Click image to enlarge.
6. Cut 5-1/2
in. round treated wood plugs to fit the inside of your columns. Glue and screw
together a pair for each column top, then glue the plugs flush into the top of
each column. Secure the plugs to the columns with 2-in. deck screws. Note:
Drive a screw into the top of each plug to use as a handle to position the
plug.
7. Screw 1x4 to the side of each treated pine 4x4.
This will beef up the post so it meets the inside edge of the hollow column.
8. Predrill
and countersink eight screw holes in the sides of the columns: four 6 in. from
the bottom and four 30 in. from the bottom. Use 3-in. No. 12 exterior wood
screws to anchor the columns to the wood posts. Plumb the column as you screw
it to the post. You’ll notice some play between the post and column.
Opposing screws will tighten the entire assembly.
Click image to enlarge.
9. Slide the
column bases and capitals over the column shafts. Measure and cut the outer
2x10 beam and walk it up the ladders.
10. Screw the
beam (E) to the wood plug so it’s flush with the front outside edge of
the column. Use angle brackets as shown with 1-1/4 in. Simpson bracket screws.
Screw the other beam in place and then the other three intermediate beams, F1
and F2.
