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June 24, 2010
How to build a Pergola – Step Two
In order to successfully put together your pre cut pergola kit, you will need to be able to identify all of the elements of the structure. Furthermore we will be referring to all of the pieces by their names from here on in, so it makes sense to establish what is what at this point.
Step Two- Identifying the elements of your Pergola
Your kit will be delivered with a bill of materials and a cutting list. The names of each timber on the list correspond to their names in the diagram below (click on the diagram to enlarge it) Before building anything, conduct a thorough check to ensure you have every piece of timber.
To help you identify and assemble the timber members they have been marked. The markings are on the cut ends so that they will be visible when the timber is painted and not visible once the structure is complete. There are some members that you will need to mark, however we recommend that you should paint all members before marking anything.
Corner Posts are marked with a PC# on the notched out sections
Intermediate Posts are marked with a PM# on the notched out sections
Beams are marked with a BM# on the topside at one end
Bottom Chords are marked with a BM# on the topside at one end, the bottom chords have a notch in each end.
Standard Rafters are marked with a RS# on the topside at one end
Gable End Rafters are marked with a RG# on the topside at one end
Collar Ties are marked with a CT# on the topside at one end
The Ridge is marked with a RDG# on the topside at one end
Purlins are marked with a PR# on the topside at one end
Vertical Struts are marked with an ST# on the end cut
Starburst Struts are marked with a SB# on the end cut
Barge Boards are marked with a TB# on the internal face at one end
Once you have identified all of the timbers and painted them it’s time to start marking out
How to build a Gable Roof Pergola – Step Three – Marking Out
How to build a Gable Roof Pergola
For further information or any inquiries you might have please get in contact with us via the phone or the form below, we’d love to hear from you.
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Softwoods is a family owned South Australian company that has been trading for over 30 years.

We understand that making changes to your home is a major and important thing, and we take care to understand that every project that we handle should be done with as much care as we would expect is used in our own homes. Learn more about Softwoods.