RioOutdoors 6P-QH User manual

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Installation Instructions
6P-QH
Applies to both 2x6 and 2x8 headers styles.
6x6 Post-in Ground Quad Header Raftered 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 2 hours
(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 #6P-QH (6 OR 8) .........................5
1.4 LIST OF MATERIALS THAT YOU WILL SUPPLY,OR ARE
RECOMMENDED................................................6
1.5 POST-IN-GROUND SYSTEM .......................................7
1.6 SIDE ELEVATION DIAGRAM..................................... 10
1.7 POST-TOP QUAD HEADER BRACKET INSTALLATION ...... 11
1.8 HEADERS PREPARATION ....................................... 12
1.9 LOWER HEADERS INSTALLATION ............................. 17
1.10 UPPER HEADERS INSTALLATION .............................. 22
1.11 INSTALLING THE RAFTERS ...................................... 25
2.1 CONDITIONS ...................................................... 28
2.2 EXCLUSIONS....................................................... 28
2.3 LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY ..................................... 29
2.4 HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE ..................... 29
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 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.
FLOATING 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
Cut rafter tail designs.
Raftered pergolas
Image not available.
Crescent
Wrench
Tighten down nut on
concrete anchors. FLOATING Pergolas Image not available.
Hammer Various. All pergola types.

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1.3 CONTENTS OF KIT # 6P-QH (6 OR 8)
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
Post-Top Quad Header Bracket
SKU# 6SH6 for 2x6 Headers
SKU #6SH8 for 2x8 Headers
4
Rafter Tie Bracket
SKU# 68RT 18
¼ x 1-1/4” Lag Screw
McMasterCarr.com SKU 92351A546 124
3/8 x 3” Lag Screw
McMasterCarr.com SKU 92351A636 32

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1.4 LIST OF MATERIALS THAT YOU WILL SUPPLY, OR ARE RECOMMENDED
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
($)
Total
Item
Cost
($)
Item Image
6x6 Post Lumber
(You determine
length)
4
2x6 or 2x8 Header
Lumber
(12 ft. max 2x6, 16
ft. max 2x8)
8
2x6 or 2x8 Rafter
Lumber
(You determine
length)
16” centers. 9
for 12 ft.
header, 11 for
16 ft headers.
Tape, for marking
drill bit depth 2” NA
Grand Total Cost ($)
NA

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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 headers, 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 requrements.
First, study the posts layout requirements. Spend some time planning, yourself, so you are fully familiar with the final size you
desire for your poergola.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 6x6 post or header members. Plan accordingly to minimize your work
requiremens.
Mark each post location using wood stakes or bright colored spray paint. Remeasure and verify the proper location for each post.

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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 above ground level, the diagram below provides the side elevation profile for this pergola
system.
Post Height
Above Ground
Dim
A
2x6 Header
Dim B
2x8 Headers
Dm B
96
96
87
85-1/4
108
108
99
97-1/4
120
120
111
109-1/4
132
132
123
121-1/4
144
144
135
133-1/4
Dim A, above, is the height of the post above ground level. 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 QUAD HEADER BRACKET INSTALLATION
1. Slide one Post-Top Quad Header Bracket over the 6x6 post top after aligning the headers receiver u-channels in the
proper direction. Let gravity work and pull the bracket all the way down on top of the post. Tap down on the top lightly
if you feel any resistance.
Note: The Quad Header Brackets will be secured to the posts after you complete driving the 3/8” X 3” Lag Screws through the
lower headers and into the posts.

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1.8 HEADERS PREPARATION
We recommend a maximum header length of 12 feet for 2x6 headers and 16 feet for 2x8 headers. The recommended rafter
lengths are 12 feet for 2x6 rafters and 16 feet for 2x8 rafters. We further recommend that you allow for 18” of overhang
beyond the posts on each side for the headers and 18” overhang beyond the headers on each side for the rafters.
1.8.1 Header and Rafter Tail Designs Cutting
Visit www.https://riooutdoors.com/rafter-tail-designs to see our collection of Rafter Tail designs. Based on your cosmetic
preference and skill, select a rafter tail design shape that you plan to cut yourself or you plan to outsource the design cutting.
You may have your own design that you wish to apply to the rafter tails. The possibilities for rafter tail designs are endless.
However, even a minor change in detail can add a dramatic flair to your pergola design. Be creative.
1.8.2 Rafter Tie Brackets Installation
For a quad header pergola, rafter ties are required to be installed on both top headers on each side of the pergola. The rafter ties
are to be installed in an offset pattern between the two headers, as shown in the image, below. This offset pattern helps prevent
warping of both headers and further helps to stiffen the pergola structure and prevents swaying motion.
OUTER HEADER
INNER HEADER
NOTE THE OFFSET
MOUNTING PATTERN FOR
THE RAFTER BRACKETS

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After you determine the lengths for your headers, it is time to prepare two headers to install the rafter tie brackets on. We have
designed the rafter tie brackets to be auto aligning and simple to locate precisely. Follow these steps for easy rafter tie
placement:
1. On the ground, place two headers with the top edge of headers facing upward. Butt two headers together and align their
ends flush.
2. Clamp headers together using a C-clamp or other vice.
3. Measure and find the center along the length of the header. Mark a line at the center point on both header top surfaces.
4. Measure outward 16 inches, incrementally, and mark a line at each 16” point out from center on both headers until you
reach the end of the headers on each side.
5. Separate the two headers by removing the clamp.
6. Starting with the outer header, place one rafter tie bracket on top of the center-most pencil mark on the outer header, as
shown below. See the “Right View,” below, and make certain the Rafter Tie Bracket is properly oriented towards the inside
area of the pergola. Look through the rectangle slot in the Rafter Tie. Slide the Rafter Tie until you can see the pencil mark
line you marked on the header top surface in the rectangle slot.

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7. On the outer header, starting with the center pencil mark, add one rafter tie then work outward, skip every other pencil
mark, and place a rafter tie on alternating pencil mark points.
8. On the inner header, place a rafter tie at the first pencil mark on each side of the center-most pencil mark. Then skip every
other pencil mark, and place rafter ties on alternating pencil mark as shown in the image, below.
SKIP EVERY OTHER
PENCIL LINE MARK
PLACE RAFTER TIES
ON THE INNER HEADE R
PLACE RAFTER TIES
SKIP EVERY OTHER
PENCIL LINE MARK
ON THE OUTER HEADER

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9. Drill 3/32” pilot holes in the center of the 5/16” holes in the Rafter Tie brackets. One 5/16” hole exists on each side of the
Rafter.
10. Using a 7/16” Socket and Ratchet Driver, drive a ¼” x 1-1/4” Lag Screw through the one hole on each side of the Rafter to
secure the rafter tie to the header.

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11. Repeat steps 9 and 10 for all rafter ties on both headers. Also, assemble two headers for the other side of the pergola using
the same instructions.
OUTER HEADER
INNER HEADER

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1.9 LOWER HEADERS INSTALLATION
1. Lift and slide one lower header into the Lower U-Channel.
2. Center the header between the two posts by measuring the overhangs and moving the header until the overhang
lengths on both sides are equal.

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3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the remaining three lower headers. Your pergola should appear as shown, below, now.
4. Identify the 5/16” wing-end holes in the face of the lower U-channels. There are 2 such faces in each quad header
bracket. Drill 3/32” x 1-1/4” pilot holes in the center of the 5/16” holes.

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5. Drive ¼ X 1-1/4” Lag Screws through the pilot holes you drilled using a 7/16” socket and ratchet driver.
6. Repeate steps 4 and 5 for the inner header at all post tops.
7. Identify the 7/16” holes in the face of the lower U-channels. There are 2 such faces in each quad header bracket.

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8. Prepare an 11/64” drill bit to drill a pilot hole for 3/8” X 3” Lag Screws. Wrap tape around the drill bit shaft 3” from the
end of the drill bit. While drilling the pilot hole, the tape will indicate when you have reached the required depth.
9. Drill 11/64” X 3” deep pilot holes at the center of the two 7/16” holes through the header and into the 6x6 post. Locate
pilot holes at the center of each 5/16” hole.
10. Drill similar pilot holes through the 7/16” holes in all four quad header brackets’ lower U-channel faces.