Pergola kits USA VINYL CLASSIC FREESTANDING PERGOLA User manual

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VINYL CLASSIC FREESTANDING PERGOLA
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Shown: 8' x 12' Vinyl Classic Pergola with 12" Top and Main Runner Spacing
The design of this pergola is based on all posts being installed plumb and all beams and rafters
level. Patios are usually built with a slope to allow rainwater run-off. This factor must be taken
into account before beginning assembly of the kit, so that the tops of the posts, and therefore the
beams and runners are all level.
Some posts may need to be cut. You can also shim posts to attain the proper heights of the posts.
The vinyl sleeves and the wood inserts are the same size, so both will need to be cut. Cutting vinyl
should be done with a fine tooth circular saw blade, or hand saw so it does not chip. Cut through
both at the same time. If attaching to footers or a wooden deck, this must also be
checked for level. If there are questions – call before permanently mounting the posts.

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Setting up the template:
1. Your pergola kit includes a wooden template that is
used to mark your post locations. Notice that two of the
2x4 boards have a marking near the ends. Build a box
that will reveal the outside corners of the posts when
properly placed.
2. Arrange the template pieces so that they are
positioned in the exact location of where the pergola
will be placed. The boards with the marking on the end
will be across from each other. The marks will show
where the other boards will be attached to create this
box.
3. Connect the corners of the template pieces by
driving two 2 ½" screws through the side of the
template boards.
4. When the template is in position, square the
template. Do this by measuring diagonally from one
corner to its opposite corner, then measure diagonally
between the other two corners. These two dimensions
MUST be the same. Adjust the template until the
diagonal measurements are identical.
5. Once the template is “square,” mark the post
locations using the INSIDE corners of the framed
box on a concrete slab with a pencil. After all the post
locations are marked on the concrete slab, remove and
set the wooden template aside.
SECTION One – Posts

NOTE: When installing posts, notice that they have notches on top. This is to sit the beams on.
When installing – be sure that the notches run the correct way, normally along the long side. Also
– it is best to set the posts and attach just one or two screws and check to make sure it is
level. If not level, unscrew the post(s) and make level by cutting or shimming as needed. If you
have cut the posts at the bottom for leveling, notice that there is a hole drilled in the bottom of the
post. This is for the bolt in the bracket which may need to be re-drilled or the hole made deeper in
the bottom of the post so that the post, sits on the plate of the bracket.
7. Slide the wooden posts into the bracket.
To the right is shown two different
posts. On the left is the 36" post base
trim, and on right, with no 36" post
base trim (standard). For the 36" post
base trim see the additional notes at the
end of this section.
8. Once the posts are the correct height,
attach with twelve 2 ½" stainless steel
screws. (Three per prong). Repeat for
each post.
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9. The vinyl sleeves will slide over the top of the posts. Be sure that the openings cut into the
sleeves are positioned for the notches in the posts. NOTE: The top of the vinyl sleeve has a
composite vinyl cap. Do not drop the sleeve over the posts since this could break the cap.
To cut the posts down to level, cut the vinyl sleeves and make sure that the top cap sits on
top of the wood posts. Cut the sleeve so that it is 1" or less from the bottom of the post,
which will be covered by trim. With the 36" base trim, there is no need to cut the sleeves
since they are already short enough.
6. Set the Brackets: The brackets are stainless steel. Next, drill a hole into your
concrete footer or slab. Using a ½" masonry bit, drill a 4" hole through the center
of the large hole in the middle of the post base. Make sure all of the concrete dust
is cleared from the hole. Use a vacuum if needed. Add the washer and put the nut
on the bolt so the threads are just above the nut. Do not set the bolt too deep in the
hole, as this will also protect the threads should it need to be tapped with a hammer.
Tighten the bolt, and the base of the bolt will expand. If installing the pergola on
concrete, use the supplied wedge bolt. If attaching the pergola to a wood deck, use a
4" lag bolt (not included) instead of a wedge bolt.

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10. Attach the sleeve to the post with one 2 ½"
white headed screw (as shown to right.) Do
this for all posts.
ADDITIONAL STEPS for 36" Post Trim - If the 36" bottom post trim sections have not been
purchased skip to the next section.
1. With each post secured, slide the bottom
post trim sleeve and bottom trim ring over
the post. Do not secure them at this time.
2. Slide the post sleeve over the wooden post.
Be sure that the notches and the cutouts
on the sleeve align. NOTE: The top of the
vinyl sleeve has a composite vinyl cap. This
insures that the post sleeve is at the proper
height.
3. After the post vinyl sleeve is in place, slide
the top trim over the sleeve and down to
the top of the base trim. This is a tight fit
to prevent leaking. The cap will snap into
place.

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1. Attaching beams to post. Notice the marks
on inside of beams. Turn that in. Put it at the
outside of post. The outside beam attach it with
2 4" white head screws. Inside beam attach it
with 3 3½" screws put it in center of post so
your return beam will cover it.
SECTION 2 – Beams
NOTE: Additional help is needed when setting the beams. They are not heavy, but need to be
moved before attaching. A helper will keep them from being dropped.
NOTE: If the Pergola is over 16' and there is a middle post, both beams will need to be attached
to the middle posts. Not Shown. The splice where they come together must meet on the notch of
the posts. Trim is sent to cover the seam. Any questions, please call 1-888-2932339.
2. After the posts are plumb and the beams are
correctly positioned, go back and add an
additional 4" screw to each of the beams (2
screws per connection).
Image at right shown 36" base trim
3. After you have your beams up, put your return
beams in. Fasten to header with four 4" white
head screws.
4. After the return beams are in, fasten your
braces to post and return beam. You will have
2 different sizes of braces. You will want the
smaller ones. Turn your screws in your brace
to the inside of pergola. Fasten with 4 6"
timberlock screws.

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SECTION 3 - RUNNERS
1. Set all the runners on top of the beams
and into the vinyl brackets.
2. Position each runner with an equal
overhang as done with the beams.
Measure the overhang from the outside
edge of the beam to the decorative end
cap. Make sure that this dimension is
the same for all runners and on both
ends. (Note: the distance shown at the
right may not be the same as yours).
3. On one side of the pergola, secure
the runners using 1 ½" white headed
screws through each side of the runner
brackets. Do this along one beam. (one
side of each runner) Before attaching
the other side, make sure the posts are
plumb and the overhangs are equal
to the other side. Fasten with 1 ½"
screws. Do this for each of the runners.
4. The tops of the main runners are
marked for the location of the top
runners. Set the top runners on top,
and before attaching, make sure that
the overhangs are the same on both
ends. Start at one end making sure
that the top runners remain straight.
They are more flexible than the other
components. Use the markings, or
a straight edge to keep straight and
fasten with 2 ½" white headed screws.

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1. Slide the brace between the beams as
shown. Slide up on the post until the
marking on the inside of the braces
aligns with the bottom of the beam.
NOTE: The inside of the brace has the
screw and or pencil marking.
SECTION 4 – BRACES
2. Attach the brace to the posts with 2
black 6" screws. The screws will be
countersunk. Put caps into cover
holes.
3. On the inside of the beams, attach the top
of the braces with two 4" white headed
screws. Do this on all the posts. NOTE:
If there is a middle post, a corner brace is
generally installed on both sides.
The Pergola is now complete.
Any other options selected will have their own instruction added to this booklet.