Resembling a shade arbor and functioning as a trellis for climbing vines, our project stands at this garden's threshold. We dug through architectural-history books and came up with a pergola, which is a pair of colonnades supporting an open roof of cross beams. But no matter what you call it, our project adds a classic touch to any garden. Overall dimensions are only 56 x 36 inches, measured to the outside of the posts. Height, measured to the bottom of the cross beam, is 86 inches.
Construction is simple and straightforward.
We selected pressure-treated Southern pine for economy and long life. Four 6 x 6 posts support a 2 x 6 beam. For a cleaner look, the beams fit into notches in the tops of the posts. Rafters support a lattice roof of 2 x 2s. We copied the decorative rafter ends of the house and repeated them on the pergola for a custom look.