{"id":5225,"date":"2026-01-15T16:41:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/?p=5225"},"modified":"2026-01-16T08:58:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T08:58:31","slug":"how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"How to build a simple timber pergola ready for spring"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As the days start to get longer and the promise of spring is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning garden projects that will help you make the most of the warmer months ahead. A timber pergola is a brilliant addition to any outdoor space, creating a defined area for dining, relaxing or entertaining while providing structure, character and visual appeal to your garden. So, why not build one yourself? It might sound daunting, but don\u2019t worry \u2013 we\u2019re here to help!<\/p>\n<p>At Savoy Timber, we\u2019ve been making it easy for homeowners and DIYers to transform their gardens for over 70 years now, offering everything from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/composite-decking.html\">composite<\/a> <\/strong>and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/decking.html\">timber decking<\/a><\/strong> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/fencing.html\"><strong>fencing<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/garden\/sleepers.html\"><strong>sleepers<\/strong><\/a>. With premium materials, expert advice and nationwide delivery, everything you need for a simple pergola build is right at your fingertips. With that in mind, let\u2019s go through how to plan, prepare and construct a straightforward timber pergola that will be ready to enjoy as soon as spring arrives.<\/p>\n<p>You will need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/100mm-x-100mm-4inch-x-4inch-treated-timber-post.html\">Timber posts<\/a><\/strong> for the upright supports<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/timber-and-sheets\/construction-timber\/147mm-x-47mm-6inch-x-2inch-treated-framing-timber.html\">Structural beams<\/a> <\/strong>for the main horizontal supports<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/97mm-x-47mm-4inch-x-2inch-treated-framing-timber.html\">Timber<\/a><\/strong> to make rafters or slats for the pergola roof<\/li>\n<li>A spade<\/li>\n<li>A spirit level<\/li>\n<li>A tape measure<\/li>\n<li>A saw (hand saw or circular saw)<\/li>\n<li>A drill and exterior-grade screws or bolts<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/garden\/aggregates-and-cement\/post-mix.html\"><strong>Post mix<\/strong><\/a> or ready-mix concrete<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/garden\/aggregates-and-cement\/10mm-limestone-gravel.html\">Gravel<\/a> <\/strong>for drainage<\/li>\n<li>Protective gloves and safety glasses<\/li>\n<li>Optional: string lines or markers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Step 1 \u2013 Planning your pergola<\/h2>\n<p>Before you pick up any tools, it\u2019s important to plan out your pergola properly. Start by deciding where it will be located and how you intend to use it \u2013 for example, will it cover a dining table? Are you trying to create a walkway through your garden? When plotting where to build the structure, pay attention to whether the ground can be levelled, and always make sure there\u2019s enough clearance from fences, walls and trees.<\/p>\n<p>Next, measure the space carefully and decide on the size. Sketching out a basic plan with measurements will really help to keep your build on track and make ordering materials much easier. After this, gather your materials and tools \u2013 we recommend using pressure-treated timber for all structural elements, made to resist rot, decay and insect damage.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 2 \u2013 Setting out and installing the posts<\/h2>\n<p>Start by marking out where your four pergola posts will sit, using string lines or markers to ensure everything is square and evenly spaced. Next, dig your post holes to a suitable depth, generally around a third of the post\u2019s length, and add a layer of gravel to the bottom of each hole for drainage. Now, place each timber post into its hole, checking that it\u2019s straight using a spirit level. Once you\u2019re happy with the position, secure it in place using post mix or concrete and allow it to fully set before moving on.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 3 \u2013 Fixing the horizontal beams<\/h2>\n<p>Once the posts are secure, it\u2019s time to attach the four main horizontal beams. These run between the posts and form the square structure that supports the roof slats. Lift the beams into position and clamp them temporarily if needed. Check that they\u2019re level, then secure them using exterior-grade bolts or heavy-duty screws. Take your time here \u2013 well-aligned beams will make the rest of the build much easier.<\/p>\n<h2>Step 4 \u2013 Adding the roof slats or rafters<\/h2>\n<p>The final structural step is adding six to eight top slats or rafters. These are usually spaced evenly across the pergola to create the open roof effect. Measure and mark out spacing consistently before firmly securing each slat, checking alignment as you go. At this stage, you\u2019ll really start to see your pergola take shape!<\/p>\n<h2>Step 5 \u2013 Finishing and protecting your pergola<\/h2>\n<p>Now, it\u2019s time for the finish. Although our timber is expertly pressure-treated, we always recommend adding a layer of protection or colour by using a timber stain or exterior wood paint \u2013 this is a great way to match your pergola to other timber structures like decking or fencing. Once this dries, you can personalise your pergola by hanging outdoor fairy lights, lanterns or climbing plants like jasmine or wisteria. Job done!<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re interested in buying materials to give this project a go or are looking for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/decking.html\">timber decking<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/fencing.html\">fencing<\/a><\/strong> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/garden\/sleepers.html\"><strong>sleepers<\/strong><\/a> to further transform your garden, we\u2019re here to help. With competitive prices, fast national delivery and knowledgeable staff available seven days a week, we\u2019re dedicated to making your projects straightforward from start to finish. To get started, you can explore our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/\">website<\/a><\/strong>, pop into one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/our-stores\"><strong>stores<\/strong><\/a> or give our friendly team a call on <a href=\"tel:0345 0268 799\"><strong>0345 0268 799<\/strong><\/a> today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the days start to get longer and the promise of spring is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning garden projects that will help you make the most of the warmer months ahead. A timber pergola is a brilliant addition to any outdoor space, creating a defined area for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":5226,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,43],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to build a simple timber pergola ready for spring<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With spring on its way, it\u2019s time to start looking ahead to the warmer weather. 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Here\u2019s how to build a simple but stylish pergola to transform your garden!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Savoy Timber\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SavoyTimberDIY\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-15T16:41:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-16T08:58:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/timber-pergola.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"392\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sydney Davy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@savoytimber\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@savoytimber\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sydney Davy\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Sydney Davy\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/#\/schema\/person\/721bee207dcb41ada355b6f1ddf5cfa7\"},\"headline\":\"How to build a simple timber pergola ready for spring\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-15T16:41:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-16T08:58:31+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring\/\"},\"wordCount\":786,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Garden\",\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/how-to-build-a-simple-timber-pergola-ready-for-spring\/\",\"name\":\"How to build a simple timber pergola ready for spring\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-15T16:41:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-16T08:58:31+00:00\",\"description\":\"With spring on its way, it\u2019s time to start looking ahead to the warmer weather. 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