Weatherly Pergola

Set the four posts in the ground, spaced exactly as designed, and check the diagonals to confirm they're square before the foundation sets. The posts need to stick up 107" out of the ground — longer if using buried pier blocks.

Attach the short cleats to all four posts with 2-1/2" galvanized finish nails and glue. The bottom cleat should sit just above the brackets holding the posts to the ground.

Add the long cleats to complete each post's cleat frame.

Rip the 1x8 boards down to a 6-1/2" width and the 1x10 boards to an 8" width on the table saw. Nail the ripped boards to the cleats to hide the post and its foundation hardware inside a clean square column.

Miter the post cap trim at 45° around the base of each post cap and attach with finish nails and glue. Measure and add the moulding around each cap for a finished look, using 1-1/4" finish nails and glue.

Cut all the roof board ends into a decorative pattern of your choice. Screw the first roof boards up with 3" exterior screws, checking with a level that they sit level across the posts.

Check the diagonals of the structure again. Once they match, rest two more 2x4s on top of the existing ones, to the outsides, and screw to the posts. Add the remaining 2x4s spaced 22" apart, using brackets, pocket hole screws, or long screws predrilled and countersunk from the top.

Space the 2x2s across the top and screw them to the 2x4s (and to the posts where present) with 3" exterior screws and glue, fastening to every 2x4 crossing beneath for the most support.

If the structure has any wobble, cut and screw in corner braces at the post-to-roof joints — this adds a surprising amount of rigidity for very little material. In high snow-load or high-wind areas, upgrading to 2x6 roof boards and notching the joints adds further strength.