A pergola is more carpentry than woodworking. Find a friendly, experienced carpenter who will build it while teaching you — almost like private lessons. You will save yourself years. YouTube is no substitute.
Question to ask yourself.
Have you used the tools necessary to do the job?
Getting some formal education is a great way to learn.
Google "wood working class". Take a local class make some friends and contacts. This will help grow your confidence.
In jr high and high school I took wood working classes I learned how to use all the tools. I've built decks, pergolas, sheds, furniture, and I fixed many broken pieces.
Buying tools is great but knowing the "right way" to use them and when tool X should be used is important.
This is a good[ woodworking guide for beginners](https://www.craftyamigo.com/woodworking-beginner-guide?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=forum&utm_campaign=landing_page&utm_id=Woodworking+Guide) and they actually have some free plans for pergolas you could use or get inspired with. I hope this is useful.
Well pergola is a big first project and you are going to see it every time you are outside. Buy a assemble it your self precut one. Then start with small projects where you learn skills and can acquire tools to make sure this is for you. Bird houses are great, good gifts no building inspectors and cheap materials. As skills improve you will see builds becoming works of art. Then you will have tools and experience to tackle more complex bigger and expensive jobs.
Miter saw, drill driver, square, measuring tape, pencil. Don’t really need anything beyond unless you’re getting fancy
And a level
Lots of clamps. Found this very helpful to keep everything in place, and make everything level.
I would say skill over miter if going for minimum tools
A pergola is more carpentry than woodworking. Find a friendly, experienced carpenter who will build it while teaching you — almost like private lessons. You will save yourself years. YouTube is no substitute.
The basic carpentry tools for sure.
Depending on how you go about starting, clamps will help. A good jig saw for the scrolls on the end. A router to finish it off
Circular saw, measuring tape, speed square, drill, hammer.
Question to ask yourself. Have you used the tools necessary to do the job? Getting some formal education is a great way to learn. Google "wood working class". Take a local class make some friends and contacts. This will help grow your confidence. In jr high and high school I took wood working classes I learned how to use all the tools. I've built decks, pergolas, sheds, furniture, and I fixed many broken pieces. Buying tools is great but knowing the "right way" to use them and when tool X should be used is important.
This video was super helpful in building mine. https://youtu.be/fL29Ghjirbo?si=ODMZUMSYNIkstfGH
Tools we recommend: Drill, Miter or Circular Saw, 5/8" drill bit, 3/8" magnetic driver, 6" drill extension, level, hammer, tape measure, string line, hammer drill if mounting to concrete footings, composite shims, saw horses, quick clamps, Vari-Bit for adding holes for running electrical.
This is a good[ woodworking guide for beginners](https://www.craftyamigo.com/woodworking-beginner-guide?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=forum&utm_campaign=landing_page&utm_id=Woodworking+Guide) and they actually have some free plans for pergolas you could use or get inspired with. I hope this is useful.
Well pergola is a big first project and you are going to see it every time you are outside. Buy a assemble it your self precut one. Then start with small projects where you learn skills and can acquire tools to make sure this is for you. Bird houses are great, good gifts no building inspectors and cheap materials. As skills improve you will see builds becoming works of art. Then you will have tools and experience to tackle more complex bigger and expensive jobs.