Welcome to part 7 of my DIY backyard project. if you have missed the previous
progress check them out in the description. If you are planning to build
a deck by yourself. I am pretty sure you will want to watch this.
This time we are getting to build something exciting I am showing you how
I built a custom pergola on the deck. The first question you may ask is - Do I need
a permit? If you have seen part 4 of this series, you know the answer already. I did
NOT need a permit but the building inspector came and took some photos and
measure the height everything passed!!
Next question is, do I need footings for the pergola. It all depends on your local
Building Code and the height of your deck. For our local bylaw they don't care
as long as the pergola does not have a solid roof. Let's take a look at this
cedar pergola from Home Depot cost you around $4000 CAD with tax. The weight
is something that I want you to pay attention to. It's around 600 lbs.
Honestly it's not that heavy but doesn't mean you can install this on your deck
Well... it depends. Let's do some calculations
This is the worst case scenario that I am using 6x6x12 for the posts
At 125 lbs each I have 5 of them. It comes to 625 lbs. Now there
are some 2x10x16 at the top. 10 of them total weight is 600 pounds, so
the grand total is 1225 lbs. if I
attach this to the deck each post on average will get around 245 lb each.
Carriage bolts are strong
enough to handle that if you have done to your deck frame properly.
Because there is no solid roof in winter time, there is no need to worry about
additional weight for the snow. If you have footings for each post for the
Pergola. It is definitely over killed. What I'm
more worried about is the wind more than the weight. In our area, strong wind can cast
gut up to 100 to 120 km/h. I will show you how I secured the post to the deck.
Enough talking, let's do some work. I needed to notch this 6x6 post so
that I can put a 2x10 on top. This is how I did it. For your satisfaction I
am going to shut up for a moment and let you watch.
This is not as crazy as those Japanese carpenters you saw it on YouTube but for
deck, this is pretty okay. I am pretty proud of myself because I am NOT a pro, I
am just a DIYer. Okay, let's attach them to the deck, there is the DIY tips I want
to share with you. Pressure treated wood especially 4x4 and 6x6 post they will
twist and crack when they dry. You need to install them as soon as you can.
Couple of days to a week is okay but if you don't secure them together for a
month or two you will regret
I am using this FastenMaster HeadLOC screws. This one is 6" long and
they are very strong screws similar to GRKRSS.
Let's check it out
there is no footings for the Pergola. It's all attached to the flush beam of the deck.
My wife never involved in the DIY project except I need opinion on color.
indeed I am glad she did not help at all. Some friends and neighbors saying I was
crazy. How did I get the 2x10 up there by myself?
Here is how.... I used quick clamp to secure a piece of wood so that I can put the
2x10 on top of that post. Now for the other side, I used a piece of scrap wood
to hold the board. Your guess is right, you slowly slide down little by little.
There you go, not too difficult at all
Time to install 1/2" carriage bolts, it is 12 inches in length
I think you got the idea. Next you want to install blockings
around the 6x6 post. We need to secure it so that it won't move a bit.
I have to agree this is bad for drainage but it works.
This is another piece of blocking you insert it here and put tons of screws to
secure it. I told you I love GRK RSS screws.
I am using carriage bolt for the top part of the Pergola. If I had to do
this again, I would not use carriage bolts on this. Yes it is strong but you
have this ugly thing at the end you need to cover it up.
it is completely waste of my time. Because one piece of 2x10 is not
bolt enough, I am installing a cosmetic board using construction glue and the
deck screws. This 6 inches TimberLOC is designed for rafters to use . It is
perfect for me to drive it and at 45 degrees angle.
For cosmetic point of view,
I don't like this 45 degrees bracing. In modern Pergola design, this is ugly in my
opinion. But I am a structural first person, this makes a huge difference in
terms of stability
Now, this is the fifth post of the Pergola - the divider.
This post will go to the back, there are two purposes first in access a privacy
screen to block the neighbors at the back. Secondly it is used as a top
divider so that I can install the retractable shade in the future.
The middle divider has been installed. For this end, I am using the double joist
hangers. For the other side, of course it will be sitting on the 6x6 post.
It looks very solid eh? And, at back I am using a metal bracket. This is how it looks from
upstairs, looking good! I got the black color plastic privacy screen from the
local hardware store I am still debating on how I should install them
Time to let nature do the work, we need to test it under the storm.
One last DIY tips I want to share with you. This is how I transport the 6x6 post
using a releasable cable tie and a hand truck. Look is so easy, don't hurt your
back. I hope this video helps if you want to build a Pergola on your deck, give it
a thumbs up if you think there is some good information in there.
Next time deck boards were delivered and we will start to install them. If you
love DIY and want to see the progress of this project, remember to subscribe!
Thanks for watching and see you next time.