Pergola

Installation
Guide
TOOLS LIST
• Drill(s) All fasteners for beams, rafters, purlin
• / " Magnetic Driver (s)
38 holders and purlins included in kit

• 12" Drill Extension Fasteners NOT provided in

kit: Post mount attachment,
• #2 Square Drive bit for Drill or Driver Ledger plate attachment, Rafter
• Level to structure attachment
• Tape Measure
• Hammer Drill if necessary for concrete or footing mounts
• Wrench for Anchors on post
• Composite shims
• Quick Clamp(s)
• ¾" Step Drill Bit (Vari –Bit®) – For reaming holes in aluminum
• Pencil
• Speed Square
• String line

If Cutting to Size is Required:

• Miter or Circular Saw with carbide blade (cut slowly)
• Sawhorses

Additional Tools for digging and setting pier type footings

• Hand diggers/Auger
• Scrap Lumber (for making forms)
• Concrete stakes (for holding forms)
• Wheel barrow or small concrete mixer
• Shovel
• Trowel

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 Pergola Installation Guide

STEP 1 – LAYOUT
Figure 1. e. IMPORTANT - If you desire to
trim the depth of your pergola
Width Purlins you must take into consideration
the purlin holders. To avoid
having a "half hole" in your roof
you should first remove the
purlin holder and determine
what trim length will allow you
to cut between the holes. This
same measurement can be then
applied to your post mount
spacing. You will trim each beam,
Depth Rafters

rafter and purlin holder in your

kit by this exact size as you
follow the installation steps.
b) IMPORTANT - Ensure posts are
SQUARE with each other and/or
any adjoining structure – NOTE:
If adding to an existing slab or
patio do not assume that they
are built square! The best way to
determine if things are square is
to measure diagonally from post
base to post base and adjust until
the diagonal measurements are
the same. A square post layout
will reduce installation time and
ensure an excellent fit and finish.
All pergola kits are fabricated to a. Desired outside to outside
fit the size ordered. They CAN be dimensions of your posts c) It is common that existing concrete
trimmed to fit a smaller space if and paver patios are installed
b. Desired height to the with a certain degree of slope.
necessary. (See Step 1e. below) top of your beam If slope is minimal (less than 1"
View CAD drawings and c. Desired direction of shade in 10’) you can simply disregard
photos of installed pergolas purlins and rafters it. If slope is more pronounced,
at [Link]. consider that your posts may be
d. If you desire to trim the
a) Determine necessary height width of your pergola simply differing lengths to allow pergola
and post locations based determine your ideal size and roof to be level to horizon.
upon site – Make note of the build accordingly. You can very d) For challenging sites, custom
following measurements as easily mount posts and trim the fabrication of pergolas to
you will want these later: appropriate beams and purlins as your unique site is available,
you follow the installation steps. please contact us.

[Link] | 3
Step 2 – Install Post Mounts
screws (5" or greater) concrete product installed with
a) Mount to Deck a quality brand of landscape
e. Use composite shims as necessary
(Figure 2a) to plumb mount. Tighten fasteners. adhesive. In the case of adhesive,
a. Add blocking below deck follow manufacturer’s instructions.
flooring under each post mount. b) Mount to Concrete Slab For added strength you can also
fill the pillar(s) with concrete or
Minimum blocking thickness of or Landscape Column mortar to add weight and rigidity.
3" (this is two 2x10’s thick)
Top (Figure 2b) b. Inset mount as necessary to
b. Inset mount as necessary to
ensure the base of post does not a. NOTE: For a poured concrete slab ensure the base of post does not
overhang edge of decking. or patio, make sure concrete is in overhang edge of concrete.
good repair For a landscape column i. For standard kits (no post
i. For standard kits (no post
we recommend a one-piece cap of skirt), inset a minimum 2" from
skirt), inset a minimum 1"
concrete or natural stone (4000 edge of mounting surface to
from deck edge to edge of
psi or greater), minimum thickness edge of post mounting plate.
post mounting plate.
2.25". It is important that the post is
ii. For kits with post skirt (10 ½" ii. For kits with post skirt (10 ½"
constructed on a sound foundation.
square) – inset a minimum square)– inset a minimum 3"
For a compacted gravel base, this
3" from deck edge to edge from edge of mounting surface
means a minimum two courses
of post mounting plate. to edge of post mounting plate.
below grade. For a concrete base,
c. Detail on nailing blocking – be sure to attach footing to base c. Mount Fasteners - 3/8" hot dipped
Minimum 4 nails on each course with the recommended galvanized wedge or screw type
side of 2by block amount of landscape adhesive. For anchors, minimum 2" embedment.
construction of post, we recommend d. Use composite shims as necessary
d. Mount Fasteners – Carriage
either masonry or a high-quality to plumb mount. Tighten anchors.
Bolts or ledger attachment

Figure 2a Figure 2b

7"sq. Vinyl Post

7"sq. Vinyl Post
Aluminum Post Mount
Post Mount Standoff Aluminum Post Mount

Post Mount Standoff

Aluminum Plate
1/2"x6" sq.
Aluminum Plate
Carriage Bolt or Ledger Screw (4)
½"x6" sq.
(not included)
Concrete Anchor (4)
FLOORING
(not included)
BLOCKING
Minimum
4 Nails BLOCKING CONCRETE SLAB OR
per Joist 2"x10" (TYP) LANDSCAPE COLUMN TOP
JOIST

JOIST

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c) Mount to Footing – as necessary to form and pour your forms to follow the desired
footings to the height just below slope. The roof of the pergola
For Paver Patios or the existing patio surface. Use can still be installed level.
Applications without a concrete saw to cut the paver b. Determine post locations and layout
blocks to fit around the post
a solid surface to once the forms are removed.
with strings and tape measures.

fasten to (Figure 2c) c. Minimum footing size = 12"

ii. If the patio is not yet installed, round or 10" square.
a. The main goal in this method is to you MUST establish the desired
patio surface height prior to d. Dig footings to frost line, making
discretely isolate the pergola posts
forming and pouring your sure to remove excess loose dirt
from the patio area. This allows
footings. The end goal is that from the bottom of the hole.
the patio to move up and down
the patio block will fit neatly In regions without a seasonal
over the seasons while the pergola
around the post without fitting freeze thaw we recommend a
posts stay plumb and level. To
under it. This allows the patio minimum 36" footing depth.
do this properly, we recommend
that the footing height be at least to freely move up and down e. If the desired top of the footing
one paver thickness below the without squeezing or crushing needs to be above the ground
finished grade of the patio. parts of the pergola post. NOTE: around it, build, stake and level
It is common that the patio will forms over your holes. Ensure
i. If there is an existing patio,
have some slope. This is no your forms are installed square
you can simply remove blocks
problem. Simply set the top of to patio or structure. It is often
helpful to set string lines to double
Figure 2c check the locations as well as
desired height of the footings.
f. Fill holes with concrete to top
7"sq. Vinyl Post of forms and trowel smooth
Aluminum Post Mount g. Once cured, attach post mounts to
footings using 3/8" dia. hot dipped
Post Mount Standoff
galvanized wedge or screw type
Aluminum Plate anchors, minimum 2" embedment.
½"x6" sq.
Use composite shims as necessary
Concrete Anchor (4) to plumb mount. Tighten anchors.
(not included) PAVER
GRAVEL

DIRT

FOOTING

Footing to Frost Line

or 36" Minimum Depth

[Link] | 5
Step 3 – Install Posts over Post Mount
a) Double check desired height and post mount. They will sit on This is the end without the
of pergola roof and mark each the top of the post mount plate routed slot for the beam.
aluminum post mount at the and do not need to be fastened. b. Remember, your vinyl post will
top of the beam – simplest way d) Insert the Post Top Plate into stick up 1" taller than the top
(short of using a laser level) is the top of your post mount. of the 2x8 box beam to allow
to quick clamp your beams to room to fit in the post cap.
your post mounts and mark the e) Attach Post Top Plate to the
mount at the desired height. post mount with fasteners c. If the bottom of your post will be
labeled "post top plate to post visible upon completion you will
b) Cut aluminum post mount 8 ½" mount". This connection proves want to take extra time to ensure
below this mark - Use any circular a surface to attach your pergola to cut the post off as square as
saw with a non-ferrous blade. It is box beams and prevents uplift possible. This is best done by
important that the cut be as square of your post under high winds. tracing your cut line around the
as possible. This will help the Post post with a speed square and
Top Plate to sit level. We recommend f) Cut 7x7 vinyl post to proper height
– First measure from the base of cutting carefully and slowly.
that you trace your cut line around
the post with a speed square. post mount to the top of the Post g) Slide the post over the top of the
Top Plate. Cut your vinyl post 9" mount. If you purchased the post
c) Slide the Post Mount Standoff longer than this measurement. skirts, slide those over the post next.
over each post. These provide a
friction tight fit between the post a. Make sure to cut from the h) Repeat this step for each post.
correct end of the post.

Step 4 – Attach Ledger to Structure

Attached Pergolas Only Figure 2b
a) Secure ledger to structure ensuring
it is centered on pergola Heavy Bead
Silicone Caulk
b) Fasteners – Necessary Attach Box Beam / Rafter to
fasteners for Ledger are NOT Hanger w/ fasteners provided
provided in kit. Requirements
determined by structure.
c) If removing siding, ensure
House Rim
that ledger plate is properly 2"x8" Box Beam
flashed and sealed. Sheathing
d) If ledger is installed over top PVC Ledger Plate
1"x12" Reinforced aluminum insert
of siding, ensure that top and
sides are caulked adequately.
Siding Rafter Hanger with
(6) 3½" Heavy Shank Screws
(Screws Not Provided)

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Step 5 – Install Perimeter Box Beams

(Freestanding Pergola)
a) If you trimmed the width or depth of b) Using the step bit drill two large pre-drilled holes in the post, attach
your pergola follow items 1-3 below. holes in the top of each beam each bracket to post stiffener
If not proceed to letter b) below. according to figure 5b. No need with fasteners labeled "beam
1. Plan out the length of each box to worry about cosmetics here, attachment bracket" You DO
beam (2x8) according to figure these holes will be covered later. NOT need to fill every hole on the
5a. Note that freestanding and c) Using a helper, lift and set the bracket, four per side is sufficient.
attached pergolas have different beams into your posts ensuring to g) Insert the post cap into each
methods of lapping the beam. lap the beams as per figure 5a. post. This cap should sit ¼" below
2. Start by measuring at the post d) Using your driver and 12" the top edge of the post.
base, the outside to outside extension, fasten the beam to h) Fasten the post cap to the
of each post on your pergola the Post Top Plate using the top of the box beams with
(Figure 5a). Write these down fasteners labeled "beam to post". fasteners labeled "post cap."
on the top of each box beam. e) Set the beam attachment bracket i) Install 5/8" plugs into the holes
3. Cut the beams 2 ½" under in the inside corner of each on the side of the post.
this measurement. beam intersection (Figure 5b). j) Repeat this step for each
f) Using a driver extension and the beam and post connection.

Figure 5a Figure 5b
Measure Outside to Outside at Post Base
Drill Holes

2"x8" Box Beam

2"x8" Box Beam

7" sq. Post
Measure Outside to Outside at Post Base

7" sq. Post

2"x8" Box Beam

2"x8" Box Beam

Correct Lapping of Box Beams

Beam Attachment Bracket
2"x8" Box Beam

2"x8" Box Beam

[Link] | 7
Step 5 – Install Perimeter Box Beams
(Attached to Structure Method)
a) If you trimmed the width or depth of 4. Cut these beams 2 ½" under beams as per figure 5c.
your pergola follow items 1-4 below. this measurement. e) Using your driver extension fasten
If not proceed to letter b) below. b) Using the step bit, drill two large the beam to the Post Top Plate
1. Start by measuring, at the holes in the top of each beam end using the fasteners provided.
post base, the outside to according to figure 5b. These holes f) Set the beam attachment bracket
outside of the posts as will be covered later. DO NOT drill in the inside corner of each
shown in figure 5c. Write this holes on the side of the beam beam intersection (Figure 5b).
measurement on top of the that attaches to the structure.
corresponding box beam (2x8). g) Using a driver extension and
c) Install the rafter hanger on the the pre-drilled holes in the post,
2. Cut this beam ½" under ledger plate for each of the box attach each bracket to box beam
the outside to outside beams attaching to your structure. with fasteners labeled "beam
post measurement. NOTE: Necessary fasteners for attachment bracket" You DO
3. Measure the outside of ledger plate attachment are NOT NOT need to fill every hole on the
post to ledger plate (already provided in kit. Requirements bracket, four per side is sufficient.
attached to structure) for determined by structure.
h) Insert the post cap into each
the remaining two openings. d) Using a helper, lift and set the post. This cap should sit ¼" below
Write this measurement on beams into your posts and the top edge of the post.
the top of each box beam. hangers ensuring to lap the
i) Fasten the post cap to the
top of the box beams with
Figure 5c
fasteners labeled "post cap."
j) Install 5/8" plugs into the holes
Measure Outside to Outside at Post Base
on the side of the post.
2"x8" Box Beam k) Fasten outside beams to rafter
hanger using fasteners labeled
"rafter hanger to rafter." DO
Measure Outside of Post to Ledger Plate

7" sq. Post

NOT put a screw in the top
hole on the inside of the box
beam as it will interfere with the
2"x8" Box Beam

2"x8" Box Beam

outside purlin holder in step 7.

l) Repeat this step for each
beam and post connection.

Ledger Plate

Structure

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Step 6 – Install Rafters

a) Measure from the outside of on each of the beams. quick clamps to the box beams
one box beam to the other. This c) Using the fasteners marked "rafter next to the structure. If you pull
measurement will be divided evenly hanger to beam", and the rafter this line tight under the box beams
depending on the number of rafters hanger tool included with your it will show the correct line for the
in your kit. Example (Figure 6): If kit, install the rafter hangers on bottom of your rafter hangers.
you have a 16’ wide kit you will have these marked locations. The rafter e) If you trimmed the depth of
six rafters and seven spaces. The hanger tool will ensure the proper your pergola please follow
measurement from the outside of height of each rafter on the beam. If items 1-2 below, If not
your box beams should be around your kit is attaching to a structure, proceed to letter e) below.
191". Subtracting 2" will give us the please note that these fasteners
center to center measurement. 191"- 1. Measure each opening between
are NOT provided in your kit as hangers to determine the
2" =189". We will then divide 189" they are determined by the type
by seven spaces to get 27". This is rafter length. Write this on
of structure you are attaching to. the top of each rafter.
the center to center measurement
of each rafter. If you have NOT d) If your kit is attached to a structure, 2. Cut each rafter ½" shorter
trimmed your pergola width this you will want to transfer the same than this measurement.
center to center measurement rafter spacing layout you used
on your outside box beam to the f) Using a helper, lift and set each
will be called out in the CAD rafter into place, and attach
drawing for each pergola size. ledger plate on the structure. To
ensure the rafter hangers are placed with the fasteners labeled
b) Using this measurement, at the correct height it is helpful "rafter hanger to rafter".
mark the center of each rafter to use a stringline attached with g) Repeat this step for each
rafter and connection
Figure 6

Measure Outside to Outside at Post Base

Install rafter hangers in even increments

Rafter Direction

Purlin Direction

[Link] | 9
Step 7 – Install Purlin Holders
a) First, install one of the outside to box beam." Make sure the b. Make sure purlin holes are
purlin holders (2" x 3 ½") to your height of the top of the holder angled the same direction as
box beam. Measure the correct matches the top of the beam. the outside purlin holder.
length of these according to figure d) Install 5/8" plugs into the holes c. Make sure that your screws
7a. – IMPORTANT - Make sure to on the outside purlin holder. are spaced BETWEEN the
consider which direction you would holes for the purlins.
like to purlins to angle to provide e) If necessary, measure and cut inside
your desired amount of shade. purlin holders (1 ¾" square) to fit on d. Install a screw near each end
the top of each rafter. Make sure to and one about every 2’ along
b) If necessary, cut outside purlin cut from the end labeled CUT END. the purlin holder. It is helpful
holders to fit tightly between the to count the number of holes
posts as in Figure 7a. IMPORTANT f) Using the fasteners labeled "inside
purlin holders to rafter", Install on the holder and space the
- cut each holder from the side screws evenly between
marked CUT END. If you cut these 1 ¾" purlin holders on top
the wrong end it will be difficult of each rafter. IMPORTANT - g) DO NOT install the remaining
to later line up the holes. a. Be careful not to OVERTIGHTEN outside purlin holder on the
these screw as they can crack other end. This happens AFTER
c) Attach outside purlin holder to the purlins are installed.
the box beam using the fasteners the purlin holder. It is helpful to
labeled "outside purlin holder turn down the speed of your drill.

Figure 7a Figure 7b

Rafter Direction

2"x8" Box Beam

2"x3½" Outside Purlin Holder
Rafter Direction

2"x8" Box Beam

7" sq. Post
Direction
Purlin

2"x3½" Outside Purlin Holder 2"x6" Rafter

(Cut tight to fit)
7" sq. Post 1¾"sq. Inside Purlin Holder
Measure Inside Post to Inside Post
Fastened on top of Rafter
Cut Inside Purlin Holder to fit
tightly between Box Beams

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 Pergola Installation Guide

Step 8 – Install Purlins

a) NOTE: There are two purlins with be sliding in the purlins. purlin. These can be fastened to
your kit that are cut shorter than e) Raise this rafter enough to slide the the purlin holder (one on each
the rest. These fit in the purlin holes piece labeled "rafter block" between end of the purlin) with the screws
between your posts and are the first the bottom of the rafter and the labeld "purlin holder to purlin".
and last purlins on the pergola. rafter hanger. This block raises j) Once all purlins are inserted you
b) If you trimmed the width of the rafter enough to allow much can install the remaining outside
your pergola, follow items 1 easier installation of the purlins and purlin holder. Slide it on the ends
& 2 below. If not proceed to remaining outside purlin holder. of the purlins and gently remove
letter c) below. f) Starting at one end with the first the rafter block from under
1. To determine proper purlin purlin, slide the capped end into each end of the first rafter.
length, insert a tape measure the holders until it is centered k) Once all the purlins are inserted
into the outside purlin holder between the posts. NOTE: into the last holder you may need
and measure to the inside of the The purlin caps help guide the to tap the outside purlin holder
last box beam. Cut purlins 1 ½" purlins into each of the holes. It down into place. Then align and
shorter than this measurement. is helpful to have another person screw it to the outside beam with
2. For first and last purlins, cut to assist with any purlins that get the fastener labeled "outside
enough off to fit between hung up during this process. purlin holder to box beam".
your posts. This should be 12" g) Continue sliding purlins l) Install 5/8" plugs into the holes
shorter than the other purlins. (cap end first) in to each on the outside purlin holder.
c) Install one purlin cap on hole until fully inserted. m) Re-install the screws in the
the end of each purlin. h) Insert the shorter last purlin into 2x6 rafter that you loosened
d) Before sliding in your purlins, the last hole centering it between to insert the rafter block.
remove the screws from the posts as you did the first purlin. n) Peel off any remaining stickers and
first 2x6 rafter, closest to i) Install two additional purlin caps clean off any handling or pencil
the side from which you will on the ends of the first and last marks with the Magic Eraser®.

Congratulations!
Your pergola is now complete and you likely deserve a cold beverage!

[Link] | 11
Optional – Fan Mount
a) Use a qualified electrician for rough center hole in the rafter hanger i) Slide skirts over each end of the
in during pergola construction. You into the rafter to access the 2x6 and test fit the mount in place.
will need a loop of electrical wire loop of wire for the fan. j) NOTE: The skirts must be turned
pulled into one of the rafters that e) Pull wire through the hole the correct way to fit properly
the fan mount will be attached to. in the rafter hanger. into the rafter hangers. If they
b) NOTE: The mount can be installed f) Measure the clearance do not lock into place, covering
anywhere from the top to the between the rafter hangers. the hanger, try removing them
bottom of the rafter. For more and flipping them 180 degrees.
head clearance with the fan, g) Cut aluminum and vinyl 2x6 piece
1/8" shorter than the distance k) Fish wire through and out
install hangers towards the top of the 2x6 carefully to avoid
of the rafter. Ensure that you between hanger plates, to ensure
enough room to fit the 2x6 into damaging the sheath.
leave enough room for the skirt
to slide over the rafter hanger. place. Test fit the 2x6 between l) Fasten each end of the 2x6 with
the hangers, trim if necessary. fasteners labeled "fan mount."
c) Once height is determined, attach
rafter hangers horizontally with h) Once 2x6 is the proper length, m) Slide the skirts into place.
fasteners labeled "fan mount." mark and drill a hole for the wire n) The mount is now ready for your fan.
to come through the 2x6.
d) Carefully drill through the