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Corner pergola with string lights and a patio set
Do it yourself

How to Build a Wooden Corner Pergola

Discover how you can build a wooden pergola yourself over a weekend. This corner model with privacy screens is ideal for sprucing up any backyard and relaxing in the shade all summer.

Difficulty level: Pro
Duration: 1 weekend
DOWNLOAD THE PLAN
Before You Start
The final size of this pergola is approximately 11’ x 11’.

Feel free to ask for help! An extra pair of extra hands will make this project easier. Start by checking if the ground is level where you plan to install your pergola. Then, find which post base will be the highest – you will need to start with that one.

Please note that the anchoring hardware will depend on the type of surface upon which your pergola will be placed (slabs, ground, or wood or composite deck).
Material
TOJA GRID Post Bases (3)TOJA GRID Corner Hardware4x4x8’ Treated Wood (3) – Posts4x4x12’ Treated Wood (4) – Horizontal4x4x8’ Treated Wood (2) – Roof2x4x12’ Treated Wood (3) – Roof2x4x16’ Treated Wood (4) – Roof2x4x8 Treated Wood (2) – Privacy Wall Crossbars1x4x8’ Treated Wood (80) – Privacy Wall Slats6” or 5 5/8” Treated Wood Screws (box of 100)1 1/2” Treated Wood Screws (box of 500)2 1/4” Hex Head Concrete Screws (2 boxes of 10)
Tools
Mitre SawLevelDrillDrill Bit12” x 1/8” Drill Bit3/16” Concrete Drill BitHex Driver for Concrete AnchorsStepladders (2 or 3)Clamps
Person predrilling holes with a drill
Person securing a post base on a concrete slab
1

Build the Pergola Base

  • 1.1 - Install the post bases F at the chosen location.
  • 1.2 - Firmly secure them according to the surface:
    • Slabs: Pre-drill holes using a concrete drill bit, then secure the post bases F using concrete screws. Make sure not to drill holes too close to the edge of the slabs to avoid splitting.
    • Wood or composite: Use nuts and bolts or lag screws.
    • Grass: Drive stakes into the ground.
Person using a level and tape measure
Person ensuring a wooden post is straight using a level
2

Install the Posts in the Bases

  • 2.1 - Check for level differences between the post bases F using a board and a 4’ level. If the post bases F are not at the same height, measure the difference and cut the highest post B as needed.
  • 2.2 - Install an 8’ 4x4 B in each post base F. Only use 8 screws (instead of 16) to allow some adjustment during installation. Use a level to make sure that each post B is straight before securing it.
  • 2.3 - For the corner post A, cut 4” off an 8’ 4x4. This will make it possible to adjust the corner support to ensure a level installation.

Pro Tip

Make sure that the posts B are level before screwing them in place.
Person using a mitre saw to cut a wooden post
Person installing TOJA GRID hardware on a wooden post
3

Install the Top Crossbeams

  • 3.1 - To install the TOJA GRID corner hardware G, use a 2x4 between one of the end posts B and the corner post A to check the level and secure the hardware G at the right location. The 4” cut off earlier will make the adjustment easier. Secure the corner hardware G in place.
  • 3.2 - Make the top crossbeams C by measuring and cutting two 4x4s so that the pieces rest on the outside posts B and fit snugly into the corner hardware G.
  • 3.3 - Install the two 4x4s C and make sure that they are level.
  • 3.4 - Using 6” treated wood screws, secure the top crossbeams C on top of the outside posts B and into the TOJA GRID corner hardware G.
Person tracing a cut angle with a pencil
Person using a drill to secure a wooden post
4

Install the Transverse Crossbeam

  • 4.1 - Trace the angles for the transverse crossbeam:
    • With two people, each on a stepladder, set down the 16’ 2x4 H so that it extends past the posts B at both ends, then trace the cut angles.
    • Make sure that the corner of the 16’ 2x4 H lines up with the corner of the top crossbeams C before tracing the cutting line.
    • Make sure that the assembly is level before continuing.
  • 4.2 - Cut each end of the 16’ 2x4 H at the predetermined angle, then secure it with 6” treated wood screws.

Pro Tip

Use clamps to support the 2x4 and to get better stability during assembly.
5

Build the Roof

  • 5.1 - Decide how much space is required between the roof 2x4s I.
  • 5.2 - Next, measure the distance between the two end posts B and the corner post A, then divide that distance by your chosen spacing. An even spacing will be more pleasing to the eye.
  • 5.3 - Mark the centre of the roof 2x4s I on the top crossbeams C.
  • 5.4 - Repeat step 4 (transversal crossbeam) using the 10’, 12’, and 16’ 2x4s I, starting with the longest one. Place the boards on top of the roof C and trace the cutting angles at both ends. Cut the boards following the cutting angles, then install them at the chosen location using 6” screws.

Pro Tip

The spacing of the roof pieces I will affect how much sunlight there will be under the pergola. The larger the spacing, the more light there will be.
Person using a level
Person using a drill to secure the bottom crossbeam of a pergola
6

Install the Bottom Crossbeams

  • 6.1 - Starting with the longest post B, draw a mark 16” above the ground.
  • 6.2 - Measure the distance between the roof and the mark, then transfer that measurement to the other two posts A B so that the structure is straight.
  • 6.3 - For the two crossbeams at the bottom of the pergola D, measure the distance between the inside of the corner post A and the inside of the end posts B. Cut two 12’ 4x4 D according to those measurements.
  • 6.4 - Place the crossbeams D at their location using clamps for support. Use a rubber mallet to adjust their placement as needed.
  • 6.5 - Before continuing, make sure both crossbeams D are level.
  • 6.6 - Use two 6” treated wood screws at each end of the crossbeams D to secure them in place.

Pro Tip

If you don’t have a rubber mallet, use a wood off-cut and a regular hammer to gently tap without damaging the beams.
Person using a mitre saw to cut wood
Person installing a wood slat support
Person cutting a wood slat with a mitre saw
Person installing wood slats to create a privacy wall
7

Build the Privacy Screens

  • 7.1 - Measure and cut the planks E that will be installed in the centre of each wall to support the horizontal slats J of the two privacy screens.
  • 7.2 - Starting from the top, secure the two planks E using 6” treated wood screws.
  • 7.3 - Measure the width of each wall section and cut the slats J.
  • 7.4 - Install the privacy screen slats J horizontally using 1 1/2” treated wood screws so that the joint between the two boards is hidden behind the central 2x4 E. Use a 1” thick piece of wood (or another thickness, as required) as a template to make sure that the spacing is as even as possible.

Pro Tip

Choose the spacing of the boards J based on the level of privacy wanted. For a unified and clean look, choose even spacing. The spacing of the boards can also be gradually increased starting from mid-height. This will let a bit more light through while maintaining privacy.

Disclaimer

These DIY projects are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in RONA’s DIYs is intended to provide general guidelines to simplify jobs around the house. Because tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations are continually changing, RONA inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for the omissions, errors, or outcome of any project. RONA inc. makes no representation on the feasibility of any project and the viewer bears all risks coming with the realization of the projects. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there is any doubt in regard to any element of a project, please consult a licensed professional. 

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