Peaceful Patios PERGOLA User manual

PERGOLA
INSTALLATION
GUIDE

3
TOOLS NEEDED
INSTALLATION
TOOLS FOR
ASSEMBLY
• Drill(s)
• Miter or Circular Saw with
carbide blade (cut slowly)
• 5/8" Drill Bit
• 5/16" Magnetic Driver(s)
• 3/8" Magnetic Driver(s)
• 6" Drill Extension(s)
• 12" Drill Extension
(2x8 option only)
• Phillips bit for Drill
• Level
• Hammer
• Tape Measure
• String Line
• Hammer Drill if necessary for
concrete or footing mounts
• Wrench for Anchors on post
• Composite shims
• Sawhorses
• Quick Clamp(s)
• Step Drill Bit (Vari –Bit®) – For
reaming holes in aluminum
• PVC Pipe de-burring
tool (optional)
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
COMPONENTS
Post/Column
Beam
Rafter
Purlin Holder NOTE:
All fasteners for beams,
rafters, purlin holders and
purlins are included in kit.
Fasteners NOT provided in
kit: post mount attachment
to surface, ledger plate
attachment to structure,
vinyl column base to
surface fasteners.
Purlin

4
STEP 1
LAYOUT
A NOTE ON
PERGOLA SIZES
Sizes are dened by the total
width and depth of the roof. For
example, a 12' x 16' pergola will
have a roof area of 12' x 16' and
a post spacing of 10' x 14'.
ALL PERGOLA
KITS CAN BE
CUT TO SIZE.
The beams and rafters supplied
in the kit are NOT pre-drilled. This
is to allow the width and depth to
be customizable for each kit. Our
standard sizes are designed around
a 1' overhang on each end. This is
merely a rule of thumb and can
be adjusted during installation.
View CAD drawings and
photos of installed pergolas at
peacefulpatiopergolas.com
MEASURE
a. Determine necessary height,
post locations and overhangs
based upon site – Make note of
the following measurements
as you will want these later:
1. Desired outside to outside
dimensions of your posts
2. Desired height to the top of
your beam (same as height
to bottom of your rafter)
b. Ensure posts are square
with each other and/or
any adjoining structure
1. Post and beam spacing is
adjustable to t installation
site and any obstructions.
Beam and rafter overhangs
should not exceed 36", purlins
should not exceed 24".
2. NOTE: If adding to existing
slab or patio do not assume
that they are built square!
c. It is common that existing
concrete and paver patios are
installed with a certain degree of
slope. If slope is minimal (less than
1" in 10') you can simply disregard
it. If slope is more pronounced,
consider that your posts may be
diering lengths to allow pergola
roof to be level to horizon.
d. Maximum span of 2x6 beams
and rafters is 16'. 2x8 beams
and rafters can span 22'
e. Note that purlin holders do
not have to run under any
roof overhangs on your site.
This allows maximum head
clearance for your rafters.
f. For challenging sites, custom
fabrication of pergolas to
your unique site is available,
please contact [us].
EXAMPLE:
If you have a patio that is
10'-6" deep x 13' wide you
would want a roof that was
at least 12'-6" deep x 15' wide.
You would order the next size
up, a 14' deep x 16' wide and
trim the beams and rafters
to your desired overhang.

5
STEP 2
INSTALL POST MOUNTS
2A MOUNT TO DECK
a. Add blocking below deck
ooring under each post mount.
Minimum blocking thickness
of 3" (this is two 2x10's thick)
b. Inset mount as necessary to
ensure post skirt does not
overhang edge of decking
1. Minimum 6.25" inset from
edge to center of mount
for a 10" round column
2. Minimum 5.25" inset from
edge to center of mount for a
7" square or 7" round column
3. Minimum 3.25" inset
from edge to center of
mount for 5x5 post
c. Detail on nailing blocking
– Minimum 4 nails on
each side of 2by block
d. Mount Fasteners – Carriage
Bolts or ledger attachment
screw (5" Recommended)
e. Use composite shims as
necessary to plumb mount.
Tighten fasteners.
Minimum
4 Nails
per Joist 2"x10" (T YP)
BLOCKING
JOIST JOIST
5x5 Post or Column Sleeve
Aluminum Post Mount
Aluminum Mounting Plate
Carriage Bolt or Ledger Screw (4)
(not included)
5x5 Post Sleeve or
Column Base
BLOCKING
FLOORING

6
2B
MOUNT TO SLAB OR LANDSCAPE
COLUMN TOP
a. Inset mount as necessary to ensure post skirt does
not overhang edge of slab or column top
1. Minimum 6.25" inset from edge to center of
mount for a 10" round column
2. Minimum 5.25" inset from edge to center of mount
for a 7" square or 7" round column
3. Minimum 3.25" inset from edge to center of mount for 5x5 post
b. Mount Fasteners - 3/8" hot dipped galvanized wedge or
screw type anchors, minimum 2 1/2" embedment.
c. Use composite shims as necessary to plumb mount. Tighten anchors.
5x5 Post or Column Sleeve
Aluminum Post Mount
Aluminum Mounting Plate
Concrete Anchor (4)
(not included)
5x5 Post Skirt or
Column Base
CONCRETE SLAB OR
LANDSCAPE COLUMN TOP
NOTE:
FOR A POURED SLAB,
concrete must be a
minimum 4" thick.
FOR A LANDSCAPE
COLUMN we recommend
a one-piece cap of
concrete or natural stone
(4000 psi or greater).
It is important that the
column is constructed on
a sound foundation. For
a compacted gravel base,
this means minimum
two courses below grade,
for a concrete base, be
sure to attach footing to
base course with plenty
of landscape adhesive.
For construction of
column we recommend
either masonry or a high
quality concrete product
installed with plenty of
landscape adhesive. In
the case of adhesive,
more is usually better. In
windy areas we have even
had customers ll the
pillar(s) with concrete to
add weight and rigidity.

7
2C
MOUNT TO FOOTING
10" ROUND, 7"
ROUND, OR 7"
SQUARE COLUMN
a. The main goal in this method is to
isolate the pergola posts from the
patio area without looking like
it. This allows the patio to move
up and down over the seasons
while the pergola posts stay rock
solid. To do this properly you
need to make sure you know
the nished grade of the patio.
1. If there is an existing patio, you
can simply remove blocks as
necessary to form and pour
footings to the height of the
existing patio surface. Use a
concrete saw to cut the paver
blocks to t around the column
once the forms are removed.
2. If the patio is not yet installed,
you MUST establish the
desired patio surface height
prior to forming and pouring
your footings. The end goal
is that the patio block will t
neatly around the column
base without tting under it.
This allows the patio to freely
move up and down without
squeezing or crushing parts of
the pergola column.
NOTE: It is common that
the patio will have some
slope. This is no problem.
Simply set the top of your
forms to follow the desired
slope. The roof of the pergola
can still be installed level.
b. Determine post locations
and layout with strings
and tape measures.
c. Minimum footing size = 12" round
- with top 4" of footing formed
to match the size of column
base (see sizes above). Note:
Column bases are xed and do
not slide up and down the post.
d. Dig footings to frost line, making
sure to remove excess loose dirt
from the bottom of the hole.
e. Build, steak and level forms over
your holes. Ensure your forms
are installed square to patio
or structure. It is often helpful
to set string lines to double
check the locations as well as
desired height of the footings.
f. Fill holes with concrete to top
of forms and trowel smooth
g. Once cured, attach post mounts
to footings using 3/8" dia. hot
dipped galvanized wedge or
screw type anchors, minimum 2
1/2" embedment. Use composite
shims as necessary to plumb
mount. Tighten anchors.
Column Sleeve
Aluminum Post Mount
Column Base
10½" sq. - 7" Column
12½" sq. - 10" Column
PAVER
DIRT
FOOTING
GR AVEL
Top of Footing
at Patio Height
Footing to Frost Line
or 36" Minimum Depth
Concrete
Anchor (4)
(not included)

8
5x5 Post Sleeve
Aluminum Post Mount
6½"sq. Post Skirt
slides up and down
Top of Footing below
grade or patio height
PATIO
DIRT
GR AVEL
Footing to Frost Line
or 36" Minimum Depth
2D
MOUNT TO FOOTING
(5X5 POST)
a. The 5x5 post comes with a movable post skirt and
(optional) trim ring. These can slide up or down the
post and allow you to nish your patio height at
any level and simply slide the skirt down to meet
the nished surface. Because the trim will move
up and own with ease, you can set your posts and
build your patio around them. Make sure to leave
the top of your footings low enough that they do not
interfere with the patio being installed around them.
b. Dig a 12" round footing to frost depth making sure to
clean any loose dirt from the bottom of your hole.
c. Fill holes with concrete to top of
forms and trowel smooth
d. Once cured, attach post mounts to footings
using 3/8" dia. hot dipped galvanized wedge
or screw type anchors, minimum 2 1/2"
embedment. Use composite shims as necessary
to plumb mount. Tighten anchors.
NOTE:
This type of footing is best when building
pergola in conjunction with a paver patio
or a concrete patio that is less than 4" thick.
This is also the best application if you have
any concerns of frost heaving the patio.

9
STEP 3
INSTALL COLUMNS OVER POST MOUNT
3A INSTALL COLUMNS OVER
POST MOUNT – 5X5 POST
a. Double check desired height of pergola roof and
mark each aluminum post mount at top of beam
– simplest way (short of using a laser level) is to
quick clamp your beams to your post mounts
and mark the mount at the desired height.
b. Cut aluminum post mount 1" below the desired
top of beam – This will leave room to install a
cap on the vinyl post when you are nished.
c. Drop wood post plug into top of post. This helps
provide a more solid beam to post connection.
d. Cut 5x5 vinyl post to proper height -
This is the height from the top of the post
mount base plate to the desired top of your
beam. Remember, your vinyl post should
stick up 1" taller than your aluminum mount
to allow room to t in your post cap.
e. Install skirts and optional trim rings onto
your vinyl post sleeve. (These t tight)
f. Slide post over the top of the mount.
3B INSTALL COLUMNS
OVER POST MOUNT –
7" SQUARE AND 7" & 10"
ROUND COLUMNS
g. Double check desired height of pergola roof
and mark each aluminum post mount at top of
beam – simplest way (short of using a laser level) is
to quick clamp your beams to your post mounts
and mark the mount at the desired height.
h. Cut aluminum post mount 1" below the desired
top of beam – This will leave room to install
the vinyl sleeve cap when you are nished.
i. Drop wood post plug into top of post. This helps
provide a more solid beam to post connection.
j. STANDARD POST MOUNT - Cut vinyl column sleeve
2" shorter than oor to BOTTOM of beam height.
MONSTER POST MOUNT - Cut vinyl column sleeve
1 ½" shorter than oor to BOTTOM of beam height.
k. Slide column base, sleeve and top over mount (in
that order) These should t together relatively snug.
l. Slide vinyl top cover & cap over the aluminum
that sticks out of the top of the column.
m. Secure column base to deck with wood
deck screws; to footing or slab with small
concrete screws (Tapcons®or similar).

10
STEP 4
ATTACH LEDGER TO
STRUCTURE
[ATTACHED PERGOLAS ONLY]
a. Secure ledger to structure ensuring it is centered on
pergola –
Note: layout and mark rafter hanger locations
prior to installation of ledger plate.
b. Fasteners – Necessary fasteners for Ledger
are NOT provided in kit. Requirements
determined by structure.
c. Minimum height for rafter attachment
without modication:
1. 2x6 Rafter - skirt is 7 ½", Azek Trim
Ledger Plate ¾" thick x 9 ¼" tall
2. 2x8 Rafter – skirt is 9 ½", Azek Trim
Ledger Plate ¾" thick x 11 ¼" tall
3. NOTE: for a tight spot you can trim rafter skirt
carefully with a utility knife to shave another ½"
o the overall height of rafter attachment.
d. Attach rafter hangers based on
your layout measurements.
Rafter and
Aluminum Insert
Heavy Bead
Silicone Caulk
Attach Rafter to hanger with
(4) 5⁄16"Drive Hex Screws
3⁄8
" Drive x 1"
Hex Screw
Skirt with Locking Tabs
Rafter Hanger with
(6) 3½" Heavy Shank Screws
(Screws Not Provided)
House Rim
Siding
Sheathing
PVC Ledger Plate
1"x10"
Recomended:
½" LedgerLOK®
or Equivalent 16" OC
(Not Provided)
NOTE:
If removing siding, ensure that ledger
plate is properly ashed and sealed.
If ledger is installed over top of siding, ensure
that top and sides are caulked adequately.

11
STEP 5
INSTALL BEAMS
BEAM
ATTACHMENT
TO POST
There are two methods of
attaching a beam to the post:
a. TRADITIONAL METHOD - use
the template provided with each
kit to mark and drill a 4-hole
pattern for each beam to post
attachment location and screw
beam to post with fasteners
provided. Holes in beam are
then covered with plugs.
b. BEAM ATTACHMENT BRACKETS
-These brackets are powder
coated stainless steel and are
installed with matching self-
drilling screws. They are an
additional option on each kit
add slightly to the cost. The
benet is that these brackets
eliminate the need to pre-drill
the 4-hole pattern for each
beam to post attachment.
This saves installation time
and makes for a slightly more
DIY friendly installation.
TRADITIONAL
METHOD
a. Determine desired beam
length and overhangs. Trim
beams if necessary.
b. Mark and drill OUTSIDE FACE
ONLY of beam and aluminum
insert with 5/8" diameter bit.
Four holes per beam connection.
c. Attach beam to post with
provided heavy 3/8" x 2" hex
screws and cover with 5/8" plugs.
BEAM ATTACHMENT
BRACKETS
a. Determine desired beam
length and overhangs. Trim
beams if necessary.
b. Secure rst beam to top of
post with a clamp. Fasten beam
attachment brackets with
provided fasteners.
IMPORTANT: The shorter
fasteners go into the beam; the
longer fasteners go into the post.
c. On second beam, measure
and mark location of beam
attachment bracket.
d. Install beam attachment
bracket to beam.
e. Raise beam into place and attach
beam attachment bracket to post.
NOTE:
If at caps are desired
on ends of a beam, cut
aluminum insert short
by ½" per end to allow
for insert of cap.
Ream holes larger in
ALUMINUM ONLY for
easier plug installation.
Aluminum
Post Mount
Brackets attach to beam first,
then into aluminum post mount
BEAM ATTACHMENT BRACKETS:
No pre-drilling through Face of Beam
2x6 Beam
2x6 Beam
Brackets hide
between beams
Aluminum
Post Mount
TRADITIONAL METHOD:
Drill and Screw through face of beam
2x6 Beam
2x6 Beam
5⁄8" Plugs

12
STEP 6
RAFTER ATTACHMENT
6A ATTACH RAFTERS TO BEAM
a. Set rafter on top of beam with desired
overhang. Trim rafters if necessary. Mark
hole locations directly above each beam.
b. Drill through TOP ONLY of rafter with step bit,
directly over center of both beams – This is
safest to do on sawhorses at ground level.
Attach rafter to each beam with 3/8" x 1" hex screws.
6B ATTACH RAFTERS
TO LEDGER
[ATTACHED PERGOLAS ONLY]
a. Install rafter hangers to ledger
plate per desired layout.
b. Slide rafter hanger skirt over rafter. Note: Skirts
are directional and need to be slid on with the
four locking tabs in the downward direction.
c. Attach rafter to hanger with
5/16" x 1" hex screws ensuring that
screws penetrate aluminum insert.
d. Slide skirt to cover hanger bracket.
e. Note: If structural wall is bowed, adjust rafter length
as necessary to ensure uniform overhang of beam.
NOTE
If pergola is attached to a structure
always attach rafters to ledger before
securing them to the beam.
If at caps are desired on ends of a rafter
cut aluminum insert short by ½" per
end to allow for insert of at cap.

13
STEP 7
ATTACH
PURLIN
HOLDERS
a. For maximum shade, determine
primary direction of sun
and install purlin holders to
angle purlins accordingly.
b. Determine desired length
of purlin holders. Note:
holders must be held back a
minimum of 1 ½" from end
of rafter to allow installation
of curved rafter end cap.
c. If necessary, cut purlin holders
to desired length, ensuring
that you cut between holes.
d. Note: For easiest purlin
installation make sure that holes
in purlin holders line up. This
is what the string line in the
tool list is for. Install the two
outside purlin holders and run
a tight string between them.
Place all other purlin holders
almost touching string. DO NOT
depend on rafters or face of your
structure to be perfectly in line.
e. Using provided 5/8" holes screw
holders to rafter with 3/8" x 1"
hex screws. If purlin holder was
cut down it may be necessary to
drill a new 5/8" mounting hole.
f. Plug holes with 5/8" plugs.
STEP 8
INSTALL
PURLINS
g. Measure and cut purlins
to desired length.
h. Note: Purlin overhang from
holder should not exceed 24".
i. Install cap on both ends of
purlins. These caps help
guide purlins through the
holes and make purlin
installation MUCH simpler.
j. Slide purlins into secured
holders ensuring that the ends
have a uniform overhang.
k. Fasten purlins through top of
purlin holder with tan or white
1 ½" phillips pan head screws.
l. Note: It is only necessary to
screw purlins through one
holder as long as purlins have
not been cut or spliced.
Note: If is it necessary to splice
a purlin, measure and cut to
allow for the splice in the center
of the purlin holder; this is the
best area to screw the purlins, as
any extreme cold temperatures
will not pull the splice apart.
STEP 9
CAPS AND
FINISHING
m. Glue on beam and
rafter end caps.
n. Glue in plugs for column
cap and bases.
o. Wipe o any construction marks.
• Note:Window cleaner and
Mr. Clean Magic Erasers®
work excellent on any
hard to remove marks.

14
FAN MOUNT
OPTIONAL
a. Use a qualied electrician for rough in during
pergola construction. You will need a loop of
electrical wire pulled into one of the rafters
that the fan mount will be attached to.
b. NOTE: The mount can be installed anywhere from
the top to the bottom of the rafter. For more head
clearance with the fan, install hangers towards the
top of the rafter. Ensure that you leave enough
room for the skirt to slide over the rafter hanger.
c. Once height is determined, attach rafter hangers
horizontally with (4) 5/16" x 1" hex screws (silver).
d. Carefully drill through the center hole
in the rafter hanger into the rafter to
access the loop of wire for the fan.
e. Pull wire through the hole in the rafter hanger.
f. Measure the clearance between the rafter hangers.
g. Cut aluminum and vinyl 2x6 piece 1/8" shorter than
the distance between hanger plates, to ensure
enough room to t the 2x6 into place. Test t the
2x6 between the hangers, trim if necessary.
h. Once 2x6 is the proper length, mark and drill a
hole for the wire to come through the 2x6.
i. Slide skirts over each end of the 2x6
and test t the mount in place.
j. NOTE: The skirts must be turned the correct
way to t properly into the rafter hangers. If they
do not lock into place, covering the hanger, try
removing them and ipping them 180 degrees.
k. Fish wire through and out of the 2x6
carefully to avoid damaging the sheath.
l. Fasten each end of the 2x6 with (2)
5/16" x 1" hex screws (silver)
m. Slide the skirts into place.
n. The mount is now ready for your fan.
Rafter Hanger
Attached w/ (4) 5⁄16"x1"
Hex Screws
Wires for Power
Attach fan mounting bracket directly to 2x6 rafter
Skirts Slide
over Hanger
2x6 Rafter
with Aluminum
Purlin
Holder
Shade
Purlin

15
HURRICANE CLIPS
OPTIONAL
These clips, when installed properly, dramatically
increase your pergola’s uplift resistance under extreme
wind loads. Refer to your warranty for more information
regarding our residential lifetime wind warranty.
Clips are designed to be installed at each rafter
to beam intersection in one of three ways:
1. On the inside of the double beam
(as shown in diagram, least visible)
2. On top of the beam (works well when
a post or column is in the way)
3. On the outside of the beam (most
visible, not recommended)
The screws provided are self-drilling. Along
with the right angle drill attachment (provided
with hurricane clip kit), this makes installation
on the inside of the beams easy.
a. Hold the clip in the desired place, in between
the beams and under the rafter.
b. Install two screws into the underside of the rafter.
c. Attach the right angle drill adaptor.
d. Install one screw though the clip into the beam.
e. Repeat at each rafter and beam intersection.
f. Where a post or other obstruction prevents
attachment in between the beams, mount the clip
on top of the beam and into the side of the rafter.