Advice on Bulding a Pergola

"Check out the thread "off to a flying start""

Looks good! and much as I had in mind when I started this thread, but its more "chunky" than I want. Its going to be about 25M long, and I'm keen to soften it as much as possible.

"That is a nice one Kristen, also looks in good nick."

Thanks John. There is a bit of rot at the foot of some posts, but I can work around that.

I need 9 "panels", in two rows. I figure that the ones I have been given will do for the front (they have some nice detailing mouldings, and lead flashing along the top), and I can construct a similar, but potentially less flashy, row at the back.

Biggest problem I have had is separating the uprights at the Octagonal end. The timbers have been very well cut, at an angle. You can probably see what I mean from this photo:



I got a bolster between them, and separated them slightly; and then I used my reciprocating saw to cut the screws. I've done this before dismantling buildings - in effect converting bespoke built into sectional buildings :D - but this time the blades were becoming blunt after one screw :(

I've got some metal & wood blades, which have served me well in the past, and also some basic metal blades (like a hacksaw blade), but they blunt before they have done one screw; I tried my best to put no pressure on the saw ...

I dug one screw out, looks pretty normal, skinny at that [8's I would guess]. It was from a rotten part, and is rusty, so a bit hard to tell what material it is?

Maybe I can get some blades designed to cut stainless, or somesuch?

 

It is absolutely stunning Kristen, I can see why you fell in love with it-perfect-I am so jealous.

Mine is still up-and is quite sturdy considering I made it myself-but yours puts mine-and a lot of others to shame.

 

"Mine is still up ... but yours puts mine-and a lot of others to shame"

Apart from the small detail that mine isn't down yet, let alone up!!

"I don't know anything about reciprocating saw blades, just wondered if there is enough room to squeeze in some bolt croppers or a hacksaw?"

Bolt croppers is an idea. Pretty tight, but I might be able to get some "skinny ones".

I don't fancy the hacksaw, too much like hard work for my liking!

The reciprocating saw should, I believe, behave just like a hacksaw. Its a fabby bit of kit, and when I took the barn down went though the gap between 4" x 2" boards, cutting through wood and, where necessary, nails too like the proverbial Knife + Butter.

I've now bought some blades with the most teeth-per-inch, so I'll try them. Maybe my saw stroke-frequency is too high, and wearing the blades out (no slow speed option ...)

This is the beast:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/88433/Power-Tools/Power-Saws/Hitachi-CR13V-1010W-Reciprocating-Saw

 

Must be the operator then :(

 

OK, its down!! (no, it is NOT re-erected yet, despite what my DW might have assumed!!)

The solution to the screw-cutting problem was .... <DrumRoll-Again!> Mr. 9" Angle Grinder

In additional to the standard bolster I took a log-splitting wedge, and that opening the join between timbers enough to get the angle grinder in. Lots of sparks and <Crack> the timbers parted.

Sorted!

 

Can't wait to see it up will that be this weekends project :hehe::D

 

No, no, no. It needs to sit and mature first :D You girls, eh?

 

I need 9 "panels", in two rows. I figure that the ones I have been given will do for the front (they have some nice detailing mouldings, and lead flashing along the top), and I can construct a similar, but potentially less flashy, row at the back.

I have just read this thread from start to finish and am chuckling away here! :rotfl:Didn't you start off by saying you wanted a single row of screen/support? It looks very much like you are now going for a double row, full pergola? If so, isn't it amazing how garden plans seem to grow?! Look forward to some photos when it is all finished.

 

"Didn't you start off by saying you wanted a single row of screen/support?"

I did? :D

When I was going to build it "chunky" I think one row would have done, strength-wise, and kept the cost down. We were never happy with how we thought it would look though ...

Now I'm down from massive tree trunk posts (apply suitably large pinch-of-salt!!) to 2" x 2" timbers, I think we may need the second row for strength.

Mind you, if I can get away with a single row I'll definitely be happy with that ... less work of course, and I've got to buy the materials for the second row.

Hmmm ... maybe I was right all along?

 

That Pergola is going to look Fantastic in your garden Kristen :gnthb: So get it up and post the pics ASAP :D Ive said it before, you have an Amazing Garden and you haven't updated your Blog in a while :D

 

Stop bragging Kristen and get it up so we can see the finished article. You fellas lollol ( we wouldn't nag if you blokes did it the first time lol)

 

I only procrastinate in order to be nagged. :D

Not sure what to do for the feet. I thought a small hole with some concrete, but I think its going to be quite difficult to get a large number of such individual holes dead-level.

I also though about using some threaded rod, or somesuch, possibly included in the concrete, so that I could "adjust" the vertical members.

I would quite like to get them clear of the soil, to prevent rot - like a post anchor base

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/66063/Building/Decking-Fencing/Post-Anchor-Base-100-x-100mm

ScrewFix's picture is on its side, which won't be much use as an explanation for anyone who doesn't know how they work, so I went on a Google and found an adjustable post anchor base - just the job I reckon! Also found a better picture: