Should pergola posts be buried in the cement 1/4 of their length or set on top of footings using Simson ties? I am a first time pergola builder at age 75 and am fast realizing this may not be as simple as I thought. My dau has asked me to build her a 12x12 pergola in CA no risk of freezing.
Her design suggestions include having these posts support a hammock or swing. We are thinking of 4x4 posts with 2x10 doubled girders and 2x6 rafters. Will this pergola require heftier 6x6 posts and 2x12 girders? Any suggestions on a good how to book? Thanks for your help. We have already added a generator to our shopping list.