Pergola material

[Chris Kennedy]

I want to build a pergola for my front yard, and I am trying to decide what to make it out of. I am not wild about PT -- I simply don't like the look of it, and most of what I have seen around here isn't the greatest quality. So, any suggestions as to a good wood to use? I'm thinking cedar or cypress for weather resistance.

Cheers,

Chris

[David Helm]

I've done many pergolas. Always used Western Red Cedar. Don't stick the posts in the ground though. They will rot. Best to do a deep footing with column bases that stand off the concrete by 3/4 inch.

[Brett Nelson]

Yep, western red cedar... you can paint it or stain and it will hold up well. There are always woods like teak that hold up well but can't be painted, but you'll spend a fortune.

Post pics as you go please.

[ken gibbs]

I hve used treated pine 2 X 8's for my pergoulas. Then I used a good translucent stain. You can't tell what wood type you used if you cover it with translucent stain