Build your own pergola: The ideal sun protection for balconies and terraces

Before starting the project, be sure to have a quick look at the assembly instructions. The first thing you need to do is decide how big your pergola needs to be. Measure out the intended area and enter the measurements in the diagram.

Note: In the guide, we’ll show you the instructions for a pergola measuring 2,500 x 2,500 x 2,500 mm, which is slightly different from the title picture. We will be building the frame in two halves.

The diagram above shows exactly where each of the wooden slats (as seen in the list of materials) will go.

You need: Multi-sander, 80 to 120-grain sanding sheet, Jigsaws, Jigsaw blade T 101 B, pencil, g-clamps, pocket rule, Four pieces of squared timber D: 1,250 x 45 x 45 mm

In step one, you’ll be building the roof structure of the pergola. For this you’ll need four squared timbers (D) (length: 1,250 mm; image 1). Cut them to the desired length (image 2) and sand the cut edges (image 3).
Smart and practical: If you are using the Bosch 18-volt system, you can also take the rechargeable battery from the jigsaw and use it on your sander.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Träspiralborrsats, 8 delar, pocket rule, pencil, g-clamps, Squared timbers (D) from step 1

Now place the squared timbers you just cut to length on your workbench. It’s better to begin with two of them placed side by side. When you’re done, proceed to the other two boards.

Now measure the following lengths where you will later drill the holes on each of the boards (image 1): Make the first marking 90 mm from the edge, Followed by three more at intervals of 330 mm. Place the four markings for the holes in the middle of the board (see image 2).

Now drill the holes.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Träspiralborrsats, 8 delar, g-clamps, pencil, Eight wooden slats B: 2,500 x 20 x 60 mm, Squared timbers (D) from step 2, 4x screws (80 mm)

Now assemble the roof for the pergola, which is made out of two identical pieces.
Begin by placing four of the wooden slats with the narrow end facing down on the floor. Measure 140 mm from the end of each slat, mark each spot and place one of the squared timbers there (image 1).

Then connect the squared timbers to the wooden slats. To do so, fasten the screws in the holes you made in step 2 (image 2). You can use the same 18-volt rechargeable battery you used in steps 2–3 to sand and cut the boards to now fasten the screws.

Repeat the same process on the other side of the wooden slat. Also place a squared timber 140 mm from the edge and screw it tightly in place.

You are now done with the first half of the roof structure. Repeat the same steps to assemble the second, matching piece.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Two pieces of squared timber A: 2,500 x 45 x 45 mm (plus one that is the same size, as a spacer), Torx screws (4 x 80 mm)

Attach a further squared timber to the two pieces of the roof structure from step 3 to provide added stability. When doing so, first flip the two halves of the roof structure over so that the thin wooden slats are facing down.

Now take two squared timbers and place them on the inside next to the outermost roof batten (image 1). Note: that the squared timber in the middle is only being used as a spacer here. That means only screw on the other squared timber (image 2).

Repeat this step for the second half of the roof structure.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Multi-sander, 80 to 120-grain sanding sheet, Jigsaws, Jigsaw blade T 101 B, pocket rule, pencil, g-clamps, Two wooden slats C: 2,210 x 20 x 60 mm, Torx screws (4 x 80 mm)

In those last steps, you’ve created the roof structure out of two identical pieces. This was done in order to make it easier to disassemble the pergola for transport. To use the pergola, you will first need to connect the two halves again.

To do this, you’ll require two wooden slats (2,210 x 20 x 60 mm). Cut them to length and carefully sand the cut edges.

Now place the two parts of the roof structure so that they’re lying flush together on the floor (see image 1).

In the next step, position one of the two wooden slats you cut to length on its side. Refer to image 2 to see where exactly you need to place it (flush with the outer squared timber).

Screw the slat in place. You can use as many – or as few – screws as you want. What matters most is that the two parts of the roof structure are firmly connected. (The more screws you use, the more time it will take to disassemble the roof structure for transport.) Conversely, the fewer screws you use, the less stable the roof structure will be. Always takes this into account when deciding how many screws to use.)

Repeat the steps for the wooden slat on the opposite side.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Four pieces of squared timber A: 2,500 x 45 x 45 mm, Torx screws (4 x 80 mm)

You are now finished with your roof structure. Now all that’s missing are the four legs.

First, place one of the 2,500 mm squared timbers in one of the corners of the roof structure; they are easy to find in this standard length. Refer to image 1 to see how to insert the leg between the other slats and squared timbers.

Then fasten the leg in place (images 1 and 2). Use six screws, three on each side, to ensure the leg is stable on all sides.

Repeat these steps to attach the other three legs.

You need: Willow branches

Well done! Your pergola is ready to use. It makes sense now to cover the roof of the pergola. This will provide you with your cosy shaded area.

Willow branches are the best thing for the job, which you can find in your local DIY store or garden centre.

Once you’ve done that, all you have to do is flip it up onto its legs. Ideally, find someone to assist you.

Relax and enjoy!