Earlier this week, I begged my husband to help me build a pergola off one side of our lounge. Why? Well, this spot gets the best afternoon sun, and it overlooks our beautiful lawn where we often watch our son play. Imagine: a shaded area to sip margaritas, chill out, and feel like you’re on vacation—every single day. What’s not to love?
After a little (okay, a lot) of convincing, my husband reluctantly agreed, and we got stuck in!
Materials We Used:
- 100x100mm H3 treated P/G posts – nice and straight.
- HeadLok Deck Framing Screws
- 90x45mm SG8 rafters (sized according to your dream pergola dimensions)
- Fence paint (we used ProCoat in an elegant Ivory)
- Fixings to match your substrate (masonry anchors or timber screws—be prepared for whatever surface you’re fixing to)
Tip: We already had the Cabana brackets, so we didn’t have to buy those—but I’ll admit, they made this process so much easier.
Step 1: Cutting and Painting the Timber
With the materials ready, we started by cutting the timber to length. To add a little style (and some durability), we painted everything using ProCoat Ivory fence paint. Top tip: Measure twice, cut once. It’s true! I learned that lesson the hard way.
Step 2: Assembling the Pergola
Once the paint had dried (thankfully, we had a nice sunny day), we began assembling the pergola. First up: the beams! We started by attaching the beams to the top of the pergola, securing them at the corners with a Cabana Tahoe bracket. This is where the magic began.
Next, we measured out the lengths and spacings for the rafters. After a few calculations, we cut our pre-painted 90x45mm timber to suit. My husband did most of the heavy lifting here, but I was definitely in charge of measuring and making sure everything was straight (because let’s be honest, I wasn’t about to trust him with that).
Step 3: Putting the Posts Up
Now, this was where it got a little more physical. Once the top beams were securely attached, we moved on to the columns (aka the posts). We fixed the Bondi brackets to the base of the posts, and then it was time for a bit of teamwork: I had fun sliding the columns into the Tahoe brackets while my husband flexed his muscles holding up the top beams. Let’s just say, an extra set of hands would’ve made this part a lot easier!
One post at a time, we got the structure up and secure. With the base mounts in place and fixed into the concrete footings, we finally had a solid pergola taking shape. It was time to step back, high-five each other, and pour a cold drink to celebrate.
Step 4: Admiring Our Work
We couldn’t help but smile as we saw the finished structure. The size and scale were perfect for the space—everything just came together beautifully. It’s now our favorite evening hangout spot, especially when we’re gathered around the fire pit, making memories as a family.
I’m so glad I persisted in building this outdoor space. Not only does it give us shade and structure, but it’s become the heart of our backyard. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results!
Takeaway: If you’re considering building a pergola, trust me, it’s totally doable! With the right tools, a little planning, and some help from your better half (or friends), you’ll have your dream outdoor space in no time. Plus, it’s a pretty good excuse to sit back and relax with a drink when it’s all done.