How to Build a DIY Pergola

[@iRepairSouthampton]

Thanks

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome 👊

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Great project Charlie, I have been looking forward to seeing how you tackled this project since we spoke about it a few months back, and it was awesome to see you and your son working together 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate, really appreciate that. Likewise I really enjoyed your pergola vid. Gave me some great pointers for mine. Yes, great to work with my son. Sadly all too rare an occurrence, but nice he felt motivated to help with this one. 👊

[@valborchardt3596]

Thank you dear, nice to see your son helping you….great video….take care as always from SAfrica

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Val. Hope all's well in SA. Nice to hear from you.

[@Kaj319]

I like the roof design, it’s quite unique. Would be good to see how it’s looking today

[@youknow6968]

Truly awesome, I had no plans, but now an urge is building to build something similar in the garden.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Go for it - you won't regret it. 👌

[@brianmarktyler7867]

Great to see you working with your son I'm 42 and I still love doing DIY with my dad .

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Brian. You're very lucky to be doing that. I'm 5 years older than you and my poor Dad's DIY days, such as they were, are definitely behind him. Yes sadly I don't do much with son. He's autistic and doesn't really get too involved even though he's good at it, but this job captivated him enough for him to want to see it through from start to finish. 👍

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

Great to see you and your son taking on a project together Charlie. Looks lovely as well all lit up on an evening. 🙂

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Karl. Yes it doesn't happen very often as it's hard to get him engaged, but he was hell bent on doing this. 👊

[@tee2899]

My next project now I have the skills thanks to Karlpopewoodcraft

[@WhatsMyLane]

It's my old mate Charlie again, just as I've been contemplating whether or not to attempt to build a pergola with roof this spring time....Great timing video. Glad to see you are still enjoying making the content. :)

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yey, thanks Aarron 👊 Yep, still enjoy putting this stuff together but it's a pretty exhausting process so I needed a big break over Christmas. Good luck with yours, and drop me an email if you have any questions. 👍

[@WhatsMyLane]

@@CharlieDIYte Thanks Charlie, very helpful, will come in handy later this year for sure, will give you a shout if I get stuck. Thanks again buddy, hope your holidays were restful.

[@stevebosun7410]

Hi Charlie, great to see you getting your son involved (not that he didn't have an ulterior motive of course). So many parents don't, and the kids grow up paying someone to do everything. Keep it up for your sons benefit, and you get an extra pair of hands. It'll be interesting to see how the steel insert fairs with respect to corrosion.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Steve. Yes, he's autistic so it's not without its challenges but I was chuffed he wanted to do this as whilst he loves DIY he generally doesn't react to get involved. As you say, the ulterior motive swayed it! I'm not worried about corrosion. That Neutrarust is extraordinary stuff. Check out my vid on it if you have time 👍

[@Gm-nx9je]

you explain this project beautifully. thank you so much. that has inspired me to try something like this in our garden. much success to your channel

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks, I really appreciate it. Go for it - it'll be a lot of fun and so satisfying when you're done.

[@spatel3783]

really helpful video Charlie, thank you

[@garvielloken3929]

Brilliant! Just Brilliant. Especially the cost breakdown at the end.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks so much Garviel. Great to hear from you 👊

[@eyecatcher1509]

what you created with the steel inserts is a "flitch" beam which can be inside or sandwich outside to strengthen timber beams. I am trying to design a pergola myself and thinking to create some posts from 5x2 bolted together in a similar fashion

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks for that. Good knowledge! I suppose the only question about the pillars is whether a similar addition would actually prevent the side to side flex and therefore whether it's actually necessary or not. There's minimal movement with mine even without the triangular supports that since people have suggested I fit to the pillars at roof level.

[@eyecatcher1509]

Yes you are right, the 45deg gallows do a couple of jobs, they keep the whole frame square and they also slightly reduce the span and take the deflection on the beams away from pulling "in" the tops of the posts. But we are so used to seeing a pergola with supports that without them thry just look unfinished.

[@MarcusT86]

Another fantastic video mate. Your son looks so much like you! I would love to make one of these in my garden one day.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate, really appreciate that. Just start planning it slowly. Just thinking about it is satisfying, I find, and when you take the plunge you'll be amazed how well it comes together. 👊

[@travissmith7471]

Very helpful detailed video. Thanks for sharing!

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment 👊

[@awantamta]

A very nice addition to the deck.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Tahir 👍

[@voodoonights1671]

Well done lads. I am going to use this as the basis of one this spring. 😁

[@CharlieDIYte]

Glad you found it useful. Good luck with the build and drop me a line if you've got any questions. 👍

[@jonp6798]

Great stuff. I used sheet plastics for whole wall kitchen splashback tile covering. 3mm stuff did the job great and brightens up the kitchen.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Jon. Sounds like you've done a lovely job there 👍

[@beatsandwarts]

Great video!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks buddy 👊

[@neilwhiteside949]

Another great video. You may get mould forming on the non glass glazing. Time will tell.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. That's an interesting point Neil. We shall see. There's loads of ventilation so hopefully not. 🤞

[@Spoonychief]

Another quality build :)

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hey Nick. Thanks for that mate 👊

[@Spherian7]

Always wonderful. 💎 Perhaps you would consider having a drone flight around your residence and estate so we can see your handiwork and overall effect. I\m sure it would be very cool.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I need to get my son on the case. 👍

[@jimgeelan5949]

Nice one Charlie, put some corner timber braces up at high level only about 400mm long that will sort your wobble out

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Jim. Yes that's a good point that I should have mentioned in the video. I'm going to resist it for now because it will change the look but I'll keep it in mind for the unlikely event that the strength of the structure deteriorates. 👍

[@daveh1081]

Charlie........you've been reading my mind!!! This just popped up in my notifications.........sad git that I am, I'll save it for later and revisit because I know it will be good!! My vlog review will follow!! Cheers bruv!!👍👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Aw, thanks Dave. Hope you find it useful 👊

[@daveh1081]

@@CharlieDIYte Right, I've watched it Charlie. My only "criticism" is, I think I'd have gone for 6x6's for the uprights. Having said that, I've not priced any timber recently so I might have a "gripper" when I price mine up! 🤣🤣I love what you do because you don't mind telling it "warts n all".....and me only being a competent DIYer, you talk my language. Another detailed and informative vlog/tutorial!! Many thanks and enjoy the coffee.....it's the least I can do!! Best DaveH

[@hbrealhousewife2270]

Love the pergola Charlie, just need a couple of clematis climbing up the front posts now.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Ah, yes that would be great. Thanks for that 👍

[@peterdnreynolds777]

another brilliant build Charlie, hope all is well and happy new year. Take care

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Peter, really appreciate that. You too 👊

[@Brian18741]

Nice man. 👍 Some gussets on the posts would strengthen it considerably.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate. Yes I know. I just don't think it's necessary right now and will impact on the look of it 👍

[@Swwils]

If you want something a little less harsh you can replace the gutter downpipe with a bit of plastic chain or rope, looks nicer for a garden structure.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I like your thinking, so the water flows down that instead 🤔 👍

[@Swwils]

@@CharlieDIYte yes can also get little plant pot things

[@nicomonkeyboy]

How did it cope with storm Eunice?

[@gilesfone]

Your videos are always packed with information and so is this one 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks so much for that 👍

[@suj1945]

Nice one Charl

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks 👍

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Job well done. Definitely steady enough IMO Next job .... re-flushing the wall of the shed ?? ;-)

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks buddy, and good to hear from you. Yep. It's awful pointing, isn't it. The guy who lived here before me was a bit of a perfectionist but after he died I sense his wife was preyed on by bodgit and scarper merchants, and this was probably their work. I'll planning to convert the shed into an office, and will sort that out as part of the refurb.

[@ianpearse4480]

Great share yet again. Thanks.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Ian 👍

[@FHRider-o1m]

Looks great. What are the benefits of using double layer sheets? Being outdoors it can’t be for insulation properties, so I’m thinking of using single layer, to avoid condensation and algae 🤔

[@CharlieDIYte]

Strength I guess. They're light and strong.

[@Neo-mw1pp]

Great job, so if the metal bands bend doesn't that negate their purpose of reinforcing the timbers lol!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes possibly bit they shouldn't bend the way I've used them and arguably they weren't needed in the first place

[@treeoflifebahrain08]

Hi Charlie. I note that you didn't paint the pergola. I've had a look at your deck stain video. If you had to paint the pergola, what would you use decking oils? If not, can you recommend a product?

[@CharlieDIYte]

I did oil the pillars with that Manns oil, and would probably do the same with the external bits on the roof but they say to hold off initially for 6 months or so because the oil won't take that well to the freshly tanelised timber. I wouldn't use a stain as it looks awful when it starts to peel/chip off. If you want a tint, then brands like Osmo do tinted oils. Owatrol do some fantastic deck treatment products too.

[@drn.sharaf8907]

Excellent and informative DIY project. Thanks I was wondering if you thought putting corner braces to give the structure more strength and rigidity. Just a thought…

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Doc. Yes you'd be right and a few people have suggested this. I resisted doing this because I wanted it to look a bit more contemporary than your typical pergolas, but it's always an option if I feel the structure needs it. 👍

[@ridgmont61]

It is certainly going to protect & prolong the deck. Will it get very hot under the polycarbonate in bright sunshine?

[@CharlieDIYte]

I doubt it. It's very open, such that you actually get a bit of rain coming in too. But it protects the majority from the elements.

[@1424Matt]

You can get a bit of heat through clear poly but if in doubt, bronze and opaque poly is available and can make it quite a bit cooler underneath at the expense of some direct sunlight.

[@MrManningata]

Hi Charlie. You might not see this but I would love to see you do a video about whole house ventilation systems with heat recovery. The damp and condensation in my house just won't go away and I'm starting to look into more drastic measures.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Sorry to hear about this. I'm guessing you saw this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/inqnk2CmmbShjq8 although it sounds like there aren't any lifestyle changes you haven't already tried? Have you tried installing a PIV (Nuaire or Vent Axia)? I'd love to help but although I do plan to install a PIV that's about it as my relative humidity levels are in the 40s as I'm evangelical about leaving windows ajar during the day.

[@MrManningata]

@@CharlieDIYte yes that video brought some good ideas to the table, and things like mould resistant paint and regular window vac-ing helps. I have considered the PIV and I suppose it would work, but part of me is averse to pumping cold air into my house 24/7, or using electricity to heat the incoming air as I expect that is quite costly. I understand that a whole house heat recovery system is probably a large undertaking.

[@MrManningata]

@@CharlieDIYte as a side note, one of the things I have considered is just installing this system only in the upstairs as this is where I get most of the problems, and it would be easier to run ducting through the otherwise unused loft space.

[@MrWayno79x]

To stop the wobble couldn’t you put short diagonals on each top corner. (8) ?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Could certainly do that mate but I don't think it's necessary for mine and will change the look, but I'll keep an eye on it. Was very windy last night and it was fine, plus it's reasonably sheltered down there.

[@nicomakaveli1]

Great video as always. What track is that you are using with the erbour plunge saw? Is it the evolution?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Nico. Yes it's the Evolution, which is ok but you do need to check it against a straight edge when bolting together. Better to get a single one if you've got the storage for it.

[@UKIP]

It would be interesting to see a comparison between the Stihl mini-chainsaw and a budget make at half the price from Amazon.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes I have reservations with this, particularly the fact it ships with only 1 battery. It's a clever little tool but a bit overkill for its main job being pruning, and Stihl are anxious to point out you have to hold it with two hands, which rather defeats the object of a pistol shaped tool. I wasn't aware there are cheaper alternatives. Thanks for heads up on that.

[@snowbind]

How did it fair in the recent storm? :)

[@CharlieDIYte]

It's not showing any damage 👍

[@paulroberts4261]

I know you did this ages ago Charlie, but is that the St. Moritz hot tub? I'm just about to undertake the exact same decking project. Would be good to know if you have had any issues since the build?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes it is the San Moritz. No issues, the deck is still rock solid. The only issues I've had are with the hot tub lid kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqbLdXmCar-aprs

[@jasonharding9490]

My first thought was "there's no corner bracing!", clearly you have thought about that and done what was appropriate so I'm not going to criticize on that front. Just a few points on this: triangular corner bracing can be fitted at either top or bottom (or both, but the point is just bracing at the bottom may well be sufficient to leave the top stiff enough without compromising the aesthetic), and what you have I suspect is pretty securely held at the bottom as it is built into the decking structure. Another type of bracing would be to infill a side or part of a side; without blocking the available light coming over the hedge you could perhaps add a low "wall" up to a railing and make a feature with some built in planting, LED strips, bar... something like. Lastly, a small bracket at the top could hold the structure to the brick wall next door. This is not to say you need anything additional at all in this case, just ideas of further strengthening if required in similar circumstances. Thanks for the video, the extra level of care to add that internal steel strip and the finishing of that aluminium edging is just the sort of thing I aspire to do.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Jason. You're absolutely right. I didn't want to go with bracing because I feel it will ruin the aesthetic, and the structure should be strong enough to withstand anything the weather can throw at it given it's set in concrete and screwed to the deck. If it does need bracing I'll get that place I bought the steel from to make me some metal braces to screw it to the shed. I like your idea there 👊👍

[@amanawoman7300]

So... Did it hold up to this weeks weather? (good video as always, especially the steel reinforcement as a concept)

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes it's still standing firm and we've had some pretty strong winds here. 👍

[@jonno946]

How is the polycarbonate roofing looking 2 years on? Thanks

[@CharlieDIYte]

Good but the centre piece that clicks down to unite the two pieces has shrunk in the sun.

[@simonroberts9759]

Hi. New to channel. Congrats on great video. I didn't see you talk about how you fixed the uprights at their base. It looks like they are secured to your deck - just screwed in place or something else. It doesn't look as if there is anything to stop the roof from swaying. Normally a diagonal member would help but this will impact on aesthetics.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hi Simon. Great to have you on board! This is the original video which explains how they are set in concrete and screwed to the deck kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGOld2qJa9-lsK8 Yes it will sway a bit but I'm not worried about that. Plus it's quite sheltered down there.

[@carllamb6711]

Thanks mate. Great video Charlie but I did not think it would cost that much, proper £££££

[@CharlieDIYte]

It was a bit spenny wasn't it. You can't really criticise much of the cost breakdown though apart from that poly roofing.

[@carllamb6711]

@@CharlieDIYte Great video tho mate looking forward to your next 👍👍👍👍

[@superiorbeing95]

I like everything you do Charlie but on this one I think you thought outside the box a bit too much. It just looks wrong, where upright meets horizontal should be some triangulation to stiffen up the structure IMO. I'm sure it will be OK but not the way I would have done the job. You created a wonderful outdoor space though.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I get that but it isn't necessary here as it won't stop the swaying, and would interfere with the aesthetic. Each to their own, though.

[@antb3334]

Hi Charlie. Enjoyed that. Quick question regarding a separate topic. Your silicone sealant video with the Cramer tool. Any tips when using the Cramer tool up against a painted wall when caulking? The friction is quite heavy and I’m worried I’ll scratch the painted wall.. thanks

[@caskwith]

Bit of low tack masking tape on the wall setslightly above where the line of sealant will reach.

[@antb3334]

@@caskwith nice suggestion mate Thankyou

[@antb3334]

What tape product would you reccomend for paint that’s been laid on walls no more than a month ago?

[@caskwith]

@@antb3334 Frog tape was always the best in the past but I have heard the quality is not the same anymore. I am afraid it has been several years since I need to use masking tape on a delicate surface like that so I am loathe to recommend anything. Hopefully someone else will be able to offer some useful info.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I like the idea of the tape @caskwith - thanks for that mate, but I'm concerned the thickness of it would stop the tool scooping the silicone efficiently. If I was going to do this - maybe experiment on a small area first, and use something like this. I bought some from Johnstone's recently and it's excellent bit.ly/348mzOj

[@harveychuckles3780]

Hiya Charlie. Just wondering how you find the Erbauer plunge saw on the Evo track? I'm sure you've probably mentioned it in a vid, but I'm too lazy to look right now :D

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hi Harvey, this is the video mate kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqrPdZiHjdtkoZI The track that comes with the Erbauer is better quality than the Evo, and you do have to check the Evo when you bolt it together, against a straight edge, but it works pretty well. My advice if you've got the space, would be to get one long 2.8m track rather than bolting two 2.4ms together as then you don't have this problem.

[@harveychuckles3780]

@@CharlieDIYte Awesome. Thanks Charlie.

[@LocostR1]

No need to buy a router bit the correct width, just do it in a couple of passes with a smaller bit moving the fence each time to give you the correct width overall

[@CharlieDIYte]

True. But with the Esoku doing the job in one pass it just makes it a bit easier. I had to buy a new bit anyway so it made sense to get a 50mm wide one.

[@trembo835]

A palm tree in your garden? In England?

[@DIYPanda1]

Quite common!

[@CharlieDIYte]

It's a cordyline. Trying to add a bit of Ibiza chic down there although it's ruined by the tannoy from the petrol station 🤦🏻‍♂️😉 I'm not get good with gardening but this seems to be doing ok, although it prefers the winter to the summer, weirdly!

[@ian_morg]

Top job! I’ll be looking at doing something this year for our hot tub as we’ve gone through a couple of gazebos over the years.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Ian. Interestingly the rain still gets/ blows in given its not got sides but particularly with the lights, it makes the space feel more enclosed and atmospheric, and of course the roof will protect the deck from the brunt of the rain.

[@marknadin770]

Great job Charlie would you not put diagonal braces on the top corners.👍👍🍺🍺

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Mark. I thought about that and should probably have mentioned it but don't think it'll add any strength and will change the aesthetic.

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

👍👍👍 Chas ✔️✔️✔️ bossy wife and son?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yep. Afraid so 😏😩

[@cityindependent2509]

Hi Charlie! Man that's an expensive pergola for the size. I'm curious if you considered corrugated sheets? I did 10m² veranda for my deck and I used corrugated sheets. Only cost me £200 and I feel lends more light plus does the job really well. 1.1mm thick or above is essential though.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hi buddy. No, I didn't. I think I went straight for the twin wall as that's what I used on the greenhouse roof but I agree I should have taken a look at corrugated.

[@jimlepeu577]

I know all about over calculating, if I build a dog kennel you can house ponies in it lol 🤠🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@CharlieDIYte]

Ha, a man after my own heart 😉👍

[@abnakpuar5783]

thx

[@CharlieDIYte]

You're welcome, thanks for the comment 👊

[@denyswoodroffe490]

Lucky you didn’t get snow their, as roofing structure well under building code.

[@dougsaunders8109]

Hey Charlie, 45 degree braces between the up rights and the roof structure would stop the wobble if needed. This would be a much better solution than 6” posts as the price for posts at 6” would be much more expensive.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Doug. It's a fair point that about the 6"posts which I suspect would still have a bit of wobble. Will see how I get on with it as it is. I'd rather not add the braces if I can help it, as it will change the aesthetic. Another option would be to anchor it to the shed with a couple of bespoke stays from that metal shop.

[@MJWhelan1]

Nice work! Over designed with the steel work but hey best to be thorough rather than cutting corners! Won't be going anywhere 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks mate. Yes over-engineered. Doing this without the steel would I'm sure be fine. Hopefully it gives people ideas about how they'll do theirs with or without the over engineering. 👍

[@booshallmighty]

I don't understand why you went so cheap on the wood and went to the faff of laminating them with steel. I'm hoping to build a pergola this summer. I'm looking at using 6x6 posts, more for ascetic reasons rather than strength. I built my children a climbing frame years ago out of 4x4 posts. I used an electric plane to round the edges and a sander. My posts PAR and gave me a good result. I have heard Tannalised timber is a waste of time because its actually not Tanelith anymore because it was toxic or something so its nothing more than water based preservative, pressurised into the wood. Anyway, good job. Really pleased your son was the motivation behind this project. I built a man cave and I could not get my son interested in learning some Dad skills. 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Craig. Yes it was great to get him involved. He's autistic and doesn't really engage much in stuff but loves a bit of DIY. Basically I used that wood because I'm lazy - the shop is just down the road, plus it's to match the deck which is made from the same grade of material. Yes 6x6 posts would be better. I've heard that too about the pressure treating. A key ingredient of the old Tannelising was arsenic, which was banned for obvious reasons.

[@booshallmighty]

@@CharlieDIYte I'm sure he has bright future ahead of him if he follows in your footsteps. Hope we see him on future projects.

[@CharlieDIYte]

@@booshallmighty Thanks Craig, appreciate that 👊

[@davidcrofts5246]

Couple of sheets of ply or osb and some roofing felt would have been sooooooooooo much cheaper!!!

[@ryk3899]

All you guys seem to be given these Trend 18v tools🤣🤣. They're going all out

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yep afraid so 😬. They're actually not too bad but they won't be getting a full on review..

[@kilm2232]

Yep, you can't beat a timber yard that doesn't give a fuck about how it stores the wood.

[@CharlieDIYte]

True 🤣🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mrvincefox]

Seems somewhat of an overkill and I am not surprised if you went way over the average cost

[@CharlieDIYte]

To be fair the metal banding didn't add a great deal. The roof sheeting was the killer.

[@mrvincefox]

@@CharlieDIYte just the unnecessary complexity makes it out of reach for most diyers like myself. Doesn't detract from the great work u did though

[@megaman2016]

Expensive

[@rossfrench1859]

I'm guessing he doesn't get any affiliate commission from these videos lol

[@CharlieDIYte]

Ross, I have to put food on the table. You wouldn't do your job for free, would you 😉 However trying to get affiliate commissions out of businesses in the UK is like trying to get blood out of a stone - so the roof and gutter company aren't paying me any . Amazon are the only company who have a worthwhile affiliate program.

[@yrification]

please don't tell me that its on a rcd extension lead.

[@CharlieDIYte]

No, that Lazy Spa cable has an rcd in built - that's what you saw. It's plugged into an outdoor socket that goes back to the fuse board in the shed.

[@peterf7248]

Bit disappointed, your normal projects look very ascetic but this is functional and has no wow factor, great video all the same.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Sorry about that Peter. The polycarbonate is not a thing of beauty I have to say, but I thought the roof structure was ok. 👍

[@peterf7248]

Yes it was built to your high usual standards and this Chanel is a credit to you and the work you put in, I love the content.

[@peterf7248]

Sorry poor spelling “aesthetic”