How To Build A DIY Pergola | Build Or Buy - Is It Worth It?

Pergolas are all the rage at the moment, as many of us are spending more time in our gardens; the problem is, they can cost an absolute fortune. We tasked Joe with making one himself to see how much it would cost and to decide, ultimately, is building your own DIY pergola worth it? Time, money and effort factored in. We'll let you be the judge.
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[@paullewin570]

Great video! What I like the most, is that you cut the wood outside and on your table. I watch other DIY videos by people with a huge warehouse in their garden and every tool available to them. Your video makes me think I can have a go at this myself. Thanks

[@richalsop]

A very user friendly video isn't it!

[@joehuffman7410]

Haha exactly... "First you're going to want to find a nice tree in your personal forest and start by cutting it down and running your wood through a plainer.."

[@dhdrivingschool]

What equipment is needed for this job , I want to try as well.

[@caveymon]

@@dhdrivingschool drill machine, stone drill, plugs, deadbolts fitting with the plugs, a jigsaw and a normal saw or circular saw to top the standing pole. Oh, and something to dig a hole, mix your quick concrete and a hammer and some other small hardware to keep the pole upright whilst the concrete is setting. Pretty minimal, with some basic tools. The jigsaw isn't necessary perse, it is nice for the ornamental cuts, but using some straight angled cuts should work out great too (circular saw, or normal saw)

[@nellythree]

Exactly, great comment 😊

[@samdub]

Great video! This is exactly what budget DIY videos should be, basic tools, a good understanding and one video not 42 parts.

[@stevepeacock4265]

Wouldn’t quite say a cordless dewalt jigsaw is s basic tool. They start at £200

[@samdub]

@@stevepeacock4265 just because this jigsaw is £200 doesn’t mean it’s not a basic tool, you can get them for £20 dude.

[@fluffy00123x]

Subbed because you didn't use too many fancy items and did it like a proper DIY. Thank you so much. Xx

[@9700am]

Always enjoy watching your videos. Straightforward and simple, no overdone commentary or loud music. Will use this when building mine this Summer. Stay safe and healthy, Joe!

[@andrewreardon8093]

Many thanks Joe. You are a really good presenter and explain things simply and clear. Just the right balance of letting us see what you are doing but also explaining what you are doing and why. Great stuff and all the best.

[@stuartcarson9378]

Proper DIY for the masses. Thank you. Gonna have a look at your other videos. Great work.

[@WhisperingOpinion]

This is an amazing video and exactly what I was looking for. I so appreciate the step-by-step instruction with different angles. This is how to make a diy video. Much appreciated!

[@anthonytomlinson4470]

Just finished this with bamboo rolled on top attached with fence staples. Looks awesome, great video. Used fencing rails for the rafters and would recommend useing planed timber for the post uprights if you can afford it. Used clear silicone round the gaps in the joints etc. This from an amateur diy er 😃

[@kwesip6267]

I think it’s great. One of the best videos I’ve seen by a mile. Thanks for showing it.

[@videosrus8631]

Very impressed at how easy Joe made it look. I only wish I was as adept with my hands as he is. Excellent video.

[@wm23121984]

Thank you! great video and we will try this definitely!

[@trevorhope8447]

Great video. Easy to follow, no messing about.

[@sorayagrace]

Thank you!! Best video so far, I feel confident doing it now

[@terrycoburn125]

Brilliant and enjoyable video to watch. Inspired me to make my own pergola. Cheers mate!

[@pineappletop8751]

Great video. You explained things really well. You’ve shown me that this lady can give this one a go. Thank you

[@WatchShareSave]

Thanks! Really glad you found it helpful. Definitely give it a go! :) Joe

[@jamesW1994]

Love this video! Probably the most helpful DIY video I have seen, will be giving this a go!

[@richrussell9503]

Perfect video, clear guidance...I'm set to build mine 4m wide x 4m long x 2.4m high. Thanks for the inspiration...

[@eslameddinghalebi1]

straight to the point, amazing video subscribed

[@gezcollins221]

I'm going to have a go at this one myself looks straightforward thanks to your video 👍

[@maxburpee]

Good vid. Straightforward and unpretentious. Thank you.

[@bellazella]

You've inspired me to step way out the comfort zone and replicate this DIY solo. Thanks for all the different camera angles and step by step made simple.

[@user-yc6xj3mb9u]

I’ve just took one back to it’s. Original form it’s beautiful, watching you made me cry

[@matthewdavies2812]

What a cracking video. Thanks chap!

[@chrismontroe5707]

100% going to follow your guide, great build. Just about to do some decking so can incorporate this build alongside it.

[@Poikka65]

Absolutely loved this video, I might actually try this. Ty for the easy instructions 👍👍👌

[@WatchShareSave]

Thanks Mark! Really glad you liked it 😊 Joe

[@charmaineprobert1168]

Im a lady who was looking for something like this, so nicely illustrated thank you

[@marcuswall3857]

I'm starting one next week. A really helpful video. Thanks. I expect that I will be referring back to it a few times once I get started.

[@mamba691]

Absolutely fantastic video and must say love what you have designed and constructed. Definitely! Cheaper than buying a ready built on which is twice as expensive and still need to assemble. Going to construct mine once the weather has improved within the next couple of months 🙌🏾

[@millin2222]

Brilliant and very basic thanks for the share

[@annaworthington4393]

Brilliant video. I have a very old conservatory that is beyond repair, I’ve been thinking of replacing with a pergola but was concerned it would be a nightmare to DIY and would have to pay a company to come in. After watching this I think I’ll give it a go.

[@mrg2384]

Absolutely great video no messing about straight to the point with info on build and prices, spot on your a star.

[@WatchShareSave]

Thank you! 😊 Joe

[@ChrisDuffy_82]

Love you you explain even down to using new and old money. Subscribed!

[@billniemann6235]

Great video. I am getting ready to build one myself. For 8x8 patio area, I am going to use 6x6x8 for my posts. Then 2×12 ×10 for my beams, but I and double beaming my posts. The 2x6x10 rafters and For the lids 2x2x10 also I am using metal brackets for all corners and fasteners. I feel it will be better against the elements with this type of support.

[@bencux]

Really helpful! Thank you!!!

[@johnlofts]

Lovely vid and well explained. Thank you.

[@jaystationconsolegaming1578]

Brilliant video pal. I’m starting to make my own stuff for my garden and found this really helpful. We want a pergola over our patio and I like your way so may have a go. Cheers buddy

[@binxwinx8434]

You make it look so easy! Your garden is beautiful.

[@esotericist]

good job. well explained. thank you.

[@DavinderSingh-wv7eh]

Lovely video, thanks for sharing.

[@bikebristol8475]

Clear vid, temping to build one now!

[@bengray55]

Thank you for that, great video great delivery

[@shahdrah]

Great vid. Only point to add is to treat cut ends with wood preservative to prevent rot. Thank you for the vid 👍🏽

[@gemmaf255]

This is brilliant, exactly what I was looking for! Do you have a video for decking or patio?

[@gerlar67]

Hi, First of all thanks for uploading your video. You make it look so easy, you deep are your notches for the beams, as you've gave me inspiration to try and build one. Once again thanks for the video. Cheers Gerry

[@mattwright2964]

V good video. I built one of these years ago and grew climbing plants on it. Only thing was if you sat under it in rain it was wet so we added some clear top panels to provide some cover. That worked well but you had to maintain them regularly. I'm in another house now and planning building one and fixing a pull out awning on one side. That will neatly hide away when it's dry but allow it to be covered if it's raining but warm. We are going to put a table and chairs under it.

[@chrispritchard4676]

Thank you, Joe. I have been debating building my own due to the increasing delays in buying one. You have convinced me, and made it look so easy. Excellent explanatory video.

[@WatchShareSave]

Thanks Chris! Really glad the video is of help :) Joe

[@Orla.b]

How did it go did you manage to get it done?

[@greigconnor6215]

Great video mate. I'm going to build one myself and it's helped me get a better idea of how to go about it. Cheers mate

[@marvinseaman7645]

Great video and we’ll done! Lots of common sense and well made….planning to make my own soon to support a new whisteria.

[@spatel3783]

appreciate the video, really clear and helpful

[@Wayne-R-]

I’m made up I found your Chanel the mrs has been nagging me to build 1 of these and now I know exactly what to do thanks 👍🏻

[@edmeareginabarreiros648]

Boa noite! Acho que você é um artista! Parabéns pelo seu talento! Abraços! BRASIL! !!👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👏👏👏👏💃

[@hbrealhousewife2270]

That was brilliant. I’ve only just decided today that I would like a pergola. I’m tempted to give it a go. Thanks. 👍

[@WatchShareSave]

Definitely give it a go! It's so rewarding making one :) Joe

[@clmusicndance]

Thank you so much for sharing such a brilliant video so clearly explained and very inspirational 😊😊😊

[@WatchShareSave]

Thank you Christine! Really glad you liked it :) Joe

[@tarmactrailandtrack]

Good to hear a local voice on YT! Its a good design that is easy on the eye. I am going to do one myself but i will be adding glazing bars on it so it can be used all year round!

[@safiaahmed4360]

Very good I might need to come and fence my garden God bless 🙌 🙏 you

[@sirmichaele1]

Great job. Thanks for the video. Waiting for more.

[@WatchShareSave]

Thanks mate! :) Joe

[@itsdaley]

Great video very easy to follow never thought about doing something like this but feel I could after watching this 😊, I'd add some form of roof though to keep dry or in the shade on those hot days

[@mian8479]

Amazing job WELLDONE! and the best thing I have heard from this video is "even if you do buy one you still have to build it" very well said mate

[@memyselfandgod5550]

Absolutely brilliant job! Nice and simple, plus easy to follow instructions 😊 I plan on making this in the next few months with my 11 year old son. A fantastic mother and son project 👍🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@RJ2MELLO]

Great. Thank for this

[@marnieahmed1919]

quality vid, very well explained!

[@donnaharper4532]

You make it look soooo easy but im up for the challenge. Thank you for this vid just what i needed been contemplating for a long time now ive no excuse 😁

[@WatchShareSave]

Thank you Donna! I truly believe that anything is simple when you break it down step by step. If I can do it, then trust me, anyone can! Hope you give it a go now :) Joe

[@damienb6009]

Great job, it looks so simple in your hands. That's very inspiring for my own construction, on mine I'd like to have 5% slope so the cutting of notches will be a little bit more difficult.

[@blipsandbeats]

Great video - thanks!

[@stevetee7801]

Great video. Thanks.

[@bushyboy8376]

Superb video mate! Given me the confidence to get on with mine now!

[@MarkMichalowski]

Revisiting this one cos I need to pull my finger out and get a pergola put up in _my_ back-garden :) Nice one, Joe!

[@paulbowden7659]

Really clear and extremely informative video. Well done and thanks!

[@WatchShareSave]

Thanks Paul! :) Joe

[@TheSimple46]

Beautiful garden! 😍

[@PERKINS4107]

You have a beautiful garden! Well done, it's lovely 👌👍

[@Sweet_dumplin]

So helpful thanks

[@omz121]

Great video. Just wished you'd given measurements of the notches made and also the distance between then.

[@user-tg3ct3sz1q]

Great video thank you well done

[@michellewilkie2231]

Excellent very well explained

[@TheDude69]

Excellent video and great idea for a channel. Liked and subscribed 👍🙋‍♂️

[@katnewell1521]

great work, thanks! I love the joinery ideas :-)

[@WatchShareSave]

Thanks Kat! Glad you liked it :) Joe

[@voiceoverguyharris]

Brilliant!!!

[@giovanniyorke7455]

Thank you very much, it very informative and I learned a lot, Great Video Bro!!

[@WatchShareSave]

Thank you! Really glad you liked it :) Joe

[@laurentsrey8711]

thanks for your video, makes me confident I can built on now :)

[@WatchShareSave]

great!

[@pennyjotter6073]

Great video, what a lovely garden too

[@tee2899]

Great video thanks

[@JamesBrown-mt5ru]

Came across this video and realised it's a while since I watched you and back then you didn't show your face (never easy to put a face to a voice). Delighted to see the progress you've made in video production subscribed!

[@neilleggat4422]

Useful video....well presented 🤙🏼

[@nataliescott2261]

Nice job we are planning making one video really helped

[@jonsmith1725]

This video was great, I love how you demonstrated everything clearly without complicating for the novice diy person. I used your help and just finished building my own in 2 days! One question, I’d like to secure the cross beams as they’re not all tight, what would you suggest for this and how please? Once again thanks for all the help with this video.

[@anthonytomlinson4470]

If there’s gaps I’d use wood filler then you can get 4 inch hex head screws (coated for outdoor use) to hold it

[@DerekTJ]

Excellent little video- well done pal!

[@MrSam6462]

You make it look so easy. I was planning to build a pergola but timber price has sky rocketed. If the timber merchant sees there sales drop, maybe they will drop the price to clear the existing stock. Not sure how it works but I'll wait. Great video 👍

[@SicanguLakota4rmSouthDakota]

I have some left over wood I'm going to give this a try..thanks for the ideas mate !

[@corina6627]

Love this ❤

[@douglasalexander4348]

Where the wood has been cut for notches, it’s good to brush on some preservative. Nice and simple instructions, great 👍

[@WatchShareSave]

Would definitely help! We ended up painting the structure with wood preserver afterwards but adding some to the joints before hand would have been the best bet for sure 😊 Joe

[@ez8294]

what a great n helpful video! is there any other way to put the post on the floor without digging a hole n put cement mix ?

[@BluebellsRblue1873]

Great video. Please do more

[@loriennyanzi1290]

Thank you. Now I think I can do this. Just have to learn how to use the drill.

[@bendavisson7819]

great video mate

[@williamdc3104]

Great video, very clear instructions. Don't forget to add a can of sealant to your budget and procedures. Every cut should be sealed, and depending on the size of the hole and treatment method, every hole needs to be sealed as well. Especially if that wood has a warranty.

[@mattlingley3409]

Thank you very much for the video, very clear and I'm going to give this a go myself. What model Dewalt jigsaw did you use, can you recommend one? Many thanks.

[@BejoBen97]

Top effort & great video

[@janetharlowe4113]

Thanks for video brilliant, to make it free standing is it a case of adding 2 more thicker square posts and shaping both ends of top with it not being attached to the wall?.

[@chrisbirchall2876]

Brilliant video looks mint 👌

[@shenry25]

Nice construction and video. I would sand down does cuts, some look a bit rough, but nothing that can't be easily fixed.