How to build a minimalist pergola?

[deecaldo]

 Hi everyone. Would like to ask for your suggestions or opinions regarding the project i'm planning to do. I also uploaded the drawing of the minimalist pergola. Would it be possible for the wood post to support the pergola if the depth of it is 400mm and with additional planter box with concrete in it? Thank you.

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @deecaldo 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your pergola.

I propose engaging the services of a drafts person or engineer and asking them about your plans. Even though it is a minimalistic pergola, it still has to be able to withstand strong winds and abrupt weather. The drafts person or engineer will verify your plan and make amendments to make sure that it is structurally safe. In this manner there will be no second guessing, and you know your structure is safe.

Generally speaking, I propose concreting the entire footing rather than just the top and having your post hole at 600mm rather than 400mm for safety. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[deecaldo]

Hi Eric,

Thank you for you advice. I appreciate it.

Dee

[Nailbag]

Hi @deecaldo 

Definite;e the posts will need to be min 1/3rd into the ground excluding any above ground plater box which will provide no structural support.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Morning @deecaldo 

Nice Sketching It really helps narrow down what you want.

-Posts should be a minimum 600mm in the ground and the 1/3 of the posts height rule is even better. (I prefer 800mm in the ground)

-The post size is good.

-The headers I would prefer thicker especially for a 4m span, It would be better to have a middle post for sure.

-The 4.4m front to back probarlly needs another post and the battons you have I would go larger. The spans you have are a little too long without adding additional posts. Plus all that weight then would be carried by only 4 of 100 * 100 posts.

- Are you intending to notch the top of the posts to support the beam? You will also need to strengthen the diagonal supports, either with some bracing at the tops or a longer bracing between posts.

I would also consider factoring in even tho you want a minimilistac pergola that someone may hang things off it (plants, kids seat) birthday/christmas party stuff.

Dave

[deecaldo]

Hi Dave,

Thank you very much for your recommendation and feedback regarding the build.

I realized that the 4.4m would be risky lenght for the beam. Will be considering adding post to support the beam and the structure.

Thanks again...