sizes and can be constructed from many different materials. Whatever the design, or the materials used for its construction, pergolas are basically constructed using the same methods. For the purpose of this manual we explain how to build a radial pergola constructed from treated pine. Treated Pine can be ordered raw or dressed (smooth) and primed. Roof claddings are not the subject of this manual, however there are several choices depending on the slope and size of the structure. Generally lightweight iron or clear roof sheets are used. If you are intending to use a substantially heavier cladding material, (such as tiles), then the structure will have to be strong enough to carry the load. Where roof claddings are used, stormwater runoff will have to be considered. A suitable gutter and downpipe system should be installed. If you have any questions regarding roof claddings please refer to our manual under DIY projects on our menu. Construction The size of the radial pergola we are constructing measures 5.4m long and 2.7 metres wide. It is being installed at a height of 2550mm to the underside of the beams. These measurements can be altered to suit your area. If increasing the size of the structure, or spacing between the posts refer to the softwood span tables for suitable timber sizes. Materials required; Timber Treated Pine can be ordered raw or primed ready for painting. You must specify which type you require at the time of ordering. Posts 3.6m 115 x 115mm treated pine Beams 4.8m, 1.8m 190 x 40mm treated pine Rafters 2.4m, 140 x 40mm treated pine Roof Battens 10@ 5.4m 40 x 40mm treated pine Ridge Post x 140mm treated pine Finial 0.9m 140 x 140mm treated pine Hardware 20 cuphead bolts 130mm x 10mm galvanised plus 12 nuts and 12 washers 11, 20kg bags of concrete mix 500g pack 70mm x 4mm galvanised screws

3 Lets get started! Step 1 Setting Out. Clear the work area of all plants and vegetation and roughly level the ground. (Pavers or similar to be installed under the pergola after installation). Mark out the perimeter of the proposed pergola with a string line. The rafters and beams have an overhang of 250mm on the ends. Mark out the position of the post holes. Step 2 Excavation. This pergola has 8 posts as shown. 8 holes need to be dug. These holes should measure 300mm x 300mm wide by 450mm deep per post. Make sure the bottom of the footings are cut square and not rounded, see Fig 2. Step 3

4 Cut the Posts. Place the posts side by side on a pair of saw stools, even up one end and clamp them together. Mark out the rebate for the beam. Using a square, mark a line across the end of the four posts. Measure down 190mm and mark another line. With the posts clamped together use a handsaw and cut a row of parallel lines (around 20mm apart). Remove the excess with a sharp chisel as shown in Fig 3. A champher can be added to the edges of the posts with a router if required. A skirting can also be placed around the bottom of the posts, 450mm above the end. Step 4. Cut the beams. Next we need to cut the five beams. The joins should be mitred to evenly lap the post and join the next beam. Timber has a natural curve or bend, not only to the side but also up and down, the bow should face up. When cutting the beams and rafters, ensure that the natural curve is facing up. Select the design you wish to use for the end of the rafters and cut using a jigsaw.

5 The next illustration shows rafter end cuts that can be used for the exposed rafter ends. Cut the Rafters. Set out the roof angle on the ground. Mark and cut a rafter as a template then cut all the same size rafters together. Allow a birdsmouth (rebate) of 40mm where the rafter crosses the beam. The size and height of this roof can be adjusted according to requirements. Step 5. Assembling the Pergola. 1. Stand the completed posts in the excavated holes. 2. Install the edge beams, holding them in position with clamps. Drill the post holes and bolt the posts to the beams. Insert the remaining posts and bolt to the beams. 3. Level and prop the structure, bracing it with timber battens. Once the frame is complete it is time to fix the rafters

6 Prop placement for timber structures 4. Evenly space the rafters around the beam placing one over each posts and one in the middle as shown in the figure below. Once the side rafters are in position, fix the finial at the centre of the ridge beam and cut all the other rafters to meet the finial. 5. Once the rafters and finial have been fixed in position, the roof battens can be fitted. 6. Handrails and post collars can be fitted if desired.

7 7. Mix the concrete and pack into the footings around the base of the posts. Check the levels and brace into position until dry. Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours before removing any props or braces.... happy building! Important notice; This guide has been assembled by All Day Fencing. Successful design and construction depends on numerous factors outside the scope of this publication. While all care has been taken in the assembly of this information, All Day Fencing accepts no responsibility, liability loss or damage resulting from work performed based on information contained in this publication/guide whether as a result of All Day Fencing negligence or otherwise.