BREAKING GROUND ON OUR NEXT BIG OFF GRID PROJECT!

Buckle up, folks! Today, we’re diving deep into our latest off-grid adventure – breaking ground on our next big project: a Pergola!

Our Latest Off-Grid Project: The Pergola

We’ve got a rustic old trailer that needs some love and protection from the elements, particularly the sun and any falling bamboo. We want it to be more robust, provide better shade, and generally increase the overall livability of the space – all while making it look cool.

Preparing the Ground

To begin our Pergola build, we first had to deal with digging the footings. That’s no small task in the clay soil of our farm, so we decided on 12 two-foot by two-foot by two-foot footings – each requiring about 15 bags of concrete.

Forming and Pouring Concrete

Once the holes were dug, we set to work creating forms for our footings. It took a bit of effort, but eventually, they were ready. The pouring went smoothly (aside from a brief downpour), and before long, all 12 holes were filled with concrete.

The Steel Arrives

We didn’t order the exact size rebar we wanted initially – it would’ve been easier to deal with. Instead, we received number four rebar and had to work a bit harder to make it fit our needs.

Constructing the Pergola

The most challenging part is over now that the footings are poured. Our next step is to install posts and construct the main beams for our Pergola. We’ll be bolting everything together, rather than mortising, due to lack of specialized wood-cutting tools.

Weather Challenges

Just as we’re making good progress on our Pergola, a tropical disturbance looms nearby. While it may not directly affect us at the farm, our neighbors at Double D might be facing some challenges soon. We might have to delay our project a bit to ensure their safety.

Conclusion

The hard part is done, and we’re excited about what’s next! With concrete footings in place, our off-grid Pergola project is ready for the final phase – post installation and construction. Wish us luck as we navigate the upcoming weather challenges and complete this project.

What Did We Learn?

• The importance of properly digging footings in clay soil.
• How to create and use forms for pouring concrete footings.
• The benefits of bolting together wood components when mortising isn’t an option.
• How weather can unexpectedly impact a project’s timeline.

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