How to Mount a Pergola on Deck

Not too big, not too small, just right: Pergolas on deck offer a perfect medium for stylish outdoor seating and entertaining without taking over the entire space.

Many pergolas feature climbing plants such as roses, bougainvillea, clematis or Virginia creeper. These add color and texture to the space. It’s important to choose plants that don’t require too much pruning and can scale the structure.

Posts

Whether you’re mounting a pergola to the top of your deck or using the structure as a shaded walkway off the main part of your home, it requires at least four support posts that connect firmly to the deck’s joist and frame — not its surface boards. If not attached correctly, the entire structure could pull away from the deck and fall down.

Professionals use a power auger, shovel or clamshell digger to dig post holes that meet local building codes. They then anchor the posts to concrete poured footings that reach down at least 48 inches below the deck’s surface.

If you’re mounting a pergola on your deck, choose hardware that is designed to be seen (like galvanized post bases and timber bolts). This helps keep the overall look of your backyard oasis clean and inviting. It’s also wise to choose hardware that’s exterior-grade to resist corrosion from the elements.

Rafters

Once the posts are in place, it’s time to add the crossbeams and rafters that will make up the roof of your Pergola. Be sure to use metal brackets and angle connectors to secure the beams to the posts. This will increase the stability of the structure and prevent soil heaving, post rot, and premature structural failure.

When adding rafters to your pergola, you’ll want to create an even spread with the length of the span. To do this, start by measuring the distance you would like from the outside edge of one set of posts to the outside edge of the other (Measurement A). Then, add the overhang to that measurement.

Once the rafters are in place, you’ll want to add vines or other climbing plants that will grow well on your deck. This will help to shade the area underneath the structure and add an additional layer of charm to your outdoor space.

Lattice

A pergola can be enhanced with lattice work that adds to the structure’s visual appeal while allowing plants to grow up it. This creates dappled shade and can transform an outdoor space into a relaxing retreat.

Depending on where it is installed, the direction of its roof and the size and number of beams, a pergola can offer differing degrees of shade. For example, rafters oriented north to south offer more shade than those oriented east to west.

Another option is to add louvers to the pergola roof, taking the place of traditional rafters and stringers. These can be manually or motorized and allow sunlight to filter in while blocking rain or snow.

Aluminum pergolas are durable and require little maintenance beyond periodic cleaning with a non-toxic/non-corrosive cleaner and a check for loose connections. They are also a more economical option than wood or steel.

Hardware

A pergola can be anchored to the ground or a deck, but either way it requires strong support to keep it secure. Decorative hardware like Simpson Strong-Tie’s Outdoor Accents connectors offer the strength needed for a wall-mounted pergola, plus they have the look of wrought iron but are made of galvanized steel.

This kit includes 28 2×6 insert brackets that allow you to add up to 14 straight inline roof rafters per section, with a recommended wood span of 12’ per section. The decorative design and black powder-coat finish make these structural connectors a great choice for adding a custom pergola to your deck.

This kit is designed to sit atop an existing deck, but it also comes with stake anchors for use on the ground. Train climbing vines up the open slats of this modern pergola’s frame to enhance its natural charm and create an intimate seating nook. Its powder-coated aluminum construction is highly resistant to rust and other environmental conditions.



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