There is a wide variety of pergolas that are available in the market. Some are fabricated using metal or vinyl, while other pergolas are made with wood which blends perfectly in your garden with its natural feel and coziness. Cedar pergolas are one of those wooden pergolas that you could build using kits and cedar pergola plans. You could save thousands of dollars by building it with your buddy that could easily be made over the weekend with just some tools and cedar.
Cedar is a great material for cedar pergolas because it is durable and has a certain appeal when it comes to texture. It is pliable which allows corrections during construction. The western red cedar has natural oils that prevent decay, rot, moisture and most of all weather resistant and insect repellant.
To start with the construction of your own cedar pergola, you should first choose the location as to where your cedar pergola would stand. It is important that there are no underground structures in the area like plumbing, drainage or electrical wirings because you will dig holes for the posts of your cedar pergola.
You will be using a hammer, a lot of nails, bolts and nuts. You could also rent an electric circular saw for cutting the wood, drill for the bolts and angle grinder for the finishing and polishing of the corners that could yield to smoother and glossy corners. It is imperative that you 
know the proper usage of these gadgets for your own safety. Do not forget to have a bucket of water and clear hose for exiting, to level the posts and achieve the correct height using the water method, and lines for vertical and horizontal alignments.
It is advisable to choose a simple cedar pergola plan with a square or rectangular shape because it is easy to build and still look great when finished. It allows easy arrangement of the tables and chairs afterwards. Cedar pergola plans come with clear pictures and provides all the necessary measurements.
After choosing the location of your cedar pergola, dig the holes for the posts, pour in the cement for the stability of your posts thus preventing the cedar pergola to move or sink. Cut the posts, beams and joists to the appropriate length, size and shape while waiting for the cement to set in.
posts on the top. It is now safe to remove the temporary props and fill the holes for the posts. Nail the joists to the main beams and polish the whole structure with sandpaper and grinder. Apply two coats of resin based wood stain for additional gloss, beauty and weather resistance. It would take you 3 days to finish your own cedar pergola.
Readymade pergolas are a bit expensive in addition to the fee that you are going to pay for the personnel team who will set-up the structure. On the other hand, cedar pergola with plans allow you to save at least $2000 to $3000 depending on the size of the cedar pergola. It is low cost, naturally blends in with your garden landscape, gives a dramatic effect as your focal point and gives you the satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment as you revel in the beauty of your work, take pride in attracting the attention of your guests and at the same time enjoy the quiet moments in your peaceful retreat as you sip your coffee, read the morning paper, or drink a cold beer with your buddy as you recall the building of the cedar pergola together and consider it a male bonding experience.
