Replies

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Dec 13, 2004 11:23pm | #1

   I wouldn't use PT lumber where people can see it and touch it.  The surface is all chowdered up by the treatment process, so it looks ugly.  It is also way too easy to get a splinter.   And, because it is full of water, it cracks and checks as it dries.  Reserve PT for structural stuff, use better stuff to cover it.

2. 
   YesMaam27577 | Dec 14, 2004 12:46am | #2

   Concerning Jamie's remark about the surface being chowdered up.... If you're located in the west, then this is likely true. And no amount of stain can make those hashmarks look good.

   But if you're in the eastern half, then the treated southern yellow pine can be made to look good.

   And there is considerable debate about setting PT posts in concrete. Many believe that doing so will actually promote rot. The best answer is to set a concrete base with an anchor bolt in it. Then put a post-holding galvanized (or better yet, stainless) tie-down on the bolt. The posts then are anchored to the tie down.

   That truly is the best method. The concrete is the footing, and the post will never be sitting in water or wet soil.

   BTW -- don't use those wimpy looking 4X4's. The beefier posts look so much better.

    

    

   Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.

1. 
   tjinfl | Dec 14, 2004 01:44am | #3

   Thanks - appreciate the advice.  I was thinking of putting them into concrete because I didn't want to attach it to the house (then a permit would be needed I'd guess).  But, may go the route you did in your photo - would guess the structure is very stable with it being tied into the house.  I'm down in South Florida, so the PT is OK, but painted would look better - but along with the nice look, you get the painting task that goes with it!  What type of lumber (and size of posts) do you use when you paint a pergola? Douglas Fir?

   Thanks again...

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Dec 14, 2004 10:59am | #4

   What type of lumber (and size of posts) do you use when you paint a pergola? Douglas Fir?

   If any part of a board or post will be beneath the ground, then use PT. And, if end grain will be exposed and facing up, then you should probably use PT. Other than those conditions, you can use non-treated lumber.

   Although framing lumber is easily available and not too expensive, it also doesn't look very good. See if your lumber suppliers can get cypress, or cedar. Both are very rot-resistant, and should be available in your area.

   The size of the posts is governed by the size of the structure. Ususlly, 6X6's look great. On some really large pergola's you'll want to think about 8's. (In my picture, they are 6's.)

    

    Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.

3. 
   MikeR | Dec 17, 2004 07:42pm | #5

   Terry,

   Call your local Bldg. Dept.  I think you'll need a permit anyway whether its attached to the house or not.  Fla. DCA (who governs the Bldg. Commission) made a ruling last year that ALL strucutural assemblies be certified (i.e. be permitted).  Your local jurisdiction may have a policy with stipulations accordingly but check before you build.  The penalties for not getting what could be around a $40. permit could drive you nuts.

   Mike

4. 
   CapnMac | Dec 17, 2004 07:57pm | #6

   I've been searching the web for square galvanized posts, but haven't found any yet. 

   You probably won't.  Search for square steel tubing, instead.  If you are going to clad the column anyway, you can actually use a round column instead.  It's a little bit more work making the attachements, but a round column tends to be much cheaper than the square tube.

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)