05/01/2025
One 12x16 pergola hand crafted from North American red cedar. Probably from Washington/Oregon but don't quote me on that.
All hardware hidden with hand-made cedar plugs. Notched 8x8 posts and triple framed by 2x10 cedar. The posts have been fully sanded to prevent splinters from boot to frame.
The outer two boards are resting on notched ledges of the posts instead of hanging on the outside, providing much better stability and durability. The main frame boards are secured with six 3/8×6" coated lag screws at each corner. The inner frame members primarily add dimension, but are also rock solid.
The cross members are 2x8x12 red cedar, and are notched with the frame boards for extra rigidity. They are then locked into place with two 3/8 × 8" coated lag screws. The cross members are twelve inches on center.
The height to the bottom of the frame is just over eight feet, and the inside clearance is just about nine.
The eight corbels are also hands drawn and cut. They are held in place by two 3/8" x 8" coated lag screws.
The boots at the bottom of the posts and the corbels all feature a 1" roundover .
The structure is built like the frame of a small house and is just as sturdy. If my neighbor was so inclined, I could install a floor and rails, turning it into an elevated deck.
Not pictured:
The posts were 8x8x12. We decided to sand and boot those as well, using a 4" forstner bit to cut in two drink holders each, and a slot for cell phones.
I have sixty feet of black iron pipe to make curtain rods for custom privacy screens he is having made.
Total time: about 5 days working solo
Total project cost $10k.
