How to level archway and pergola posts on uneven ground?

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping someone in this group might be able to get me on the right track? I am planning 2 projects,

BUT I am struggling with the best, efficient, cost effective way to get my two projects completed, the projects in question are on very uneven ground.

I'm in the process of building an Front Gate Archway & a Pergola/come garden swing. The ground falls away with the slope falling towards the house from the street.

The front gate archway, I will be swinging a meter long gate off one of the posts, so need it to be level. 2nd The small pergola type area *(I am in the process of paving a circle area, as I plan to hang swings off it for my grandies, and as they age, replace with a bench seat garden type swing). This too will have to be very level, or the swings won't hang properly.

What I'm struggling with mostly with both projects right now, is ensuring they are level, and I'm not 100% sure on the best way to get all of the posts in the ground so they are all aligned and level with each other, with such uneven ground.

I want to make sure I get the posts at both area's correct, to enable them to line up properly, or I will have other issues later down the track. e.g. the Archway: the gate I plan to attach won't swing right. The pergola/garden swing area: also very important or the swing won't hang right.

I had initially thought string lines for each area, would be the best way to go about this,

I'm now not so sure, as I not only have to have them all straight, and level so when I put the beams across the top of the posts they all need to join them up. As well as being on a very tight budget. I am trying to repurpose old posts left over from a pergola, remake/build.

I am hoping someone in this group might be able to give me some other suggestions, to help me on my way, as I'm feeling overwhelmed?

The pergola/swing area I'm in the process of paving at present. The support posts, will go to the exterior of this paved area, as I will have trellises running up the sides of both ends of each area, so I can grow climbing roses, Clematis, Jasmin and Hardenbergia, to name a few. Which will in turn create some much needed shade in both area's.

Thank you in advance for any advice anyone might have to help light the way.

Old~gal24

note: added pics to give you a visual of what I am trying to achieve.

Similar to this with a sm gate attachedSimilar ~ over a circle of 2nd hand bricks

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Decking and Paving

Building and Construction

Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @Old-gal24,

It sounds like you're tackling some exciting projects, and I can see how the uneven ground adds an extra challenge. Since you’ll be hanging a gate and swings, ensuring that everything is perfectly level is important. Getting the first post properly aligned is key, as it will serve as your reference point for the rest of the structure.

To begin, focus on setting the first post straight and level. After digging the hole for your post, place it in the desired location and use a spirit level to ensure it’s perfectly plumb on two adjacent sides. A post level is also a great tool to check that the post is straight all around. Once you're sure the post is aligned, secure it in place with either concrete or compacted gravel, making sure it doesn’t shift as the base material sets. Temporary props are a great way to hold it in position. This post will act as your anchor, and every other post can now be set in relation to it.

From here, use string lines to ensure the rest of the posts are aligned and level with the first. Run the string tightly from the top of the first post to where the next post will go. Measure and adjust the height of each post to match the string line, ensuring they all sit at the same level, even if the ground is sloping. You may need to adjust the depth of the holes for each post to account for the uneven ground, but the string line will be your guide. A laser level can also be helpful for this, especially if you're working over larger distances or have multiple posts to align.

With this approach, you'll ensure that both the archway and pergola are level, and you'll avoid issues with the gate not swinging properly or the swings hanging unevenly.

Here's a helpful guide you might like to read through: How to choose and use a level.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Old-gal24

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/42588#Comment_42588

@MitchellMc

Thank you once again Mitchell for your continued support.

I truly don't know where I would be without this group. I come to this group every time FIRST to see if I can find something someone else has already asked advice on.. If I can't find something relevant, that's when I ask..

I have a string line, and level somewhere. I will pop into Bunnings and get a post level as they look like a great help for what I'm trying to get done before the summer hits. It will certainly be worth the purchase.

I did make a big purchase, for me that is. I purchased https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-brushless-cordless-150mm-planting-and-digging-odt1800-tool-only_p0090723 this beauty 2 wks ago.. OMG is it amazing. (Totally broke, but cashed in my flybuy points) Best tool I've purchased in a very long time.

Talk about save me work.. I even used it to dig the holes for my roses, which made short work of planting over 30 roses, from standards to small hybrid T roses. I dug two holes beside each other and for the bigger ones even three.

Only wish I'd purchased it before I put in the big treated pine logs I ordered *(with great thanks to you again Mitchell). They would have made short work of them for sure.

Once again, many thanks for your prompt reply and great advice, in detail, which will help me immensely, I'm sure.

Old~gal 🙂

OMG talk about making life easy

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/83425#Comment_83425

Love your work, @Old-gal24! That auger/post-hole digger looks amazing. I love it when you purchase something, hoping it will work, and it does. I recently spent a day hand-caulking flooring adhesive and then still had a day's worth to do. I went out and picked up a Ryobi 18V ONE+ Caulking Gun, which was a significant cost for a tool that only does one job. But, my did it do it well! At least twice as fast as hand caulking and with no hand strain at all.

Keep us posted (pun intended)!

Mitchell

Old-gal24

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/106619#Comment_106619

Hi Mitchell

Sorry to be a pain, but advice as far as putting the posts in the ground or using stirrups anchors? I have the post holes half way completed and thinking in the ground as I have the extra length.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=Post+Anchors+Full+Stirrups&sort=BoostOrder

The front gate archway area I have large/long posts https://www.bunnings.com.au/88-x-88mm-5-4m-post-h3-treated-pine-laminated-lsop-fj_p0052830 to use for there. And would have plenty of length to be able to put under the ground. ? how far under the ground should I put them? And should I paint them with bitumen paint like I'd planned to do with the treated pine logs I plan to use for the pergola/garden swing?

The posts I have for the gazebo type garden swing area are https://www.bunnings.com.au/100mm-3-6m-pole-h4-treated-pine-round-wet_p8500101 and not sure what to do there. Thinking posts into the ground, but painting the part that will be in the ground with https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-1l-exterior-grade-brushable-waterproofer-1l_p0961573

bitumen paint to give it some extra protection in the ground.

Sorry for all the questions, I haven't built anything like this before and no matter how much research/reading one does there is always that doubt. BUT with this group I know things are tried and true. And would rather get advice from folks that have actually used said items. If you get my drift?

Funny you mention the chalking gun, I have been wondering if it was much chop myself, as my hands a riddled with arthritis and I struggle with chalking - well more so at keeping the constant even flow and have thought that it may come in handy. BUT now with moving I doubt I will have a need for one..

I would have to say the Ryobi range is one of my favourites. I have a collection, some I've sold on and the rest I plan to set up my new garage, *(no real workshop anymore) with another peg board to be able to access my tools easily. Downsizing isn't much chop..

I have been searching this group reading others garage and storage updates. It's fantastic having this support group/forum to be able to use as a resource.. When ever I have any new project to tackle I come in here first and search to see if anyone else has asked the same question, or sort advice on the same/similar subject.

I always had my Uncle for advice that I could always rely on but sadly he passed 3 years ago and gosh I miss his wealth of knowledge. He was a true handyman. Nothing I didn't ask of him, that he couldn't help with advice in some way shape or form. He lived in a different state, but he was always a phone call away. As he got old he would come and stay with my daughter and I for months at a time.. He gave me the confidence to tackle most jobs.

Thank you once again Mitchell/Bunnings Workshop for your continued support. Not sure where I would be without this amazing group and the wealth of knowledge that comes with it..

Old gal

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/120511#Comment_120511

Hi @Old-gal24,

Those 88 x 88mm 5.4m Post H3 Treated Pine Laminated LSOP FJ are only H3-treated for above-ground use, so you'd need to use them with stirrups or bolt-down anchors. You'd need to use H4-treated posts for in-ground.

100mm 3.6m Pole H4 Treated Pine Round Wet are H4-treated and suitable for in-ground use, though you could coat them with bitumen paint to increase their rot resistance. However, I need to point out that unlike the posts above, these round poles are not structurally rated. They are for landscaping purposes such as garden edging. That means they haven't been tested to ensure they pass at a structural level. I have concerns about using these for something like a swing set, as if it were to collapse due to a defect in the non-structural-rated timber, it could cause injury.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Old-gal24

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129081#Comment_129081

Hello @MitchellMc
Sadly the https://www.bunnings.com.au/88-x-88mm-5-4m-post-h3-treated-pine-laminated-lsop-fj_p0052830 was all I could get here. Much the same as the situation I have had getting the posts. Dubbo store being renovated and barely any stock of timber supplies along with so many other things I need.. Not enough stock in the stirrups either.
Can round posts be cut to go on stirrups? Just a thought.
Trying to work my way around things that need doing, so I can get these jobs done, on my own before Summer gets here. It will be here before I know it, and I don't function well in the heat here.. Have several medical conditions that mess with me badly in the heat..
Umm that leaves me with yet another project I can't complete, this year.. I'm bypassing so many things because I just can't purchase what I need here in Dubbo, till the store reno is completed. Our nearest other stores are over 150km each way. And half the time one has to take pot luck, and hope one can get what they need there, if taking the risk to drive all the way, if one has the ability to collect such large items and drive all that way too and from.
Oh well yet another hurdle this old gal has to try and overcome..

Once again Mitchell thank you for your advice and support

This old gal

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134508#Comment_134508

To clarify @Old-gal24, the issue with the round posts is that they are non-structural, not that they can't go in the ground. It's the 88 x 88mm post that can't go in the ground, so would need to be used with post supports.

If you can, I recommend using the 88 x 88mm posts for everything, but use them with post supports instead of concreting them in the ground.

Mitchell

Old-gal24

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137991#Comment_137991

@MitchellMc

As I mentioned I can't purchase the posts in Dubbo.

So looks like yet another two other jobs that will have to be added to my list of work needing doing NEXT year, maybe then the Dubbo NSW store *(will get stock in so I can get these jobs done) manages to complete the stores renovations and gets stock in. OR so I am told. Much the same as the drama's I went through to get those 8 posts you helped me with several months back.

The treated pine logs have been a great post for me to use over the past 20+ years, without any rotting concerns. I figure I don't have 20 years left in me, so I am thinking they will have to see me out. Besides the added cost and lack of availability yet again? I may just have to go with my original plans.

Once again @MitchellMc appreciated your advice/support.

This old gal

Child Item