How to Build a Fence Gate Pergola

Materials

2 - 2x6x8in pressure treated boards
2 - 2x2x8 pressure treated boards
#10 3in exterior wood deck screws

Tools

Tape measure
Miter Saw
Circular Saw
Drill or driver

Total Cost

$35 for one pergola

I wanted to enhance the visual appeal of my backyard by adding pergolas over my gates. When I had my fence redone, they quoted me $700 for installing two pergolas. However, I was aware that I could achieve the same result at a significantly lower cost. Therefore, I opted for a simpler solution by leaving the posts at 8 feet tall, allowing me to install the pergolas myself.

measure from one end of the post to the other then add 8in on each side to get length of beam

Step 1 - Measure Between Posts

You’ll measure the distance between the two posts and the width of each post, then add 8 inches on each side. For my case, the gate plus posts came out to 63 inches wide, so adding 8 inches on each side would make my 2x6 posts 79 inches wide. I cut both 2x6’s to this length!

follow these measurements and then cut along the angled line with a circular saw

Step 2 - Miter Angles

Next, you’ll need to cut the angled miters on each end of the 2x6s. For this, measure 1.5 inches down and 6 inches across. Draw a line and then use a miter saw to cut the angle on each side. Repeat this process on each 2x6.

cut at 24in with a miter saw or circular saw

Step 3 - Cut Slats

I cut each slat at 24in so you’ll get 4 slats per 8ft board.

Mark with a pen 2 in on each side to install beams evenly. Use a homemade jig at 6in to space each slat evenly.

Step 4 - Install Pergola

This part involves a little math. For the beams, I measured them 3in down on each side of the posts and screwed in each end. I used 2 screws on each end. Next you’ll want to space out the slats evenly. For my 79in board I wanted to space each slat 6in apart. Using ChatGPT I had them help do the math. At 79in board with 8 slats 6in apart, would leave me 12.5in on either end, so my first slat started there. Cut a spare piece of wood at 6in to act as your spacer to evenly space the slats as you screw them in. This ensures even space and keeping them straight.

Here’s what you can input into ChatGPT to easily get your measurements:
”I need to to figure out how far apart i need to space each slat. My board is [insert board width here] wide and I have 8 slats that are 1.5in wide. I want them to be spaced 6in apart with an even spacing on the outer ends. How much space should be on the ends?”

It will figure out the math and then you’ll know where to screw in your first slat. Mark the starting point on each beam to ensure you have a straight edge. From there use a jig to keep evenly spacing out the rest! I used 2 screws per slat to install on each beam.