The main pergola structure is up

[Knottscott]

Earlier in the summer I revamped our deck and built a patio area. This week I added a 16'x 19' pergola. The main structure is built, but I plan to add another tier of smaller cross members made from 1x4 PT on top, and will build a decorative arch in front between the posts and main beam. The main structure is made from pressure treated 2x material (2"x6"x16', 2"x8"x19', with 6"x6" posts), so it will need to be stained or clear coated sometime in the not-so-distant future. I'm also going to add some landscape stone at the base of the support posts to make them look more like columns. It still looks like a construction site, and there's a bunch of landscaping to be done to the whole area too, but I'll probably wait for cooler weather....too darn hot this summer! I'll update with more pics once the decorative details are done. Guess I'll be building furniture for it next summer!

[cabinetman]

Wow Scott...it really looks good. That whole back area blends well. A lot of work and it shows. Well done.

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[woodturner]

This week I added a 16'x 19' pergola.

Nice job. I assume you cut the curved ends of the "rafters"?

Manufacturers recommend that the ends of cut PT wood be sealed, but aren't really clear about what to seal it with.

I'm curious if you sealed the cut ends, and if so, with what? Have you build previously with PT wood, and did you find the sealing (or not) helped or caused a problem?

I've built decks with the cyanide-treated PT wood, but haven't really built anything like that since the formulation changed. I never sealed the ends of the old style PT wood and really had no problems, but I'm wondering about the new formulation.

Thanks.

[Knottscott]

Thanks gang.

I did cut the ends myself, and haven't yet sealed them with anything. I'll likely just use a stain or clear wood sealer. Never done a pergola before, and have never treated the PT I used on decks at the ends with anything other than the same stain I put on the surfaces.

[pelligrini]

Looks really good.

How'd you do all the shaped ends? A router and template?

[chopnhack]

Looks great Scott! :-) How did you attach the ledger board to the house? Did you use any flashing?

[Knottscott]

Looks really good.

How'd you do all the shaped ends? A router and template?

Looks great Scott! :-) How did you attach the ledger board to the house? Did you use any flashing?

Thanks...

I cut the ends with a jigsaw and a template...didn't use the router.

The ledger board is attached with 6" lag bolts...no flashing because it's placed well underneath the overhang. Unfinished garage is on the other side, so in the unlikely event that it leaks, I'm not too worried.

[Shep]

Looks great Scott!

I've been wanting to buid one like this for some time. With twins on the way, It'll be pushed off yet again.

Thanks for posting

[Black wallnut]

Looks like a great outdoor living space. Nice job!

[Knottscott]

Looks great Scott!

I've been wanting to buid one like this for some time. With twins on the way, It'll be pushed off yet again.

Thanks for posting

Thanks to all.

Justin - My advice is to do it BEFORE the twins arrive! Things won't get any less hectic for a couple of decades! Really, a pergola isn't an overly time consuming project...maybe 8-16 hours.