Alan's Amazing Pergola

by Alan
(Bournemouth, Dorset, UK)

We wanted a more shady place on our patio, so with the help of your plans we amalgamted a few of the designs and built this.

All made from green oak, approx 10 x 10 feet, 8 feet high. Uprights 6 x 6 inch.

I removed the iron marks from the sawmill using Bar Keepers Friend - the oxalic acid in it did the trick, so that it weathers down evenly.

All in all we are very happy with and the balance is just right.

Comments for Alan's Amazing Pergola

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Alan's Fabulous Patio Pergola
by: Di

Alan, this is an amazing pergola you have built. The double beams and good size posts give it a really substantial feel.

I imagine you are very proud of your new seating and dining area. I think you absolutely have the right balance. It's so good that you have amalgamated different ideas from the design, as this is what gives your pergola a truly unique feel.

The green oak looks beautiful. Thank you for the tip about using oxalic acid. I've added an explanation of what it is for those who may be interested:

"Oxalic acid is an organic compound found in many plants, including leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, cocoa, nuts, and seeds ( 1 ). In plants, it's usually bound to minerals, forming oxalate. The terms "oxalic acid" and "oxalate" are used interchangeably in nutrition science.

Oxalic acid's main applications include cleaning or bleaching, especially for the removal of rust (iron complexing agent). Its utility in rust removal agents is due to its forming a stable, water-soluble salt with ferric iron, ferrioxalate ion."

What a brilliant job it has done on your wood!

I can see you used an adjustable elevated post base to keep the posts away from any dampness on the patio. These can be used for that reason or to give the pergola a floating look. For anyone interested in this style of pergola anchor, you can find them here: https://amzn.to/3YtBIkV

I'm sure this will help to inspire others to have a go. I'll use your experience in a newsletter if that's OK, Alan, giving it maximum exposure!

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