Pergola

I would like to build a pergola like this one in my back garden, I'm not a pro but I'm fairly competant, I just need some pointers, can anyone help please?

1/. What timber should I use?

2/. You see the support arms have a slight curve, how can I re-create these, I only have a jigsaw? I'm happy to hire the right tool.

3/. I know the support arms will slot into the beams but could I screw them in instead and then add the dowel rods (just for show)?

4/. See the end of the beam (the one coming out at you), is this profile created with a router?

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Here's one I made earlier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqx1y_oBkkw

 

Thanks cumbriahandyman, very useful video. However, it only answered question number 4.

I still need help with my original questions 1,2 and 3.

Many thanks.

 

If you don't have the tools it might be cheaper to buy a kit and just assemble it.[timber is ready treated]

 

I really would like to build it myself. I can beg, borrow tools.

I just need help with my questions.

 

1, tanalized timbers say 3x3 or 4x4's are available from any decent yards , not too expensive and very good resistance to rot.
2,a jigsaw will cut these although a bandsaw would do a better job. Alternatively a plane for the outside curve and a spokeshave for the internal curves.
3,Yes you coul;d screw them but if you are going to the trouble of tenoning them into the post go the whole hog and fix with dowels.Assemble the joint on the bench and draw dowel it, i.e. drill the hole through the mortise , put together, mark the tenon and drill the hole in the tenon closer to the shoulder by 5mm or so to enable the joint to pull or draw together tightly.
4, again bandsaw or just simply use a handsaw and chisel.

 

Thanks for this ladylola.

Point 3. I wasn't going to tenon the support arms into the posts, I was thinking of just screwing them into the posts and adding the dowels for show.

Would this work?

 

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