Pergola Construction

   Just some of the rough cut cedar stacked in the garage.

  and some more outside!

  The whole pergola will be hollow, but with two sides made from 2*2 to make it look like it is

  laminated solid. This shows one pillar under construction - it just has two sides at this time.

  The "T" at the top  is how the horizontals and verticals are joined together

  Here are several pillars stacked up ready for

  erection.  These have three sides as will be seen

  below.

  This, believe it or not is a home built crane. The 'muscle' is supplied by a ratcheting 'come along'.

  It's red handle is just visible. The cranes use is just a few pictures down!

  Here are the three pillars nearest the house.

  They are attached to the foundations by a single

   bolt each at this time, so they can pivot around it.

  They are already attached to a horizontal beam,

  which is resting on supports.

  The crane in place. The hook end of the come along is tied to the horizontal beam near its middle.

  So when the come along is cranked the horizontal beam - and the top ends of the pillars

  are raised up.

  Sue and Sheeba add interest!

  Also a better view of the come along on the crane.

  All the ropes are there to add stability at the

  early stages. 

  The crane has lifted the beam and pillars up several feet now.

  However between this picture and the previous one the road side pillars

  have been put in place. They are just resting on the house side pillars.

  This makes the need for so many ropes clearer. All six pillars have their own

  pair of ropes - one towards the house and one away.

  Sue is amazed, Sheeba indifferent!

  At this stage the crane has lifted as far as it can, the remaining 'lift'

  is done by the ropes, which have block and tackle to provide the power.

  The crane is just resting now! 

  Here the same process is repeated

  Now the whole thing is beginning to take shape. 

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT