Garden Steel Pergola - for Kiwi and Grape

A pergola is a flat top structure that can act an arbor to support plants. Sometimes used as shade or for decoration. I decided to build one out of steel as I like the narrow lines and like to weld. I am pretty well over that now... It took a bit longer than I anticipated....

I noticed several of the pics have brands showing. These are not intended as recommendation of any particular brand or source.

I settled on the design in the picture. It was design #5 of 5.. The dimensions of the top are 10' x 10' as steel comes in 20' lengths, and the area I was going to place the pergola called for about that size. Height was still a variable, so I ordered enough steel for eight 10' legs (2 per corner). I also decided to do the whole thing with 1"x2" box.

I went with .065 inch steel as I didn't really need lots of strength, and it cost 1/2 as much( as 1/8th), but it was more difficult to weld and is a bit more fragile and prone to burn through when welding in the breeze outside. The final structure is very strong - easily supports me.

This is the assembly of the top flat design of the pergola - squares inside squares. Assembly of this section was the easy part as I could work at ground level.

This was definitely the biggest structureI had tried to weld. The upper pattern flat part was easy, but I decided i could not pre-attach the legs then move it without fear of tumbling disaster. My solution was to build a temporary wood scaffold to hold the top both level and in position, then attach the legs in place. Not sure it was the best solution, but it did work.

Attach the legs, make sure they are vertical, and anchor them.

I decided to add little cross braces - looks and strength. Then cleaned up all my welds on the tops of legs.

Painted black, and done!. If you want to see it covered with vines and fruit, check back in ~ two years.

--Ken
Summer 2008 Pergola Project