For the person who is looking for a luxury, high-end free-standing vinyl pergola kit, the Tuscany pergola is the ultimate choice. These top-of-the-line garden pergolas are built with double 2″x 8″ beams, 2″x 6″ rafters, and 7/8″x 3″ shade slats spaced 6″ on center. The Tuscany pergola is the strongest in the industry and comes in five different styles of posts and three colors.
Complete and easy-to-follow installation instructions are included with all of our pergola kits.
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 Posts
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
Choosing Your Kit
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.
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.
How to Install a Pergola
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.
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!
Lifetime Warranty
Garbrella Pergolas are backed with a lifetime warranty against yellowing, blistering or peeling. They are designed to withstand high wind forces without breaking and can be used confidently on beach front properties. We can say all this because Garbrella is committed to manufacturing only the highest quality vinyl pergola kits constructed from durable, long-lasting materials. Custom pergola kit sizes are available.
FAQ
Q: How to determine the width and length of a pergola?
A: The first measurement is the projection length of the rafter. The second measurement in the length of the beam and also the shade slats. For example a 12 x 16 pergola will have rafters that are 12’ long and the beams and shade slats will be 16’ long. Note: The decorative end caps will approximately 12” to each end of the beam and rafter and are not included in these measurements.
Q: How do I level the posts?
A: The posts have leveling bolts that are fastened to the mounting plate.
Q: What is your lead time for a pergola kit?
A: We require a 4 – 6 week lead time after the transaction. For installation and custom design, we also require a 4 – 6 week lead time.
Q: What is the install time for a pergola?
A: An average size 16’ x 16’ pergola with 4 posts will take 2 adults 12- 16 hours depending on experience.
Q: Where do you ship your pergolas?
A: We can easily ship to all U.S. states and Canada. Worldwide deliveries are also available. Delivery prices vary according to distance.
Q: Is a building permit required?
A: Most states do not require a permit, however customers should check with their local municipality for any permits or restrictions that may apply.
Q: What tools do I need?
A: Garbrella’s pergola kits do not require a lot of tools. Some of the bigger tools required are a hammer drill (if fastening on concrete), electric or battery drill, ratchet with a few common size sockets, level, and a few other basic tools.
Q: Where do you ship your pergolas?
A: We can easily ship to all U.S. states and Canada. Worldwide deliveries are also available. Deliver prices vary according to distance.
