I just finished my TF Pergola and now I'd like to add some outdoor lights to it. I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on the wiring? I could attach a box and run lines down to it but I was thinking that if you could dig out a hole and put the box in the post it would look much better..

I probably should have done this before raising..

howdy,

it might be difficult to run the wire when standing. I have cut a large dado in a post deep enough for 12/2 outdoor wiring and then placed a lengthy dutchman to cover the wire. You could then go up through the shoulder of the post and along side the mortise (another channel needed) and once you are through to the top of the plate you are out of sight.

Look for hanging lights, after searching extensively for recessed cans that would work, no such luck. Not to mention the heat the cans generate next to a combustible material. Maybe track lighting (yuck) or possible some sconces on the posts, or the hanging light.

Yep, you have made it tougher on yourself. Much easier to do, when the sticks are still on sawhorses.

Or, maybe some solar contraption that could have the voltaic on top of the pergola and a short run of wire to the light.

Hanging would be easier but the wife wants Scones. Another idea I had was making a thin box out of wood, putting a thin electrical box inside and mounting that on the post. Then the only thing visible is the wire but my pergola is pretty short so the amount visible is pretty minimal.

you can mortise out the post for an electrical junction box, we've done it a lot.

as for hiding the wire -- hard to do at this point. only option i see is to groove the post and cap it like mo said.

**disclaimer**
I'm only speaking to the carpentry side of this. as for proper electrical installation, i can't speak to that.

Google "flat wire", might be a solution to concealing the wire.

Bob