I am starting a heavy timber pergola type structure and have a few questions as a rookie?
My posts are 7.5" square going into a sill plate 7.5" x 11.5" with brace sizes being 5" x 8" to accomadate a slight arch.

First question 2 braces will be coming out from a single post (one each side). I am worried about making a weak section in the post caused by back to back mortise? Should I offset the mortise and tenon joints and or shorten up the depth of mortise.I was planning on using 3"min. depth.

Second question regarding pegging, I was planning on using standard 1" hardwood dowels and bevelling the ends however I am open to suggestions? The timber is my own Hemlock and I am planning on using a slight (3/32")offset on the hole for tighening?

Regards
Lloyd (Bancroft, Ont.)