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Free Standing Pergola On Pavers

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How to Build a Free Standing Pergola

Pergolas are wonderful to create privacy and shade for your outdoor living space. Remember that a pergola is an open-air structure with a roof. It can stand alone away from your house or it can be attached. We can help you make the best decision for your space.

We recommend discussing your yard design and layout with our team of pergola install experts to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor sheltered space that will suit you now and in the future. We will gladly work with you and your family to help make a decision that everyone in your household will be happy with.

Talk to Pavertime today about your project and how we can help bring your outdoor vision to life!

The Benefits Of Using Hot Tub Pergola Kits

With most kits, you get a video and step-by-step assembly instructions, plus customer support. The latter is very beneficial as youll get many questions answered by professional folks whose specialty is installing pergolas.


Another great benefit of this option is that you may be able to find a kit with some additional features already included, such as a bar, a privacy enclosure, a retractable canopy, etc. All you have to do is assemble it. Saves you the hassle of trying to figure out how to plan, design, and build all that.

One more is that, depending on a kit manufacturer, you may get included in the price all of those decorative wooden details and sometimes even decorative hardware that cannot be DIY-ed or obtained in the hardware store.

Since we believe the kit is the best pergola building choice option, we decided to put the focus of this guide mainly on kits.

Below is one good example of how a standard kit can be customized to create a truly unique hot tub privacy enclosure.

The image above shows assembling pergola over hot tub from a kit purchased at Menards. See all Menards freestanding pergola kits here. This was a DIY project. They assembled and installed a kit and then added a custom privacy enclosure of their own making. Interesting design idea!


Anchoring To Grass Or Earth

The easiest option for securing a freestanding pergola to grass or bare earth is helical piers. You can drill these down deep into the ground, past the frost line, to provide secure footing. You can then attach the top of the pier securely to the post. However, these items usually require special equipment to get them drilled down to a sufficient depth .

The alternative is to dig holes in the ground to a depth of one-third of the height of the posts. Four 15-foot posts would require four separate 5-foot holes. You can then situate the posts in the holes, level them, and pour 12-inches of concrete around the posts. One the concrete is dry, you can fill the rest of the holes with dirt.

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Our Pergola Installers Come Highly Recommended

Pergola installation is becoming a standard backyard feature because it creates a beautiful place to rest during the hot Houston summers. If youre making plans for a pool and an outdoor kitchen, then you should also think about creating a shelter where folks can enjoy a moment of quiet and calm.

Our team of pergola installers at Pavertime will install a pergola that matches your vision and integrates seamlessly with your patio, pool, and backyard landscape.


Pavertime was easy to work with, reasonably priced, and did great work! When I had an issue they came out and fixed it right away. I would happily use them again.

Aleese Post

Anchoring A Gazebo To Pavers Using A Drill

We like how Highland Stone was used as a base for the wood covering ...

This first method is the most reliable form in which you can anchor your gazebo. But keep in mind that this method will leave permanent holes on your pavers.

Also, in order to drill the gazebos into place, youre going to need a special type of screw called masonry screw, also known as tapcon. They are special screws, designed for use in concrete, that expand once they are drilled into place. Alongside the masonry screws, you will also need a masonry drill.

First, align each base of the gazebo where you want it. Then mark the places where youre going to drill with a pencil. After making all the proper marks, move the gazebo out of place.


Make sure your drill is set on a perfect 90° angle and drill directly into the pavers. Make sure to clean each hole as good as you can, so the screws can attach properly.

After that, slide the gazebo back into place, making sure the holes on the pavers and on the post align properly and then drive the screws into the pavers as far as you can to secure the gazebo in place.

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Careful Planning Is Vital For Building

As with any DIY project, planning is key to successful completion. By carefully measuring and marking out where your pergolas concretefootings and mounting posts need to go, you will ensure that everything fits into the right place.

Measure where your pergola footing needs to be before attempting anything else. You can do this by placing the pergola legs at their required distance and then marking around them. This is the most crucial step in the whole process because if this isnt done properly then it will be nearly impossible to erect your pergola correctly and you will have to start all over again.


After marking the size and shape of the legs, you can then install concrete footing on your paving stone areas. Alternatively, pergola footings can be marked and placed before work begins on the patio itself.

How To Set Up A Gazebo On Grass Concrete Or Pavers

Gazebos are a convenient and attractive way to finish off a backyard by creating a focal point and providing a sheltered area to relax and enjoy time with friends.

On this website, weve reviewed some of the , and currently available, and theres no doubt that theres a certain enthusiasm growing for each style of structure when it comes to backyard entertaining.

One thing that often makes folks leery about installing gazebos in their backyard is, besides the price tag, which can be hefty, is where and how to set them up. Some common questions we hear are, Will a handyman be needed?, or Do I need special tools to do this?

Here we walk you through the process so that you can learn how to set up both hard top and soft top gazebos on a concrete patio, grass, or pavers. Setting up your own gazebo will save you money and give a sense of pride in having built it yourself!


The assembly process is very similar for the first few steps when building either a soft or hard top. After selecting the location, you will have to level the foundation and, if the gazebo will be a permanent installation, set the posts in cement.

Once the cement has cured to concrete, you can then go ahead with the final steps in the assembly process. We will go into greater detail later in the article.

Before you begin assembling the gazebo, there are some things to take into consideration:

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Free Standing Or Attached

When deciding whether to buy an attached or free-standing pergola, there are many factors that should be considered. An attached one will always cost less than a comparably sized freestanding option but this isn’t the only consideration you need to make because of their placement limitations.


Building mid-yard seating areas where people can sit while they enjoy views from various directions around your property means it is necessary to be a free-standing structure.

Do Pergolas Add Value To Home

How to Build a Pergola Over a Patio Video

Heres what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% 80% for your ROI.

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Common Characteristics For Digging Pergola Footings

When most people think of pergola footings, the dreaded thought of digging deep holes, setting a post in it and back filling with cement fills their mind.

Options one and two depict this concept with subtle variations. In both these scenarios, the posts are buried in the ground and therefore must be treated for ground contact.

Others, get a bit more sophisticated and build a wide footing, then use tubular forms to pour cement and finally attach post anchoring hardware to the concrete footing.

Options three to five depict this concept. The pergola posts are secured to the pier by various connecting hardware.

Top 5 Uses For Freestanding Pergola Kits

Designing your outdoor space and looking for a way to make your backyard memorable? Make a statement with a pergola. Freestanding pergola kits offer functionality as well as beauty for any patio or garden. One of the fab 5 uses for pergolas that always appears at the top of popular gardening lists is garden enhancement.

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Turn Your Pergola Or Patio Cover Into A Year Round Living Space

At ONeills Green Services, we offer the Illumaview Natural Light System, which can be built in to the insulated roof panels of your aluminum patio cover or solid roof pergola, in order to allow moderate amounts of light to shine through. These optional patented design natural light panels interlock seamlessly into the insulated roof panels, creating the perfect seal to prevent leakage, thus offering year round enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Illumaview Skylights are manufactured with polycarbonate materials that protect your loved ones from the sunÛªs harmful ultraviolet rays, and make it immune to cracking or discoloration.

Request a Free Quote or CALL NOW: 925-443-7888

Why Choose Aluminum Over Wood

Cantilever Pergola Over Unilock Paver Patio

When it comes to building patio covers and pergolas, there are many reasons why ONeills Green Services recommends installing aluminum products, rather than wood. Besides requiring little to no maintenance, their appearance stays looking like new longer. Aluminum does not fade, warp or crack due to weather conditions, the way that wood does. This means that it never needs to be sealed or painted, saving customers the high costs of materials and labor. They never rust, and can be cleaned easily with water and a cloth or sponge. Unlike wood, aluminum patio covers and pergolas will never be damaged by termites, resulting in longer enjoyment. They are designed to have the appearance and feel of real wood, while providing the durability to withstand all types of weather.

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Critical Requirements For Digging Pergola Footings

Minimum Diameter

Dig a hole twelve to twenty-four inches in diameter. The diameter will be determined by how large the footing or pier size is.

Use a clam shell digger and a pry bar to help loosen stubborn rocks or cut roots if required. Alternatively rent a two-man twelve inch gas powered auger.

Large 24″ diameter bell formed footings usually require a front or back end loader with a hydraulic auger to get the job done. This is what was done for the job shown in this photo.

FROST CONSIDERATIONS FOR TRADITIONAL FOOTINGS

If you experience seasonal freezing temperatures, make sure you dig your holes about twelve inches deeper than the average frost depth.

This might mean 48″ or deeper depending on your climate.

This ensures that the pergola posts never heave and displace the structure unevenly. The hole in the photo shown here was 60″ deep.

Back fill holes or around forms

As soon as the hole is properly dug, set your post or the footing. If you are just dropping a pergola post into the hole, back fill soil around it after having made sure it is plumb.

If you plan on having a cement footing under the post, you will need a day for the cement to set up before you can place the pergola post on top. But as soon as you have your post in place, back fill around it while plumbing it vertical.

Lastly, if you are using forms for a concrete pier, be sure to back fill soil around the forms as soon as you have them set in place.

cover the tube forms from rain or debris

Can You Place A Pergola On Top Of A Patio Made Of Pavers

Hello community, it’s my first time here. I am building a house and have been the pros and cons of pavers vs concrete slabs, and I believe I will go with pavers for my patio seating area. I want to have a pergola in the backyard as well. My loaded question, is can a pergola sit on top of a patio made of pavers safely? If I read correctly a paver has a PSI of 3500, and if a pergola weighs 4,000 lbs then the weight would be distributed and lessen the load on the legs. I read that paver patios are strong enough to handle this?

If I do this project, would it be better to have the pergola built first, and build the patio around the legs or build the patio and have a contractor build the pergola after?

Lastly, when it comes to pavers, I really want a cool design. I have considered making my own template and casting my own pavers using Quickrete 5000. Yes, it would be time consuming, but I would be saving any money this way? I would be able to cast my own shapes and make it custom for sure. An 80-lb of Quickrete is $5.50 and Lowe’s has red pavers on sale for .25 cents for comparison. I just don’t know how many pavers that bag would be equivalent to.

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Can You Install Pergola On Paver Patio

Yes, you can install a pergola on a paver patio and there are a few different ways to do it.

One option is to install the pergola posts directly into the ground. If youre doing this, make sure to use concrete footings to support the posts. Another option is to install the pergola posts on top of the pavers. This is a bit more challenging, but it can be done by using post anchors.

Once the posts are installed, you can start attaching the beams and rafters. If youre using lumber, youll need to seal it to protect it from the elements. If youre using vinyl or aluminum, you wont need to seal it.

Once the pergola is built, you can add finishing touches like plants, string lights, or fabric panels.

What Makes Freestanding Pergola Kits Popular

Free Standing Wood Lattice Patio/Pergola

Free standing pergolas are top choices of many homeowners and commercial businesses for many reasons. First, theyre one of the easiest ways to create something out of nothing, and build a patio cover thatll help get the most use out of your backyard. Have a big empty patio space in the middle of your yard? Add a pergola and presto, extra shade, a new outdoor room, and an extra seating area for that fresh air escape.

Second, pergolas are an affordable patio design feature that have a timeless feel. If you choose a high quality product like our wood pergola kits, its a lasting patio cover youll enjoy for many years. Lastly, its an easy, multi-use solution to your patio problem! Since theres a myriad of ways to use a pergola in a patio design, whatever your vision is, you can make it a reality with a pergola.

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Now Let’s Install Pergola Footings The Faster Easier And Less Expensive Way

We are going to build this pergola without having to dig footings or pouring cement. This method will use a footing system called the .

It is a hybrid helical pier and surface resting load plate. It will distribute the weight of the pergola to the footing’s load plate and the soil but it will also be securely anchored and embedded in the soil.

This means you will enjoy some of the load bearing and stabilizing properties of a ground anchored footing without the cost, time and effort associated with digging holes and pouring cement.

Get The Tools you need

We are going to build this pergola much faster and easier.

These pergola footings are going to be set on the Deck Foot Anchor which is a combination of a helical blade for anchoring to the soil and a large load plate that will distribute the weight of the pergola to the ground.

First, get the tools you need such as a spade for removing the sod, an impact wrench , a 12mm six point socket or an adjustable wrench. With these tools at hand, you will ready to go.

Remove Sod and organic material at locations of pergola footings

Find the exact locations for each pergola post and use triangulation to do so.

Using string and batter boards to layout a right angle triangle to get started. If you use the Rule of Thumb and make a 6′ by 8′ triangle with a 10′ diagonal you will have a right angle to measure each footing location.

Ideas For Small Hot Tub Pergolas

The hot tub is placed on a multi-tiered deck under a simple small wooden pergola . Diamond accents on square pattern lattice sides seamlessly blend with the landscaping. One side has a built-in countertop and planters hang from two rafter ends.

A nice and simple design for a small hot tub pergola that is as practical as it is attractive . We like how the floor anchors are covered with decorative moldings to hide the hardware from sight. Boxes on either side of the tub double as a table for those in the tub and as seating for those who want to lounge by the tub. Built by Done to Spec near lake Sammamish, WA.

This outdoor oasis starts with a small, simply designed pergola, built on a wooden deck. Decor includes a clock, but you can add features that express your own unique relaxing and entertaining style. The pergolas gable roof with evenly spaced rafters creates a sense of height and openness above the hot tub. Image.

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