The pergola was constructed in the fall of 2013.  This pergola was built for the purpose of holding grape vines and creating a distinguishing factor for the patio it was to cover.  The lot that this pergola was constructed on contains three patios, the patio that now contains the pergola is off to the side, this new structure attracts attention to the patio giving it new character.  

This project was the first in which I have ever taken a project from idea through construction.  It was a very interesting experience to research existing arbors and pergolas, the construction methods to avoid rotting, to create the strongest connections for a lasting structure.

The most challenging aspect of this project was dealing with the landscape of the plot.  The pergola is place over a patio but on a plot that is partially rock creating a set of six posts where each one is a different length anchored to the ground through rock or dirt.  This allowed me to use a hammer drill to get through the rock and pour concrete footing for the posts that would be in the dirt to decrease the chances of the cedar posts from rotting. Once the metal footing were placed the lengths of the posts were measured for each of the different elevations of the footings.  The pergola currently sits on the plot level and sturdy, readily awaiting the growth of the vines.