New England Arbors Brandenburg Pergola User manual

12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
ASSEMBLY GUIDE
Ver 2.2-Oct 22-19
www.newenglandarbors.com

Table of Cont e nts
212 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
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12x12 Brandenburg Pergola
Introduction& Overview……………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .………. . . . . .
Pergola Materials Overview………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pergola Materials Breakdown………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pergola Additional MaterialsList………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wood Post Layout & Installation for In-Ground Application………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wood Post Layout & Installation using Bolt Down Post Brackets for Concrete or Wood Surface……………
Vinyl Column Assembly and Installation Over Wood Posts………………………. . . . . . . . . . ………………….
Main Support Beam Assembly…………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rafter Assembly……………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main Support Beams & Rafter Placement……………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Louver Assembly …………………………………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Bar Holder Installation ........………………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operations …………………. . . . . . . ……………………………………… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modification …………………………………………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Top View
Front View
Side View
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144 in [366 cm]
90 in [229 cm]
139 in [353 cm]
144 in [366 cm]
139 in [353 cm]
92 1/2 in [235 cm]
175 in [445 cm]
175 in [445 cm]
104 in [264 cm]

Int ro duction & O ve r view
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12 x 12Brandenburg Pergola
Getting Started
First off, allow us to say thank you for the investment you have made in one
of our fine pergola kits. This kit is designed to be assembled and installed
ideally by two people with basic carpentry knowledge and tools. Do not
attempt alone, especially during the installation stage. Should you decide to
moderately modify the dimensions of your pergola from the standard kit size,
a circular saw with a sharp fine-tooth blade is all that is needed to cut, shorten
or modify the vinyl components. When assembling components place on a
non-abrasive surface (ie: shipping box) to avoid scratching. We recom-
mend a 15’ x 15’ area for unobstructed assembling. You should not need to
use excessive force when assembling any components.
Planning & Preparing
This Pergola is made to stand independent of your home and you can either
locate it near your house or let it stand alone in the garden. By keeping it
unattached from your home you will not have to deal withmoving existing
gutters or matching eave heights. If you plan to build your pergola close to
the house, please keep the outer extremities of the pergola a minimum of
4 inches back from your eaves.
What looks like the toughestpart of this project is actually the easiest, the
graceful, solid-looking columns. We’ve designed these columns to simply be
slipped over treated 4x4 wood posts that are either embedded in concrete or
directly mounted to a concrete or wood surface using our bolt down brackets.
See pages 7, 8 and 9 for more details.
It is critical before you start that you consider the current slope of elevation
where the pergolaisplanned - if there is any. Also utility or sprinkler line
location is important to identify prior to excavating holes if necessary.
You should also check to verify local building codes, ordinances, neighbour-
hood covenants, or height restrictions regarding this type of structure.
Restriction of Use
This product is not designed to carry additional
weight loads such as swings, people or other
objects.
Please take the time to read this instruction
guide thoroughlyprior to the construction
of your pergola. If you have any questions,
feel free to contact our technical dept by calling
1 800 282 9346,(Mon to Fri 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.
EST).
www.newenglandarbors.com
Int ro duc tion & O ve r v ie w

Brandenburg Pergola Materials Overview
412 x12 Brandenburg Pergola
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11. Turn Bar Holder (1) - 10957 - Found in Box 7
12. Pre-assembled Louver Bars (Right) - With Long Louver Bar (3) - 10986
13. Pre-assembled Louver Bars (Left) - With Long Louver Bar (3) - 10985
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1. Post Caps (4) - 10699-1
2. Main Column Tops (4) - 10930
3. Post Trims (8) - 10698-1
4. Rafter & Beam Decorative End Caps (20) - 10829
5. Main Support Beams (8) - 10983
6. Beam & Rafter Joiners (10) - 10820
7. Main Column Bottoms (4) - 10933
8. Rafters (12) - 10984
9. One Way 4”x4 “ Internal Wood Post Guides (4) - 10696-1
10. Louver Turn Bar (1) - 10935
14. Steel Holder Brackets (36) - 10937
15. Louver Boards (84) - 10987
16. P re-assembled Louver Bars - With Short Louver Bar (3) - 10988
17. P
re-assembled Louver Bars - With No Louver Bar
(3) - 10989
18. Base Trim Caps (4) - 10916
19. Bolt Down Brackets (4) - 80054

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Check Boxes (Total of 7) for These Contents
In the event of missing or defective parts please call our customer service
dept. at 1 800 282 9346 (Mon. to Fri. 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST).
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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
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Note the distance to
the first louver bracket
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1. Post Caps (4) - 10699-1
2. Main Column Tops (4) - 10930
3. Post Trims (8) - 10698-1
4. Rafter & Beam Decorative End Caps (20) - 10829
5. Main Support Beams (8) - 10983
6. Beam & Rafter Joiners (10) - 10820
7. Main Column Bottoms (4) - 10933
8. Rafters (12) - 10984
9. One Way 4”x4 “ Internal Wood Post Guides (4) - 10696-1
10. Louver Handle Bar (1) - 10935
11. Pre-assembled Louver Bars (Right) - With Long Louver Bar (3) - 10986
12. Pre-assembled Louver Bars (Left) - With Long Louver Bar (3) - 10985
13. Steel Holder Brackets (36) - 10937
14. Louver Boards (84) - 10987
15. P re-assembled Louver Bars - With Short Louver Bar (3) - 10988
16. P re-assembled Louver Bars - With No Louver Bar (3) - 10989
17. Base Trim Caps (4) - 10916
18. Bolt Down Brackets (4) - 80054
Brandenburg Pergola Materials Breakdown
Not to Scale
* Bolt Down Brackets are used only for installing the pergola on an
existing surface such as concrete or wood deck. The pergola is not to
be installed on concrete pavers, patio stones or interlocking brick.

Pergola Additional Materials List
Hardware (in plastic bag)
All Screws Included with this Kit are Self-Auguring.
A.Tube of Vinyl Weld Glue (2) - 20000
B. 5/8”Self-Auguring StainlessSteelScrews (72) - 20016
(to lock Louver Assembly to Steel Holder Brackets )
C. 1 1/2”Self-Auguring StainlessSteelScrews (40) - 20005
(for Beam and Rafter Joiners )
D. 2 1/2”Self-Auguring Stainless Steel Screws (32) - 20009-1
(to lock the Main Column Bottom and Tops to the Wood Posts )
E. 2 1/2“ Self-Auguring Stainless Steel Screws (2) - 20009-1 (to fasten Turn Bar Holder)
F. 4“ Self-Auguring Stainless Steel Screws (32) - 20006 (to lock Beams to the Posts)
G. 4” Self-Auguring Stainless Steel Screws (40) - 20006 (to lock Rafters to the Beams)
H. 1 1/2“ Self-Auguring Stainless Steel Wood Screws (16) - 20037
(to lock the Wood Posts to the Bolt down brackets) )
I. 9”Stainless SteelBolt Assembly with Nuts and Washers (4) - 20035
(to lock the Column Tops and Beams together)
J. Turn Bar Holder (1) - 10957 * Found in Box 7
Extra Materials You will Need
(Purchase separately from www.newenglandarbors.com or retailer of our products)
If Mounting Pergola on Concrete or Wood Deck
K. 4x4x8 Pressure-Treated Wood Posts (4) (purchase at local building center)
L .4x4 Bolt Down Bracket Kit (Included in this kit)
Refer to bolt down bracket instructions for hardware requirements,
as they pertain to your application:
If mounting pergola onto an existing concrete surface:
•1/2“ x 3 1/2”x 12“ Wood Shims (32)
•1/4”x 2 3/4“ Cement Screws - Countersunk Head (12)
•3/16”Concrete drill bit. Minimum 3“ long (1)
If mounting pergola onto a wooden/composite deck with AN ACCESSIBLE UNDERSIDE:
•1/2“ x 3 1/2”x 12“ Wood Shims (32)
•1/4”x ?“ Bolts and Nuts - Countersunk Head (12) (Length depends on blocking material)
•1/4” Washers (12)
•1/4” Wood drill bit. Minimum 3“ long (1)
If Mounting Pergola in Ground
M. 4x4x12 Pressure-Treated Wood Posts (4) (purchase at local building center)
N. Concrete Ready Mix (4) (purchase at local building center)
Rafter/ Beam Support (Required)
O. 2x6x12 Pressure-Treated Boards for Beams and Rafters (10) (purchase at
local building center)
Tools You Will Need
• Level
• Rubber Mallet / Hammer
• Tape Measure
• String Line
• Wood Stakes (4) (temporary support for string line)
• Step Ladders (2)
Not to Scale
612 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
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CONCRETE - Ready Mix
Purchase Separately
L
OK M
Purchase
Separately
Purchase
Separately
Purchase
Separately
• Cordless Drill
• 1/2” Wood Drill Bit
• Circular Saw with Fine Tooth Blade
• Framing Square
• Wrench / Socket Set
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CD G H
A B F

Wood Post Layout & Installation
forIn-Ground Application
Measure and mark out the location of the pergola posts using
string line and temporary wood stakes. Diagonal distances must
be the same to ensure a square installation. Adjust string lines
accordingly. The inside corner of the string lines will be the post
location.
Please Note:
Should you decide to moderately modifythe dimensions of your
pergola from the standard kit size, a circular saw witha sharp
fine-tooth blade is all that you need to cut, shorten ormodifythe
vinyl components.
1
This pergola can also be installed ona pre-existing wood or
concrete surface using our bolt down bracket system with
a 4x4 wood post (sold separate).See page eight for more details.
Post locationandplacement is the most critical step in the
overall installation process. Please double check for the
possibility of any underground utilities suchas sprinkler, gas
or telephone lines.
STEP ONE
After you have determined where the posts will be located,
excavate 10” diameter x 36” deep post holes.
After holes are dug and cleaned, place the 4x4 wood post into
a hole ensuring it’s level and square to string lines. The final post
height should be 102”out of the ground..
Fill the vacant hole withpre-mixed concrete all the way to
within 3”of the top of the hole.
Once concrete has set, backfill 3” space with soil.
Repeat for all four posts.
Please Note:
Some 4x4 pressure treated posts can be larger than 3 1/2 x3 1/2
square due to twisting orcracking. We have allowed a tolerance
for this inthe internal one way and two way 4x4 wood post guides
(see page 8). However in extreme cases you may need to shave down
the top of the 4x4 wood post slightly to get the vinyl post started
over the wood post. Before installing your wood posts inthe ground,
please check to confirm this and correct at this stage if necessary.
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STEP T WO
Install Wood Supporting Posts Directly into the Ground
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135 1/2 in.
344.2 cm
10”
36”
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3”
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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Overhead View
191 5/8 in (486.7 cm.)
from corner of wood post to corner of wood post.
102“ (Maximum)
Note:
Shown is a 11’-6”length of wood, and since
the 4x4 Pressure Treated wood comes in
12’ lengths, do one of the following:
a. Cut the wood down to 11’-6”
b. Dig 42”deep holes instead of 36”
135 1/2 in.
344.2 cm
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Wood Post Layout & Installation
Using Bolt Down Brackets
for Concrete or Wood Surface
Measure and mark out the location of the bolt down brackets’
bottom of flange using string or chalk line. Diagonal distances must
be the same to ensure a square installation. Adjust string lines
accordingly. The inside cornerof the string lines will be the corner
of the bottom flange.
Mark out the location of bolt down brackets using the base of
the bracket accordingly.
Using a 3/16” masonry drill bit, drill 3“ deep holes
to allow installation of 2 3/4”concrete screws. (Not included)
Proceed to install three 2 3/4” concrete screws into the bottom
base of the bolt down bracket.(Not included)
Please Note:
Concrete patios generally have sloped surface for water run-off.
If this is the case, when you secure the bolt down bracket to the
concrete, the bracket may be at an angle. This can be corrected
for level using galvanized steel washers (not provided), acting
as shims underneaththe base to level - VERY IMPORTANT OR
PERGOLA BEAMS AND RAFTERS WILL NOT BE LEVEL.
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OPTIONAL STEP
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With the four post brackets installed plumb, proceed to set
the 4x4x8’ wood post in place. Secure using the wood screws
included in the kit. Repeat for all 4 posts.
Please Note:
Some 4x4 pressure treated wood posts can be larger than 3 1/2 x
3 1/2 square due to twisting or cracking. We have allowed a
tolerance for this inthe post brackets and the internal one way and
two way 4x4 wood post guides. However in extreme cases, you
may need to shave down the end of your4x4 wood post slightly
to allow access.
In order to create a snug fit between the wood posts and the inner
cavity of the vinyl posts, it will be necesary to “build out” the 4x4
posts near the bottom and the top using 1/2” x 3 1/2” x 12” shims.
Follow instructions as illustrated.
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4
4
Marker
812 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
3“ (Deep)
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6 in
72 in
6
Level
Shims to
“build out”
the 4x4 posts
on all four
sides
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* Orientate brackets
accordingly to reduce
offset motion of posts.
(direction of arrows
denote flange
opening)
**
*
*
134 3/8 in
341.3 cm
134 3/8 in
341.3 cm
190 in (482.7 cm)
From corner of bracket
(Bottom of flange)
to corner of bracket

Vinyl Column Assembly & Installation
Over Wood Posts
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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
1
Using the vinyl weld glue, insert the One Way 4”x4” Internal
Wood Post Guide in the one end of the main column posts.
This step is only applicable if your wood4x4 post are embedded
into the ground. If your pergola is going to be installed on
wood or concrete surface, please dispose of these four pieces.
Using a step ladder, guide the bottom vinyl columns over the
wood 4x4 posts .
Slide the base post trim over the vinyl post followed by
the top vinyl columns over the wood 4x4 posts.
You will need to use a step ladder.
Please Note:
Ensure that predrilled holes at top of column are orientated
correctly for future beamand rafter placement. See diagram
at top of next page.
Connect the bottom and top vinyl column by using vinyl weld
and sliding together. Please Note: Vinyl Weld Glue has about a
sixty secondcure time and about a 20 minute dry time.
Slide the top and bottom post trim into position. Use the bottom
post trim to cover the joint on the column. Slide the top post trim
into approximate position ±3” below the hole inthe top vinyl column
assembly.
If required, adjust post heights accordingly to ensure future
level installation of beams and rafters as necessary. If slope is severe
causing a height difference between the posts, you may need
to trim down the bottom of two or more of your vinyl
columns as necessary.
Secure the vinyl columns to the wood posts using 4 – 2 1/2“
self-auguring stainless steelscrews at 8”up from the base
of the posts, and 4 – 2 1/2”self-auguring stainless steelscrews
just above the trim cap as illustrated. This willprevent possible
uplift during high winds, etc.
Using the predrilled hole as a template, drive a1/2”hole
through the wood post. Make sure to drill straight through
to the hole on the opposite side of the post.
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STEP THREE
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*Ensure that predrilledholes at top of
column are orientated correctly for
future beam and rafter placement.
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*
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8

Main Support BeamAssembly
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STEP FOUR
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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
At this stage, the columns should be properly
installedas per the following illustration,
with the columns 134”in. (340.4 cm) apart.
Also, notice that the holes at the top of each
post should be facing the same direction.
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134in.
340.4 cm.
134 in.
340.4 cm.
Critical Note:
Note the locationof the pre-drilled hole on mainsupport beams
as pictured aside. These holes will align with the hole on the posts.
Bothends of main support beamsectionshould extend approximately
6” over the pressure treated wood.
Insert one 2x6x12’pressure treated wood into a main support beam
section followed by the joiner and another main support beam
section.
Glue and attach the Decorative End Caps onto the ends as shown.

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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Main Support Beam Assembly
Using four 1 1/2”screws provided, fasten the Beam Joiners,
Main Support Beam, and Wood together as shown.
Now that the wood is secured in place, use the predrilled holes
as templates and drill 1/2”holes through the wood as shown.
Make sure to drill straight through to the other side of the main
support beam.
Repeat for all four main support beams.
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5
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Rafter Assembly
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STEP FIVE
To accomodate the notches on the rafters, first the wood inserts
must be notched out as shown below:
Six will be needed.
7 in (min)
3½ in
144 in
3½ in
7 in (min)

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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Rafter Assembly
Insert one of the notched2x6x12 pressure treated wood into a beam
section follow by the joiner and another beamsection. Make sure the
notch is at the bottom as shown.
Glue and attach the Decorative End Caps onto the ends asshown.
Using four 1 1/2” screws provided, fasten the Rafter Joiners,
Rafters, andWood together as shown.
Repeat for all six rafters.
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5
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Note:
Ensure the wood insert is not
protruding into the notched
area of the Rafter.

Main Support Beams & Rafter Placement
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STEP SIX
Using a helper and two ladders proceed to complete the
following steps:
Raise one MainSupport Beam Assembly at a time and insert
the Bolt Assembly into the holes to hold into place as shown.
Some force may be required to get the bolt through.
Do not tighten the nuts until all four beams are inplace,
instead, simply hand-tighten them.
Once all four main suport beams are in position, use two
wrenches to lock the main support beams into place.
Fasten the main support beams onto the Posts using the 4”screws
provided (8 screws per post) through the pre-drilled holes.
Place the rafters onto the main support beams asshown.
Space the middle two rafters 42”apart (Critical for louver placement)
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3
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Main Support Beams & Rafter Placement
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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Fasten the Rafters to the Posts using the 4”screws provided
(4 per post).
Fasten a 4” screw at each intersection where the Beams
and Rafters intersect as shown. 24 screws will be needed.
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5
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5
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*Important: Make sure the distances between rafters are 42”.

Louver Assembly
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12 x12 Brandenburg Pergola
This kit contains four different pre-assembled Louver Bars.
3 x Pre-Assembled Louver Bars (plain)
6 x Pre-Assembled Louver Bars with Long Louver Bar
3 x Pre-Assembled Louver Bars with Short Louver Bar
1
STEP SEVEN
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Each pre-assembled louver bars are labelled with a lettered
sticker “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”.
A
B
A
C
D
When assembling, match louver bar A with B, and C with D.
There will be 3 A’s, 3 B’s, 3 C’s, and 3 D’s as shown below:
A
C
B
D
ABCD
CD
AB

Louver Assembly
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12 x12 Brandenburg Pergola
layout the twelve louver bars assemblies as shown below:
STEP SEVEN
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Note:
The short louver bar assembly will be
packaged as such. You will need to
remove these two nuts and re-
position the short louver bar.
Note:
Reposition the short louver bar as shown but
do not bolt to the adjacent louver assembly at this point.
Important ! : the holes on the louver bars are offset. ensure
the holes are at the bottom as shown.
Note the distance to the first bolt;
the larger gap would go at the outside whereas
the smallergap would go towards the middle bar assembly.
Ensure all brackets are facing
the same direction.
Do not re-attach nuts

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STEP EIGHT
12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Insert the Louver Boards one by one. Make sure each board is
inserted completely into the brackets.
Attach the matching Pre-assembled Louver Bar. Pressure fit
the boards one by one.
Repeat for all six sub-sections. At this point, you should have
three full sections of Louvers as shown below:
Louver Assembly
33
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4
The ends of the louver bars with large
space should be at the same end.
5
Do not attach with nuts at this point
Ensure that the holes in the louver
holder brackets are all on top of the
louver bars assembly

Louver Assembly
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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Place twelve Steel Holder Brackets as shown below and care-
fully lower the Louver assembly onto the steel brackets.
Do not screw the Steel Holder Bracketsinplace at this point.
Fasten the Short Louver Bar using two nutsasshown.
Do not over tighten.
You willneed to raise the middle section momentarily
to dothis step.
6
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Steel Holder Brackets
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7
Note: check that the holes are closer to
the bottom as shown.
Install in order (one row at a time)

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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Slide the Steel Holder Brackets to a spot which will not
interfere with the operations of the louvers.‘Open’ and
‘Close’ the louvers to test and make sure the steel
brackets are not constraining the operation.
From the top, fasten the steel brackets in place using
5/8”screws. A total of 12 screws will be needed.
Repeat for the underside of the steelbrackets.
Another 12,5/8”screws will be needed.
Louver Assembly
8
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Bottom View
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Louver Assembly
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12 x 12 Brandenburg Pergola
Repeat for other two rows.
Place the Post Caps onto the posts.
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