Modern Pergola
Installation Guide
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7
STEP 5 – INSTALL PERIMETER BOX BEAMS
(FREESTANDING PERGOLA)
a)
If you trimmed the width
or depth of your pergola
follow items 1-3 below. If not
proceed to letter b) below.
1.
Plan out the length of
each box beam (2x8)
according to figure 5a.
Note that freestanding
and attached pergolas
have different methods
of lapping the beam.
2.
Start by measuring at the
post base, the outside to
outside of each post on
your pergola (Figure 5a).
Write these down on the
top of each box beam.
3.
Cut the beams 2 ½" under
this measurement.
b)
Using the step bit drill two
large holes in the top of
each beam according to
figure 5b. No need to worry
about cosmetics here, these
holes will be covered later.
c)
Using a helper, lift and
set the beams into your
posts ensuring to lap the
beams as per figure 5a.
d)
Using your driver and
12" extension, fasten the
beam to the Post Top
Plate using the fasteners
labeled "beam to post".
e)
Set the beam attachment
bracket in the inside
corner of each beam
intersection (Figure 5b).
f)
Using a driver extension and
the pre-drilled holes in the
post, attach each bracket to
post stiffener with fasteners
labeled "beam attachment
bracket" You DO NOT need to
fill every hole on the bracket,
four per side is sufficient.
g)
Insert the post cap into each
post. This cap should sit ¼"
below the top edge of the post.
h)
Fasten the post cap to the
top of the box beams with
fasteners labeled "post cap."
i)
Install 5/8" plugs into the holes
on the side of the post.
j)
Repeat this step for each
beam and post connection.
7" sq. Post
Correct Lapping of Box Beams
2"x8" Box Beam
2"x8" Box Beam
2
"x8
" B
ox
B
ea
m
2
"x8
" B
ox
B
ea
m
M
ea
su
re O
u
ts
id
e t
o O
u
ts
id
e a
t P
o
st B
as
e
Measure Outside to Outside at Post Base
2"x8" Box Beam
Drill Holes
2
"x8
" B
ox
B
ea
m
7" sq. Post
Beam Attachment Bracket
Figure 5b
Figure 5a
