About
From airline pilot to woodworking enthusiast
I am a retired airline pilot who has always been passionate about woodworking. During my years as a pilot, I never had the time to devote myself fully to it; now, I finally can.
I've always loved sitting outside under a parasol, but as soon as the wind picks up, it quickly becomes uncomfortable. That's what gave me the idea for a pergola. But here's the thing: in the summer, the weather is unpredictable—and just as friends or family arrive for dinner, a sudden downpour can ruin everything.
That's when I got the idea to incorporate a shelter into the structure.
Build with confidence and care
I have about five years of experience with my tools, and throughout this project, I haven’t encountered any major difficulties. That said, having a basic set of good tools is essential if you don’t want to waste too much time. Good equipment makes all the difference, both in terms of precision and efficiency.
I’m lucky to have a friend who’s a professional carpenter: it was with his advice—and by learning from expert carpenters on YouTube—that I designed this structure. After reviewing it, my friend gave his approval, which further boosts my confidence in the project. What’s more, we live just a few miles from the coast, and in November 2023, we weathered the powerful storm “Ciaran,” one of the most violent ever recorded in France. Despite its intensity, our Trio came through unscathed, without a single scratch.
This trio can, for the most part, be built on your own, but there are two key moments when an extra pair of hands is needed: first, to set up the beams, and second, to haul the flat iron up the ladders to the roof. Other than that, it’s a project you can tackle step by step, at your own pace.
The combination of expertise and practicality
Today, I put my passion for woodworking to work in creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
This trio is my first "big" project, and I really enjoyed putting it together. The best part is that you can start with the main structure, then add the pergola section and start enjoying it right away, while taking your time to build the other parts.
It’s also a much more affordable option than an aluminum pergola, with the added bonus of the satisfaction of building something with your own hands. The result was as rewarding as it was practical: craftsmanship combined with functionality to create a welcoming, weather-resistant space.