Wood Post Layout & Installation
for In-Ground Application
Measure and mark out the location of the pergola posts using
string line and temporary wood stakes. Diagonal distances must
be the same to ensure a square installation. Adjust string lines
accordingly. The inside corner of the string lines will be the post
location.
Please Note:
Should you decide to moderately modify the dimensions of your
pergola from the standard kit size, a circular saw with a sharp
fine-tooth blade is all that you need to cut, shorten or modify the
vinyl components. The steel stiffeners for the main beams and
rafters can be cut down using either a hacksaw or a motorized
cutting device designed to cut metal.
1
Follow these instructions to install this pergola in the ground.
Post location and placement is the most critical step in the
overall installation process. Please double check for the
possibility of any underground utilities such as sprinkler, gas
or telephone lines.
STEP ONE
After you have determined where the posts will be located,
excavate 10” diameter x 36” deep post holes.
After holes are dug and cleaned, place the 2x4 wood post into
a hole ensuring it’s level and square to string lines. The final post
height should be no more than 84” out of the ground. If a post
is higher because of obstructed excavation of footings, please
cut down in height accordingly.
Fill the vacant hole with pre-mixed concrete all the way to
within 3” of the top of the hole.
Repeat for all 12 posts.
Please Note:
Some 2x4 pressure treated posts can be larger than 1 1/2 x 3 1/2
square due to twisting or cracking. We have allowed a tolerance
for this in the internal one way. However, in extreme cases you may
need to shave down the top of the 2x4 wood post slightly to get
the vinyl post started over the wood post.
Before installing your wood posts in the ground,
please check to confirm this and correct at this stage if necessary.
1
2
3
STEP T WO
Install Wood Supporting Posts Directly into the Ground
4
84” (Maximum)
2
3”
3
10”
36”
1
17
Biltmore Pergola
Overhead View
from corner of wood post to corner of wood post.
82 3/16 in
88 3/16 in
113 3/16 in
116 3/16 in
14 in
14 in
15 1/2 in
15 1/2 in
162 3/8 in
! IMPORTANT !
If mounting in ground with wood posts, the wood
pergola posts will need to be installed first. The rest
of the pergola will then be assembled according to the
rest of the instructions.