Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Hoisting a large beam atop a post over your head demands considerable strength; always get help for this stage of construction.
After cutting it to the proper length, drag the beam into position next to the posts and slip a short length of 4 by 4 under one end. With a helper, raise that end of the beam and maneuver it into the post cap.
Partially drive in one nail to secure the beam before you lift the other end. Raise the other end using the same technique. Then finish fastening the beam to the post caps.
Though metal post-and-beam connectors are strong and easy to use, you can secure this connection using other methods. For example, you can nail a pair of wooden cleats to each post's top. (See Installing Rafters for examples of both.)
Or, for a design that utilizes paired 2-bys to provide the support a single beam would otherwise afford, you can mount pressure-treated plywood cleats to the underside of the pair and screw it to the post tops.
Patio Roofs & Gazebos All you need to know about building outdoor structures, from an inspirational gallery for unique ways to extend your living space outdoors, to step-by-step photo sequences to build an outdoor structure precisely suited to your needs.
