About me

From Airline Pilot to
Woodworking Passion

I’m a retired airline pilot who has always had a passion for woodcraft. During my flying years, I never had enough time to fully indulge in it, but now I finally can.

One thing I’ve always enjoyed is sitting outside under a parasol, but when it gets windy, it’s a hassle. That got me thinking about a pergola. But then, summer weather can be unpredictable—just as friends or family arrive for dinner, a sudden rain shower can ruin everything.

That’s when I came up with the idea of integrating a shed into the design—something that provides both shade and shelter, blending practicality with craftsmanship.

Building with Confidence and Care

I have about three years of experience with my tools, and throughout this project, I didn’t encounter any major issues. However, having a minimum set of good tools is essential if you don’t want to lose too much time. The right equipment makes all the difference in both precision and efficiency.

I’m fortunate to have a friend who is a professional carpenter, and with his guidance -alongside learning from expert Youtube carpenters-I designed this structure. After reviewing it, my friend gave his approval, which gives me even more confidence in the project. Besides, we live just five miles from the coast, and in November 2023, we experienced the powerful thunderstorm “Ciaran”, which ranked as the strongest here in Franc. Despite his intensity, our Trio came through unscathed, without any damages.

This trio can be built alone for the most part, but there are two key moments when an extra pair of hands is necessary: first, when positioning the beams, and second, when moving the flat steel along the ladders up to the roof. Aside from that, it’s a project that can be tackled step by step at your own pace.

Craftsmanship
Meets Functionality

Now, I put my passion for woodworking into creating functional and beautiful outdoor spaces.

This trio is my first “big” project, and I’ve truly enjoyed building it. What makes it great is that you can start with the main structure, then add the pergola section and begin using it right away while taking your time to complete the other parts.

It’s also a much more affordable option compared to an aluminum pergola, with the added satisfaction of building something with my own hands. The process has been both rewarding and practical—combining craftsmanship with functionality to create a space that’s both inviting and weatherproof.