Building codes have a few things to say about foundation footings.
Footing requirements for pergola.
Pros and cons given for each.
Select the right footing for your next pergola or arbor project.
Improperly built foundation footings unlike poorly installed gutters or gapped hardwood flooring can eventually bring down the house.
Aluminum patio covers often have their own code requirements that differ from wooden structures so be sure to check permit rules closely.
Most pergolas are made from wood but aluminum is an attractive cost effective alternative.
Order the 8 foot or 10 foot post option and add the post attachment hardware to your order.
Also look for differences between requirements for enclosed roof patio covers and those with open air beams.
Especially where reactive soil is a concern you should consult with your local council on what sort of footings will be required to safely support your deck or pergola.
Once the concrete had set you would build the pergola on the posts.
Dig a hole twelve to twenty four inches in diameter.
Use a clam shell digger and a pry bar to help loosen stubborn rocks or cut roots if required.
Three options for footings are discussed.
Available in 8 and 12 diameter tubes.
The easiest way to pour concrete footings for a pergola is with a concrete footing form tube.
Other tools and material you will need.
Today there are more efficient options to set footings such as helical piers or footings.
How to pour concrete footings for a cedar pergola.
The diameter will be determined by how large the footing or pier size is.
Even then bracing requirements are minimal.
2 3 bags of ready mix concrete per form.
8 x 3 or 4ft diameter sonotube form.
Previously you would dig a hole for each post and pour a concrete footing at the bottom of each hole for each post to set in.
Alternatively rent a two man twelve inch gas powered auger.
Improper footings will make for an unstable frame which can cause the wood to bow and warp and potentially cause harm to someone using it at the wrong time.
To view more info about how these form tubes are used please click here to view the post information page.
Mounting pergolas to ground foundation anchoring.
Like any code recommendations these are not how to guides to building footings so much as parameters you need to observe based on local.
The easiest method of installation is to dig footings to the correct depth below the frost line in your area and use post mounting hardware to attach the posts to the concrete footings or existing concrete slab as follows.
Critical requirements for digging pergola footings.
