Pergola build

[ihadablackdog]

So it turns out my slabs arent perfectly level, so when I put the post bases in place, they either rock a little off two oposite corners, or when sitting flush, isnt level. Its obviously not major as its a flat patio etc, but I'm not sure if I need to worry.

Obviously I need the bases to be secure and not wobble etc and then when I fit the posts, I have one of those post-spirit level things, but surely if I move the post to be vertical and then screw it in, there will be a small gap between the bottom of the post and the metal plate of the base.

When I watched the videos, they basically say to do this, but wouldn't that put strain on the screws?

The other option is to try and level the base when tightening the bolt by putting washers etc at the corners? I looked at the gripfill but don't think thats meant for this sort of "filling"?

(as you can tell, I'm a complete novice.....hopefully not so novice that it falls down )

[Pondrew]

I would put the posts in the brackets then use washers, or similar, under the brackets to level them on both planes. The most important thing is your posts are plumb in both planes, then everything else is easy.

[ihadablackdog]

Timber is here! I love it, lovely colour! I crapped myself when I saw the length of the posts....turns out they gave me 12ft posts rather than 8ft posts as they said the off cuts were no use to them. Think I can use the extra to do some of the corner braces.

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[ihadablackdog]

Been thinking about levelling the base supports....think I’m going to try using the fixing screws you told me about as they would make it easier to keep the washers in place.....so the studs might have been a waste of time (they will help though so not really wasted).

[Pondrew]

Good luck. If you get one post in and plumb in both directions, then temporarily screw pieces of timber at a manageable (head) height to all three posts, you can then plumb the other two easier as it will all support itself as a triangle. You will have to keep checking the first one though.

[ihadablackdog]

Post bases in and levelled. Most of the day, but worth it due to the importance of these.

Secured with M12 threaded rod and M12 nut, and 4 M8 screws.

Added thread lock to the nut and also covered the top of the threaded rod with it as it resists corrosion.

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[Pondrew]

Blimey! I don't think you're going to be accused of "bodging it"

[ihadablackdog]

Blimey! I don't think you're going to be accused of "bodging it"

Try to do a good job, even though I haven’t a clue what I’m doing, but with your help and YouTube I should be ok

Sanding today and cutting posts to length (I ordered three 8ft post and they gave me three 12ft posts, they said the extra 4ft was no use to them so I might as well have it! Makes them bloody heavy though!

Also got to cut a template for the fancy bits on the ends....an offset 45 degree cut isn’t good enough apparently (according to Deb).

[Pondrew]

Also got to cut a template for the fancy bits on the ends....an offset 45 degree cut isn’t good enough apparently (according to Deb).

If you want rounded; look for something like a big plant pot (i used a bucket) of the radius that suits you and draw around it!

[ihadablackdog]

Want them to be the same as in the video, so thanks for the tip on how to get the curve (although getting the template right is one thing....not screwing up the actual cuts is another!).

So yesterday was slow progress. Had intended to get the 3 posts cut and sanded and the 4 beams sanded and template made.

That didn’t happen! Took me ages to cut the posts with a circular saw as it only goes to about 2.5 inch, so had to cut 4 sides and I just couldn’t get them to meet up! In the end I devised a method that worked for me.

Then onto sanding....belt sanded with 60 grit paper and it still took ages to get the saw marks out, in the end I got 2 of them finished as it was too late to start the 3rd.

So only got 3 posts cut and 2 sanded.

Pictures show 1 sanded and 1 unsanded.

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[Chippie]

belt sanders are brilliant for removing the rough saw marks out of timber

[Pondrew]

Want them to be the same as in the video, so thanks for the tip on how to get the curve (although getting the template right is one thing....not screwing up the actual cuts is another!).

So yesterday was slow progress. Had intended to get the 3 posts cut and sanded and the 4 beams sanded and template made.

That didn’t happen! Took me ages to cut the posts with a circular saw as it only goes to about 2.5 inch, so had to cut 4 sides and I just couldn’t get them to meet up! In the end I devised a method that worked for me.

Then onto sanding....belt sanded with 60 grit paper and it still took ages to get the saw marks out, in the end I got 2 of them finished as it was too late to start the 3rd.

So only got 3 posts cut and 2 sanded.

Pictures show 1 sanded and 1 unsanded.

C3916F9E-1367-4E02-B5F5-6A6D793007BA.jpeg

5B082B5B-1EA9-43CF-B2CB-8F6D2CC89AB9.jpeg

Have you not got a hand panel saw? That will cut the posts easier, just mark on two sides of the timber as a guide.
Be careful with using a circular saw like that, as it can catch and buck. I have seen too many chippies without fingers in my time!
With hindsight, maybe should have asked the mill for PAR (planed all round) then no sanding. Mills use massive table saws with huge blades that only have about 4 teeth per inch, so they don't give the finest finish (called rough sawn)!

[ihadablackdog]

Yes, I have a hand saw but never seem to be able to cut straight with it, so it didn't really occur to me. I got them fine in the end and with the belt sander they are now perfect.

3rd post took me 3hrs today to sand all sides, and thats with 60 grit belts!!!!!!

Definitely wish I'd asked the sawmill to plane everything for me (again, inexperience).....loads left to do, so I started one of the beams and it was no easier....remember my neighbour saying he had a thickness planer so asked to borrow that.....did one board, then on the 2nd f*cked the machine!

Don't think the board was even as it jammed and looked like the cutting mechanism that you adjust up and down on threaded rods on each side had sort of slipped a thread and no longer level...therefore it woudn't raise. And the machine doesnt have a reverse option so I couldn't back out.

Eventually managed to get the board out and I think that board will be ok.

So after several hours trying to fix it, I had to fess up to my neighbour! Going to see if I can get it repaired tomorrow morning, if not I'll need to order a replacement.....at £300 !!!!

Oh, and its gonna rain on Wednesday! So my plan to have all the wood done today and the posts and beams up tomorrow has gone pear shaped.

To say I'm f*cking p$ssed off right now would be an understatement!

[ihadablackdog]

Think I’ve fixed the planer so will try again tomorrow......

[Chippie]

Think I’ve fixed the planer so will try again tomorrow......

Don’t try taking too much off in one pass