Shade Structure build 6x12

[StoneCloud]

Finally getting around to builiding this thing. My parents were coming down to visit us and more importantly their granddaugther

So with my father's help which is awesome, we got started last night. Tonight we continue. We don't work during the day here. Pointless struggle, I wait for the sun to go down then go town!

Patio Slab: 6x12 feet. The area I'm trying to cover.

Posts: PT 2x4's 10ft length. 2 feet in the ground. 8ft above ground.

Frame: PT 1x2's

Shade cloth: 6x20feet
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Easy-Gar...e-Tan-Sun-Screen-Shade-Cloth-72020R/202043545

Here is the area where it will be installed:



Here was last night's work:

First dug 2 holes for the posts. I have the fence with posts already on the other side so this was fairly quick work. On the one side I did have to remove a few bricks to put the pole where it should be.




On the section of post that will be in the concrete I put some screws to prevent the pole from getting loose over time. This step is key.




I didn't mix the concrete separately. Using a trowel, I put some concrete mix in the hole with a little water, pushed it down with a scrap piece of wood, added more mix and water and then let it set.





We then leveled the posts, and let the concrete dry over night (as much as it can in this humidity hah)
Tonight we will continue with the frame and frame supports at the top. And attach the shade cloth (if there is enough time).

First pole in:

 

[StoneCloud]

Here's a pic from this morning with both posts in:

 

[StoneCloud]

I love the rain but it's jammed this project up lol. Rained yesterday half the day and raining now, so it is on pause.

But.......while my shade structure is not growing............ all my trees are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in just two days I have new inter nodes and growth on all trees and garden plants!

Can't wait to finish this though so I can move my trees to this area. Most are against the house right now as that is the only spot currently that gives me mid day shade.

 

[CWTurner]

We then leveled the posts, and let the concrete dry over night (as much as it can in this humidity hah)

BTW, StoneCloud, concrete "sets", a chemical reaction that will occur underwater even. So rain is good for the trees AND the posts
CW

 

[StoneCloud]

@CWTurner Yes! that's why I didn't mix it first and put it right in the holes. I love it. Didn't get dirty or have to wash any tools/tubs when I was done. awesome!

Thanks for the info though! Would it take a lot longer to set though if underwater? Just curious as I only have a working knowledge of ready mix. I mean I'm not worried about mine drying b/c I don't plan on swinging from it yet hah, but would like to know the time line for the future

The rain has put it on hold bc I don't want to work out in the rain...and neither does my electric drill! LOLOLOL


If I knew it would set under water before I wouldn't have gone so slow with the water when I put em in. could have cut my install time in half haha...

 

[StoneCloud]

last time i used concrete was a long time ago and I had to mix it all up. That was annoying to say the least

 

[CWTurner]

There are mixes that allow you to use them dry and add water afterward, like you did. Hope you got one of those, as using that method on regular bagged mix might not work too well.
24 hours should be enough set time to give you an indication. Most of the setting up is done by then, and almost entirely by 30 days (though technically concrete continues to harden over its life).
CW

 

[StoneCloud]

@CWTurner. I checked and that is the one I used. Phew haha. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[StoneCloud]

Got the upper frame up today:

 

[StoneCloud]

Finally done!

Great shot where you can compare the coverage (Top is shade cloth, bottom dark line is 2x4):




Here it is before trimming the sides:




And with sides complete:





Works great and so happy I finally got it done, now gotta move trees in there. Just in time for the summer too!

 

[StoneCloud]

Quick update as I was waiting for a day like today LOL

It has been windy...real windy and down pouring rain on and off all day.........it has held up perfectly fine, so I'm very relieved.

The cloth has sagged slightly which is going to happen, but barely noticeable. The wind passes through easily and I have no "sail" situations thankfully either!

I'll get some pictures tomorrow, too gloomy out for a clear shot now.

 

[StoneCloud]

Added some racoons, and had to leave the wife some space there for a few of her plants.... LOL

I have another bench set up against the house though that holds about 5 other trees as well, so I guess I can't complain. I still need more benches though!! arghh..probably another 10 total linear feet.......somewhere just don't know where in the yard yet...

The project continues......

 

[JudyB]

The project continues......

always...
Looking good.

 

[StoneCloud]

@JudyB Thank you! Yes it does!

 

[Dan92119]

Ok, so this is just my opinion. Probably should have used 4x4 posts instead of 2x4's. I think that is going to wobble a lot in the wind. Anyone leans on those 2x4's they are going to bend.

 

[StoneCloud]

Ok, so this is just my opinion. Probably should have used 4x4 posts instead of 2x4's. I think that is going to wobble a lot in the wind. Anyone leans on those 2x4's they are going to bend.

I was going to use 4x4s but I felt it was over kill.

With it being attached to the fence on the back side, it's really sturdy actually.

We've had 25mph winds over the last few days and it's holding very well. The wind passes through the cloth easily also so that helps.

My wife leans on it though I tell her not to, if it goes down I'll post pics!!!

If it wasn't for the fence being there I would have used the 4x4s

 

[StoneCloud]

@Dan92119 Welcome to the forum by the way!!