How to Build a Wood Canopy

How to Build a Wood Canopy
Written By
Nat Fondell
Nat Fondell
Published: Jun 4, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Design your own wood canopy in order to purchase the appropriate number and type of materials. The basic canopy design is four long posts 10 feet high and four cross beams 10 feet long. These beams can be any size, but a good standard size is a 4-by-4. These measurements can be adjusted to fit any space, but additional support posts will be needed if the width extends beyond 10 feet.

Step 2

Drill holes all the way through the four support posts, in the center of each beam about 4 inches from the top. This hole will be used to attach the side beams of the roof using bolts.

Step 3

Dig a hole for each post about 3 feet deep. The holes should be in a square about 9 feet apart, in order to allow a little stylish overlap of the 10-foot beams. Center a support post in each hole, and fill the hole in with tightly packed dirt.

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Step 4

Drill a hole through one of the 10-foot side beams, in the center of the beam about 6 inches from the end. Line this beam up with the vertical support post, and secure it with a bolt, making sure to put a washer on each end to prevent wear on the posts. Tighten the bolt loosely.

Step 5

Hold the other end of the beam up to the corresponding support post, and mark where the beam lines up with the pre-drilled hole. Drill a hole in this place, and pass a bolt through, placing washers on both sides of the bolt. Continue to add all cross beams in this manner. Once all four beams have been installed, tighten them all completely.

Step 6

Attach the canopy material by stretching it tightly across the top of the canopy. Staple one side down securely on the top of one of the beams, then staple the opposite side down while stretching it out completely. Staple the other sides in this manner, being sure to keep the canopy material tight the entire time.

Photo Credits

pergola image by titi78430 from Fotolia.com

Nat Fondell

Nat Fondell has been writing professionally since 2006. A former editor of the "North Park University Press," his work has appeared at scientific conferences and online, covering health, business and home repair. Fondell holds dual…

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