1. Determine the position of the 4 cedar posts from dimensions shown in fig.1 above.

2. Mark where the centers of the four posts are to go.

3. Dig the four post holes, 14" square and 24" deep.

4. Mix water & concrete mix as per concrete mix instructions.

5. Shovel 4" of concrete into the bottom of each hole before setting the posts. Set posts & check for vertical. Brace posts as needed.

6. Shovel concrete around the posts to within 2" from the top of the hole. Check again for vertical and leave to set for 24 hours.

7. Trim the top off one of the posts, 88" from the ground. (remember, from the materials list all posts are slightly over length)

8. Run a level stringline 6" above grade along all 4 posts as a vertical reference.

9. Measure down from the top of the trimed post to the stringline and transfer that measurement to the other three posts. This gives a level mark for the top of the posts. Trim the other three posts.

10. On the outside edge pencil mark a horrizontal line 7 7/8" down from the top of each post.

11. Cut along the pencil mark with a saw to a depth of 1 7/8" (the thickness of the beam) Do this to all four posts.

12. Scribe a line 1 7/8" in from the outside edge of each post from the top, down 7 7/8". Cut down that line using a sharp handsaw. See fig. 2



13. Cut a 2x8 cedar beam 167 5/8" long tapering the cut in 30 degrees at each end. See fig. 3


14. On top of the beam measure 12" and also 13 7/8" in from each end and mark square.
In between the two marks (1 7/8" apart) at each end run a series of saw cuts 1" deep and then chisel out. See fig. 3.

15. Do similar checkouts on top of and along the length of the beam at 20" on center. In all a total of 8 checkouts along each beam.

16. Cut (8) 2 3/4" x 1 7/8" cedar rafters 64" long tapering the cut in 30 degrees at each end.
Make two 1" deep checkouts on the bottom side of each rafter in the same manner as described in step 14 and to dimensions as shown in fig. 4


17. Place the two beams in the cut outs at the top of the posts and align the beams so as each end overhangs the posts 13 7/8" and that the end beam checkouts line up flush with the outside of the posts. See fig. 5.



18. Drill and bolt beams to post using 1/2" galvanized bolts and washers.

19. Place the rafters on top of the beams so the checkouts on the underside of the rafters line up with the checkouts on the top side of the beams. Tap the rafters into place and nail down through the top of the rafter into the beam with galvanized nails. See fig. 6.