Decks & Porches

Sketchup for Beginners: How to Build A Pergola

Seven-part SketchUp tutorial with 17 videos covering ground zero (gravel) to final finish. Design on 'paper'—before making sawdust.
June 1, 2023

In this series, master carpenter (and SketchUp pro) Matt Jackson uses a pergola as an excuse to teach the building blocks of SketchUp, highlighting critical 3D modeling skills along the way.

There are 17 videos in this seven-part Sketchup modeling tutorial.


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Sketchup Pergola (6): Color and Texture

Three videos: How to add Grass and Paver Textures, How to Manipulate Wood Grain, and Adding Furniture (and friends) From the Digital Big Box.
Sept. 25, 2015
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Adjusting the Height and Width of a Sketchup Pergola (7)

The final video in the series: Did you model the pergola to be too tall? How to Lower the Joists and Narrow the Width of the Pergola
Oct. 2, 2015
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Sketchup Pergola Planning Project (4): Patio and Pier Foundation

Two videos showing how to convert the layout rectangle into a concrete patio with a paver border, and adding concrete piers as a foundation
Aug. 17, 2015
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Sketchup Pergola Planning Project (3): Lattice Design

Three videos: Using the Geopositioning Tool to Optimize Shade, Spacing Multiple Pieces of Lattice without Math, and some Advanced Lattice Modeling Tips
July 23, 2015
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Sketchup Pergola Planning Project (1): The Posts

Four video sequences: The Layout Rectangle, Making Posts, Notching Posts, and Making a Post Base
July 9, 2015
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Sketchup Pergola Planning Project (2): Beams and Rafters

Three videos: Making the Beams, Shaping the Beams, and Making 'Ceiling Joists' from the Beams
July 17, 2015

About the Author

Matt Jackson

Mat Jackson, aka, The Timber Tailor, is a master carpenter living and working in Rapid City, South Dakota. His Next Level, Carpentry YouTube channel, is well worth stalking

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