Description
Garbrella includes a list of the common pergola sizes available on the website. Custom kits are available and because we focus on making it easy for the installer you can modify any size while you are installing the pergola kit.
How to choose your pergola size: The 1’st number of a size is the length of the rafter (in an attached pergola it is the projection from the house) and the 2’nd number is the length of the beam. The posts are inset approximately 8” from the outside of the beam or rafter to the center of the post. Note, the measurement does not include the decorative pergola caps. The decorative pergola caps for the beams are 12” and for the rafters are 10”.
There are 4 key points in a pergola: Posts, Beams, Ledger Board (Attached Style Only), Rafters, Shade Slats.
Posts: All the Tuscany Pergolas have an aluminum post insert which carries the weight of the pergola. The vinyl sleeve slides over the top of the aluminum post insert. On the “Post Type” option there are 2 sizes available (Square available) along with a few different heights. Post heights can be modified on site. In summary the post insert is structurally the same in any Tuscany pergola, but the size of post that you choose is for aesthetics only
Beams: The Tuscany Pergolas have a double beam that is attached to each side of the aluminum post insert using heavy duty Stainless Steel Lags. Aluminum inserts are included for each beam allowing a 18’ span from center of post to center of post.
Ledger Board (Attached Style Only): For an attached pergola, a 2×8 Ledger board is included which is the same length as the outside beams. The Pressure Treated Wood Insert is used so that you can fasten to the surface of the building. Color matched hole plugs are included to close any hole created
Rafters: The rafters run perpendicular to the beams and are secured on top of the beam using a rafter bracket (Attached Style includes a Joist Hangar) using Stainless Steel color coated screws. For additional stability we recommend securing the outside rafters to the extended post which rises above the beam. The rafters are spaced approximately 18-20” on center. Aluminum Inserts are included in each rafter allowing a 18’ span from center of post to center of post.
Shade Slats: Choosing the correct option for shade type is a simple question of do I want more shade or less shade? The 1”x3” shade slat option is our most popular and will provide approximately 60-75% shade depending on the angle of the sun.
Pergola Accessories
Want to decorate your pergola with extravagant, yet affordable options? Look no further, contact Garbrella for professional ideas on how to take your pergola to the WOW level!
Lighting Systems:
Many folks choose lighting as a great way to accent your pergola. Garbrella does have a small selection of lighting options including side mount lights and/or string lights. These are powered by a low voltage power supply that simply plugs into a outlet. The structure of the pergola is designed to allow you to run wiring inside the frame of the pergola providing a clean appearance.
Ceiling Fans:
Ceiling fans can be a great idea especially in a warmer climate! A small amount of air circulation can do wonders in creating a comfortable atmosphere. Another added benefit is to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay. Since flies are attracted to the smell of food and humans, they will more than likely be there to annoy you resulting in an uncomfortable experience. With a small breeze, bugs find it difficult to fly therefore there is less chance of them bothering you. Garbrella does not offer any ceiling fans, but can typically be purchased from a hardware store local to your area or other vendor. The structure of the pergola is designed to allow you to run wiring inside the frame of the pergola providing a clean appearance.
Shade Canopies or Curtains:
Choosing an overhead canopy or a side curtain depends largely on the time of day you spend outside. A canopy will provide more shade during mid-day hours whereas a side curtain is more beneficial during the morning or evening hours. Garbrella offers shade systems that can be attached directly to your pergola. Both the curtain and canopy are manually operated meaning you can open or close them with a manual crank.
An average sized overhead canopy may cost $3,000 – $4,000 depending on the size of the pergola. An average sized side curtain may cost $2,000-$2,800.
Another more temporary option may be choosing a simple curtain on a rod. The curtain rod supports can be fastened to the pergola itself and allow you to hang the curtain from the rod.
Some people enjoy making annual or seasonal changes to their pergola decorations. This keeps your backyard fresh and invigorating! Pergolas are an awesome structure for hanging holiday decorations or fixtures! Contact us today for information!
Garbrella’s pergola kits are user friendly and easy for a homeowner or local contractor in your area to install. For each kit, Garbrella provides a detailed instruction manual with pictures, along with phone service to assist our customers. An average size pergola (16 x 16) takes 2 adults approximately 10 – 14 hours depending on experience. A few of the basic tools required include impact, drill, ratchet, level, tape, and hammer. The necessary hardware and drill bits are provided for each kit. You may find our pergola installation frequently asked questions page to be helpful.
How to Install a Pergola
Installing your pergola can be both exciting and sometimes a bit mind-stretching, but your qualms can be eliminated with a few tips or by contacting a professional pergola installer!
- Start by locating the general location of each post. Measure the required distance between each post. After you have the perimeter marked, square the pergola by measuring cross-corner. You can adjust the post placement, however be sure to maintain the required post to post spacing.
Tip: I recommend measuring center of post to center of post. This will eliminate any confusion in relation to the post size.
- If you are installing on a concrete patio or cemented pavers: this will be a breeze! Simply mark the proper location and skip on down to number 5.
- Installing on wooden deck is not difficult, but the crucial part is making sure the deck frame and footings are strong enough to support the weight of the pergola. If you are unsure, contact a local inspector or contractor to confirm the integrity of the wooden frame or footings.
- For a free-standing yard pergola: After locating the proper post location, dig holes that are 30-36” deep and about 16” in diameter. Place a Sonotube in each hole and fill the Sonotube with moistened Quikrete. Allow the concrete to properly dry which may take up to several days.
- Fasten the post mount using our provided wood or concrete lags.
- Level the post with leveling bolts and retighten all lags. You are now ready to sleeve the post with your desired size post sleeve and install the pergola top!
Installing and squaring the posts will probably be the hardest and most stressful part of installing your own pergola. So relax, your next step will probably be less exhausting!
Structural Inserts
Because we focus strength and durability – structural inserts are included with all our pergolas. Garbrella’s lightweight, yet strong aluminum structural inserts provide ample strength to all of our pergola models.
Our special 2′ x 6′ aluminum rafter and 2′ x 8′ aluminum beam inserts allow for spans up to 18’long, giving you a greater shade area with fewer posts!
For the pergola posts, we include a aluminum insert that can be modified in height allowing you to install your pergola on uneven surfaces. It can be mounted onto concrete or wood surfaces with 4” heavy duty lags and then leveled with leveling bolts.
Aluminum inserts do not warp or rot unlike many of the wood materials that are common in pergolas today. The aluminum beam is fastened directly to the post insert without placing any weight on the post sleeve or vinyl beam. This provides extra durability and rigidity during a storm or high winds.
Pergola Post
Garbrella introduced an aluminum post insert that is structurally designed for the Tuscany pergola. This aluminum post insert holds the weight of the pergola providing exceptional rigidity and strength. Specially designed spacers allow you to choose the style of vinyl sleeve for your pergola.
Square vinyl posts are available and slide down over the aluminum post insert to help create the distinct traditional look you are seeking. Pergola posts are available in our 3 main colors of white, tan and clay with white being the most popular. Standard post lengths are 8’ long, but 10’ is common too. We can make pergola posts any custom length too.
Garden Spot Pergolas: Standard is the 5” and 6” square posts
Tuscany Pergolas: Standard is 6” and 8” square
