Critical requirements for digging pergola footings.
Footing requirements for pergola.
The easiest way to pour concrete footings for a pergola is with a concrete footing form tube.
Order the 8 foot or 10 foot post option and add the post attachment hardware to your order.
Also look for differences between requirements for enclosed roof patio covers and those with open air beams.
The easiest method of installation is to dig footings to the correct depth below the frost line in your area and use post mounting hardware to attach the posts to the concrete footings or existing concrete slab as follows.
Use a clam shell digger and a pry bar to help loosen stubborn rocks or cut roots if required.
Alternatively rent a two man twelve inch gas powered auger.
Select the right footing for your next pergola or arbor project.
Like any code recommendations these are not how to guides to building footings so much as parameters you need to observe based on local.
To view more info about how these form tubes are used please click here to view the post information page.
Three options for footings are discussed.
Most pergolas are made from wood but aluminum is an attractive cost effective alternative.
Dig a hole twelve to twenty four inches in diameter.
2 3 bags of ready mix concrete per form.
Improper footings will make for an unstable frame which can cause the wood to bow and warp and potentially cause harm to someone using it at the wrong time.
Aluminum patio covers often have their own code requirements that differ from wooden structures so be sure to check permit rules closely.
Available in 8 and 12 diameter tubes.
This do it yourself video will teach you how to pour concrete into a sonotube form measure and place post mount brackets for your pergola kit.
Other tools and material you will need.
8 x 3 or 4ft diameter sonotube form.
Nobody can deny the need for a good house foundation.
Mounting pergolas to ground foundation anchoring.
Especially where reactive soil is a concern you should consult with your local council on what sort of footings will be required to safely support your deck or pergola.
Building codes have a few things to say about foundation footings.
The diameter will be determined by how large the footing or pier size is.
Improperly built foundation footings unlike poorly installed gutters or gapped hardwood flooring can eventually bring down the house.
Once the concrete had set you would build the pergola on the posts.
Pergola post installation mounted on concrete footer or existing slab.
Previously you would dig a hole for each post and pour a concrete footing at the bottom of each hole for each post to set in.
Today there are more efficient options to set footings such as helical piers or footings.