Pergolas can be a great feature in a garden; they are also practical and decorative. They provide support for climbing plants, give the garden structure and help break up its flat canvas. They are ideally suited for linking different parts of the garden, providing secluded areas and creating summer shade. Their open aspect makes them particularly suitable for adding interest to smaller gardens, where more solid shapes, such as walls or fences, would make the limited space feel cluttered.



Select the site for your pergola carefully. Take time to view the site from every angle before deciding the pergola's final position. Pergolas make an excellent feature, especially for joining two different parts of the garden, for example, the vegetable plot and the lawn.

Start by clearing all vegetation in the location of the pergola, or, if being sited on a patio, remove the paving where the uprights are to be positioned. Make sure the site is level. Measure out the area of ground where the pergola is to be situated. Many garden centres and DIY stores offer pergolas in kit form, which makes the construction much simpler for those who believe the task too daunting. It is always advisable to consult a professional when undertaking a major building project.

However, here is a guide for constructing a small pergola.

Identify where the posts are to be positioned. Mark the exact positions of the posts. Ensure these are arranged so that they are square with one another.

Tools required

Clamps, Drill, Plumb line, Post and pipe level, Saw, Screwdriver, Set square, Spade, Spirit level, Stepladders, Tape measure

Power tools such as screwdrivers and saws can be used to reduce the workload with some of the repetitive tasks. It is also possible to hire them. Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.

Materials required

Ballast and cement, Bolts to support the frame, Stainless steel screws - countersunk, Wooden posts - 85mm x 85mm x 3m (3.3in x 3.3in x 9.8ft), Wooden cross members - 33mm x 33mm x 1.8m (1.3in x 1.3in x 5.9ft), Wooden beams - 45mm x 95mm x 3m (1.7in x 3.7in x 9.8ft)

All sizes and quantities are dependent on the design

Constructing a basic pergola The basic principle of constructing a pergola is to make a timber-frame that consists of horizontal beams attached to vertical posts.

As a general rule, a pergola should be supported by posts every 6ft (1.8m). This distance should be reduced if the pergola is to support heavy loads.

Dig out the holes with a spade for all posts, these should measure 1ft x 1ft (30cm x 30cm) x 2ft (60cm) deep. Prop the post upright and then do the same for a neighbouring hole. Place a cross member on top of these two posts then place a spirit level on top to check the posts are level. Infill or backfill the holes as necessary until the posts are level. Repeat this operation with the remaining uprights until all are level. Whilst working on the uprights, nail lengths of scrap batten on to each post so that they stand unassisted.

Mix a fairly stiff mixture of concrete, using just sufficient water to bind the ingredients together. Ask a friend to steady the post as the concrete is placed into the hole, compacting the mixture with a piece of wood around the post, taking care not to move the post from its position.

Recheck that the post is level using a plumb line or spirit level placed on the upright. Repeat these procedures with the remaining posts. Leave the pillars propped in position by the spare batten for two days to allow the concrete to harden fully. If the pillars have been positioned in the correct place the building of the framework should be straightforward. The cross posts should be joined to the upright posts with halving joints cut out at the end of each cross member. Bolt these into position and continue for the remaining cross members.

Four hands are better than two, so ask a friend to assist you to fasten the beams across the top of the pergola, attaching these by mortise joints screwed on to an upright at either end. Paint the pergola with a coloured stain if required and coat with clear water repellent.