RioOutdoors 4P-WDC User manual

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Installation Instructions
4P-WDC
4x4 Post-in-Ground Wall Mount Double Cubic Pergola Kit
Pergola Kits
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly, weakening or failure of the erected
structure may result causing property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
All brackets designed and sold by RioOutdoors.com are to be used for building pergolas only and are not to be used for
other structure construction purposes.
•
Thoughtfully engineered
Brackets eliminate all wood
-
joinery skills requirements.
•Skills required: footing
& post install, drilling
pilot holes and driving
lag screws into lumber.
•Easy lift and place U-
channels eliminate
need for lifting
equipment. Super-easy
assembly work.
•Self-aligning design
squares up structure
automatically.
•Estimated Assembly
Time is less than 1 hour
(after posts are
installed).
Figure 1: Items included in the kit, (

 ).
Items not included in this kit: wood, tools, some hardware.

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Table of Contents
1.1 SAFETY AND WARNING INFORMATION........................3
1.2 TOOLS REQUIRED...................................................4
1.3 CONTENTS OF KIT #4P-WDC....................................5
1.4 LIST OF MATERIALS THAT YOU WILL SUPPLY ..................5
1.5 POST-IN-GROUND SYSTEM .......................................6
1.6 SIDE ELEVATION DIAGRAM....................................... 9
1.7 POST-TOP ELBOW BRACKETS INSTALLATION .............. 10
1.8 POST TOP 2-WAY EXTENSION BRACKET INSTALLATION 13
1.9 4X4HEADERS INSTALLATION ................................. 15
1.10 WALL MOUNT BRACKET AND HEADERS INSTALLATION .. 17
2.1 CONDITIONS ...................................................... 21
2.2 EXCLUSIONS....................................................... 21
2.3 LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY ..................................... 22
2.4 HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE ..................... 22
Proper pilot hole diameter and hole depth for various lag screws and wood types
Lag Screw Type
Wood Type
Pilot hole drill diameter and hole depth
¼” X 1-1/4” Lag Screw
McMasterCarr.com SKU 92351A546
Soft Wood 3/32” drill bit diam., 1-1/4” depth
Hard Wood 3/16” drill bit diam., 1-1/4” depth
3/8” X 3” Lag Screw
McMasterCarr.com SKU 92351A636
Soft Wood 11/64” drill bit diam., 3” depth
Hard Wood ¼” drill bit diam., 3” depth
A properly sized pilot hole must be drilled before you attempt to drive lag screws into any pergola lumber member.
See Table, below. Driving lag screws into lumber, without first drilling a pilot hole, can prevent the lag screw from
driving fully into the wood or can lead to crack formation while driving the lag screw in, or later, as the wood dries
naturally. This can result in a weakened pergola structure.

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GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 SAFETY AND WARNING INFORMATION
1.1.1 Building Permit & Inspection Requirements
We recommend that you consult with your local building permit office and obtain advice and any required building permits and
inspection approvals from the local building inspection department or the local jurisdiction having authority over building codes.
1.1.2 Other Cautions
CAUTION: Adhere to all safety requirements. Wear safety glasses/goggles when working. Wear safety gloves
when handling brackets, hardware, and lumber. Wear hearing protection when using a circular saw, miter
saw, table saw, or hammer drill.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the consumer. CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.

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1.2 TOOLS REQUIRED
Listed below, are common tools required for pergola projects. These tools are not included in this kit. Your pergola project may
not require all tools. Select and acquire the tools for your project from the “Required for” column in this table.
Description
Tool Purpose
Required for
Reference Image
Tape
Measure
Measure and verify
lengths. All pergola types
Framing
Level Verify Level/Plumb All pergola types
Hammer
Drill
Drill holes in concrete
pads or concrete footing
for securing floor anchor
brackets. Drill pilot holes
for lag screws.
All pergola types
Ratchet
Socket
Driver
Drive lag screws into
Pergola lumber members. All pergola types
7/16” Hex
Socket
Drive ¼” X 1-1/4” Hex Hd.
lag screws. All pergola types
9/16” Hex
Socket
Drive 3/8” X 3” Hex Hd.
lag screws.
Raftered pergola
(single, dual, quad
headers)
3/32” Drill
Bit
Drill pilot holes for ¼” lag
screws in soft wood. All pergola types
11/64” Drill
Bit
Drill pilot holes for 3/8”
lag screws in soft wood.
Raftered pergola
(single, dual, quad
headers)
½” X 4”
Masonry
Drill Bit
Drill ½” X 2” deep holes in
concrete pads or
concrete footings.
Surface Mount styled
pergola
#2 Phillips
Screwdriver
Bit
Attaching pergola rafter
ties to rafters and
headers.
Raftered pergola
(single, dual, quad
headers)
Circular
Saw/Miter
Saw
Cut headers to length; cut
rafters to length. All pergola types
Jig Saw
Optional. Cut rafter tail
designs. Raftered pergolas Image not available.

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1.3 CONTENTS OF KIT # 4P-WDC
The contents of this kit are shown in the table, below. Before you begin your project, take an inventory of all items that you
received from us. If any items are missing, contact us directly via email at [e-mail]. Include your name and
shipping address and your order number, if available. We will respond within 24 hours with a resolution to your problem.
Item SKU #, Description
Item Qty
Item Image
4x4 Post-Top/Floor 2-way Elbow Bracket
SKU# 4C2L 2
4x4 Post-Top/Floor 2-Way Straight Extension
SKU #4SE 1
4x4 Wall Mount Bracket
SKU# 4WM 2
¼ x 1-1/4” Lag Screw
48
1.4 LIST OF MATERIALS THAT YOU WILL SUPPLY
This is the list of required materials which are not included in this kit. You will acquire these items locally for your project. Use
this table to help you calculate your total project budget.
Item Description Item Qty Item Cost ($)
Total Item
Cost ($)
4x4 Post Lumber (You determine length) 3
4x4 Header Lumber (You determine length)
4
Tape, for marking drill bit depth
2”
Grand Total Cost ($)

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1.5 POST-IN-GROUND SYSTEM
1.5.1 What is a Post-in-Ground anchoring system?
As the term indicates, Post-in Ground, means that the vertical posts for a pergola are inserted deep into concrete footings and
anchored in that way. The depth of the footing and the length of the post required to be embedded into the footing is
determined by the maximum depth of the frost line for a particular area. The diameter of the footing is determined by the
weight each post applies to the footing. If you add a swing or hammock, you must consider the additional weight. Consult your
local building codes to determine the required footing depth and diameter. If you fail to follow local guidelines and create a
footing that is too shallow, it can lead to the post and footing heaving upward when the ground freezes during the winter. This
can permanently damage the Pergola and render it unsafe for use.

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1.5.2 Study the posts layout requirements.
First, study the posts layout requirements. Spend some time planning, yourself, so you are fully familiar with the final size you
desire for your pergola.Determine the exact location for each pergola post based on your pergola size. We have designed our
pergola systems to eliminate the need to cut any 4x4 post or header members. Plan accordingly to minimize your work
requirements. The length of the headers you select will determine the final overall size and the location of the post centers.
Mark each post location using wood stakes or bright colored spray paint. Remeasure and verify the proper location for each post.
Header #1 Length (in.)
Dim A (in.)
96
98
108
110
120
122
132
134
144
146
Header #2 Length (in.)
Dim B (in.)
96
99 7/8
108
111 7/8
120
123 7/8
132
135 7/8
144
147 7/8
Header #3 Length (in.)
Dim C (in.)
96
99 7/8
108
111 7/8
120
123 7/8
132
135 7/8
144
147 7/8

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1.5.3 Call 811.
811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone
who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811
center's website before digging to request that the
approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint
or flags so that you don't unintentionally dig into an
underground utility line.
Consult with your local building permit office and obtain any
required building permits and formal information related to
required footing depth and diameter for your locality.
1.5.4 Install the Post-in-Ground footing
system.
1. Excavate the required hole diameter and depth. Dig
down an additional 6” in depth.
2. Fill the bottom 6” with loose gravel. The loose gravel
will help keep water from pooling at the bottom of
the post and will prevent rotting of the post bottom.
3. Set each post on top of the gravel. Level each post.
Support the post using cross 2x4 members or other
means.
4. Use a laser level to see if the post heights vary
among all posts. All posts top should be on the same
plane. If a post is too low, add more gravel under the
post to lift the post up. If a post is too high, remove
some gravel and lower the post.
5. Once all posts are level and all posts’ top surfaces
are on the same plane, pour the concrete around the post.
6. Work in 6” incremental depths. Tap concrete with the tip of
a trowel to remove air bubbles. Work upward until you
reach ground level or 1” below ground level, depending on
your desired final finish appearance. You may stop 1” below
the surface so you can over fill with some dirt and plant
grass around the post or you may fill all the way up to
ground level.
7. At this point, create downward tapered profile moving away
from the post in all directions on the concrete top surface.
This taper will help water flow away from the post.
8. Wait 7 days for the concrete footing to cure before
proceeding with the remaining construction work. If quick-
setting concrete is used, cure times may be shorter; read
the information on the concrete bag or ask your concrete
supplier.

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1.6 SIDE ELEVATION DIAGRAM
Based on the height of the post used, the diagram below provides the side elevation profile for this pergola system.
POST HEIGHT
DIM A
DIM B
96
96
92.5
108
108
104.5
120
120
116.5
132
132
128.5
144
144
140.5
Dim A, above, is the height of the post used. Dim B is the inner ceiling height of the pergola. Dim B is measured to the bottom
surface of the header member.

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1.7 POST-TOP ELBOW BRACKETS INSTALLATION
1. Slide the 2-way elbow bracket’s tube over the 4x4 post top after aligning the header receiver u-channels in the proper
direction. Let gravity work and pull the bracket all the way down on top of the post.
2. Identify the four 5/16” holes which are on the sides of the gussets in the bracket.

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3. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the drill bit, spaced 1-1/4” from the drill bit tip. This will act as a hole depth indicator
when you drill each pilot hole. Pilot holes should be drilled at least 1-1/4” deep. A little bit deeper is acceptable but do not
drill less than the required 1-1/4” depth.
4. Drill 3/32” X 1-1/4” deep pilot holes at the center of four 5/16” Holes. Locate pilot holes at the center of each 5/16”
hole.

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5. Drive one ¼ x 1-1/4” Hex Lag Screw through each 5/16” hole into the pilot holes you drilled in step 4, using a 7/16”
Socket and Rachet driver. Tighten down each screw.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for each post top bracket.

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1.8 POST TOP 2-WAY EXTENSION BRACKET INSTALLATION
The post-top extension bracket is to be mounted to the top of the middle support post. It will receive two headers running in
opposing directions.
1. Orient the post-top 2-way extension bracket’s U-channels in the desired direction and slide the square tube over the top
of the center post. Let gravity pull it down. If it resists, tap the top lightly with a mallet.
2. Locate two 5/16” holes on two opposing sides of the tube, adjacent to the gussets (4 holes total). Drill 3/32” x 1-1/4”
deep pilot holes in the center of the 5/16” holes.

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3. Using a 7/16” socket and ratchet driver, drive a ¼” X 1-1/4” Lag Screw through each pilot hole you drilled.

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1.9 4X4 HEADERS INSTALLATION
Perform the following steps for all header ends, including at the center 2-way extension bracket.
1. Lift and place one 4x4 header into the U-channels of adjacent post-top brackets.
2. Locate the two 5/16” holes on each vertical face of the U-channels holding the 4x4 header. Drill 3/32” X 1-1/4”
deep pilot holes at the center of four 5/16” Holes. Locate pilot holes at the center of each 5/16” hole.

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3. Drive one ¼ x 1-1/4” Hex Lag Screw through each 5/16” hole into the pilot holes you drilled in step 8, using a 7/16”
Socket and Rachet driver. Tighten down each screw.

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1.10 WALL MOUNT BRACKET AND HEADERS INSTALLATION
The horizontal distance between the two wall mount brackets will be equal to DIM A (See Section 1.5.2) that you decided
upon.
The vertical distance from the ground level up to the bracket must be measured and determined after you have installed the
post-top 2-way elbow brackets. The bottom surface of the wall mount bracket should be level with bottom surface of the U-
channel which will receive the header running from the post-top 2-way elbow bracket to the wall mount bracket.
1. Mark the location of both wall mount brackets on the wall. Mark a horizontal line which will align with the wall mount
bracket’s U-channel bottom surface and mark a vertical line which will align with one vertical face of the wall mount
bracket’s U-channel.
2. The type of wall material will determine the type of fastener you must use to attach the wall mount bracket to the wall.
For walls with siding on top of plywood sheathing, consider an expandable toggle anchor. For masonry walls, consider
using a steel stud anchor for concrete. Note that the mounting holes in the wall mount bracket are 7/16” diameter and
are designed to use a 3/8” diameter bolts. Use an appropriately sized anchor solution.
Expandable toggle anchor
McMastercarr.com SKU #97121A059
or another alternative
Steel stud anchor for concrete
McMasterCarr.com SKU #92188A200
or another alternative

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3. Mount the wall mount brackets to the wall using appropriate fasteners.
4. Lift and place a proper length header in the U-channels in the post-top 2-way elbow bracket and the adjacent wall
mount bracket.

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5. Drill 3/32” x 1-1/4” pilot holes in the center of all 5/16” diameter holes which are predrilled in the side faces of the U-
channels in the post-top 2-way elbow bracket and the wall mount bracket.
6. Drive ¼” x 1-1/4” Lag Screw through all pilot holes you drilled using a 7/16” Socket and Ratchet Driver.

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Your Wall Mount Cubic Pergola construction project is now complete. Let us know how the construction project went for you.
Was it easy to do? Did parts fit easily and properly? Do you like the quality of our products and design styles? Is your pergola
structure sturdy and strong? Please go to RioOutdoors.com and provide us with your review.
Thank you for being a RioOutdoors.com customer.