Lumber recommendation for modern pergola
#1
04-07-20, 11:04 AM
Lumber recommendation for modern pergola
We're looking to build a modern pergola similar to the one below. Ours will use 6x6 lumber that is going to get full coverage stain & sealant. The vertical posts will be 10' and the horizontal's will be 12'. And rather than doing a single rectangle shade, we're going to do a couple triangles to help mitigate wind.
This begs the question...what type of wood? Obviously, cedar is the gold standard, but at $160/board, this is going to get expensive real quick. I'm kind of leaning towards pressure treated (from a lumber yard, not a box store), but I see lots of conflicting info about how much it is going to warp. Is there a way to mitigate that?
This begs the question...what type of wood? Obviously, cedar is the gold standard, but at $160/board, this is going to get expensive real quick. I'm kind of leaning towards pressure treated (from a lumber yard, not a box store), but I see lots of conflicting info about how much it is going to warp. Is there a way to mitigate that?
#3
04-07-20, 12:14 PM
Group Moderator
I don't think anything can beat cedar or redwood as far as resisting warping. Treated yellow pine definetely will be less expensive and I've not had much warping trouble with 4x6" and 6x6" timbers. 4x4" are a different story but the bigger timbers I've used have stayed quite straight. One thing you can do is buy your lumber now. Then stand it outside so all sides are exposed to the air. In a couple weeks you'll be able to see if any wants to warp and you can return those pieces.
#4
04-07-20, 01:55 PM
Member
PT is needed for structural components like decks but the trend is away from anything finished (like decking). I have two pergals, all of cedar, and would never consider PT for something so decorative.
#5
04-07-20, 06:16 PM
That's good info, Pilot Dane, thanks.
I also chatted with my builder today. He suggested looking into something called Tru Post, which is what they used to build our front porch. I actually like that idea because the boards are going to be painted the same color so it would be a good way to tie in the front and back yards (the front porch is 6x6's). Only problem is, I can't seem to find anything called "Tru Post" online, haha. Guessing this is a general contractor term. Anybody have an idea of what name brand(s) this would fall under?
I also chatted with my builder today. He suggested looking into something called Tru Post, which is what they used to build our front porch. I actually like that idea because the boards are going to be painted the same color so it would be a good way to tie in the front and back yards (the front porch is 6x6's). Only problem is, I can't seem to find anything called "Tru Post" online, haha. Guessing this is a general contractor term. Anybody have an idea of what name brand(s) this would fall under?
#6
04-08-20, 05:51 AM
Group Moderator
#7
04-08-20, 10:54 AM
I found it - it's called Woodtone RealPost. Price is about 20% more than pressure treated and 40% less than cedar.
