🖼️
The project:
As first-home owners in our little Queenslander, we had no outdoor entertaining area, so we decided to create one ourselves from scratch (in the pictures I’ve included a picture of what the space looked like before). We started with the garden beds, filling them with lush tropical plants before having the concrete slab poured. From there, we built the entire timber pergola by hand. There were plenty of blood, sweat and tears along the way, but seeing it all come together made every challenge worth it. We’re incredibly proud of what we achieved together and love that we turned an empty space into our favourite place to relax, unwind and entertain.
- Materials:
Pretty much everything pictured is from Bunnings lol. Materials include:
- Outdoor setting (Mimosa Santo Range: Timber Corner Lounge with Cushion, table and chairs) (https://www.bunnings.com.au/mimosa-santo-timber-corner-lounge-with-cushion_p0581625?store=8451&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20293524920&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_OqcF7mlK8vVgFrbSo1zpMe&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBsV99-3ZkiZHksO6m8vMqcQ-N0PZD7NNnCxFsMO9io_tubcUWaxGa0aAk1IEALw_wcB)
- Post stirrups/base brackets
- treated pine 4 different sizes and lengths used 1.special order :0383222 LVL13H2 SMARTFRAME++240X45MM L/M 2/7.2 2. (https://www.bunnings.com.au/240-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-3-6m_p8032337)(https://www.bunnings.com.au/140-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-5-4m_p8032274)
- bamboo screen (for ceiling) (https://www.bunnings.com.au/eden-1-8-x-3m-euro-reed-screening_p3065784)
- Galvanised bolts, nuts and washers
- timber stain (https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-250ml-merbau-water-based-deck-and-exterior-timber-stain-merbau_p1520407?store=8451&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9BhZOmPeCNH5zHmmxczeTlV&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBtKuTkF2xcjiPf5OqlaTDG5L9JORPiTargxdaeiuw81_Bixkesx13IaAtvNEALw_wcB)
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- Tools:
— blow torch for wood finishing (https://www.bunnings.com.au/bossweld-lpg-propane-handy-heat-torch-kit_p0253335?region_id=118451&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21118986128&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9sVPKT21xYEbcordttq8kJO&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBte0cW42NUw5EngVcvNskZ6EYmuhNhFxR-M1ZNSSpLR-oDK0AvUSdEaAtWaEALw_wcB)
- Step 1:
Step 1 – Plan & Position the Posts
After the concrete slab was poured, we measured and marked the four post locations, positioning them roughly 200mm in from the slab edge. We had the slab corners poured 150mm thick to support the extra height of the pergola.
- Step 2:
Step 2 – Prepare the Timber
We sourced almost all of the timber from Bunnings, only special ordering the two 300 × 45 × 7000mm main beams. Before standing anything up, we laid the timber on the ground, marked the roof pitch, cut everything to size and pre-drilled all the bolt holes.
- Step 3:
Step 3 – Install the Posts
We cut M16 threaded rods, chemset them into the concrete and fixed the post brackets using four bolts per bracket. The brackets were installed 30mm above the slab so the timber wouldn’t sit directly on the concrete. We then stood the front (3.6m) and rear (3.0m) posts in place.
- Step 4:
Step 4 – Build the Frame
With temporary supports holding everything in place, we lifted the two main beams onto the posts and secured them. We then installed all the cross beams that would support the roof
sheets and finished the exposed beam ends with 45-degree cuts for a cleaner look.
- Step 5:
Step 5 – Install the Roof
We laid bamboo screening over the roof frame before installing the 7m roofing sheets, which were specially ordered to suit the pergola length. Once positioned, the sheets were screwed down securely.
- Step 6:
Step 6 – Strengthen the Structure
To improve the pergola’s rigidity and cyclone resistance, we installed cyclone strapping and wire tensioners across the rear section of the structure.
- Step 7:
Step 7 – Finish the Timber
To give the pergola its unique look, we lightly charred all of the timber using a blowtorch, bringing out the natural grain and patterns. We then applied a dark exterior varnish, which completed the finish and gave the pergola its rich colour.
- Step 8:
final step….sit back relax and enjoy the hard work!!
