How do you Attach a Pergola to the Ground?

How do I attach the pergola to the ground on my patio?

When you are going to install your pergola on the patio, it is important to attach it in the right way to the surface on which it will stand. A general rule to remember for all footings is that it should be level. The footing should also be firm, so that the pergola is well anchored and stands stable even in strong winds. It must withstand the weight of the pergola itself, as well as any snow that may settle on the roof.

Before you start with the fastening, consider the following - regardless of the footing: Can the footing withstand the weight of the PERGOLUX pergola? When you have finished the assembly, you must have done a good enough job with the fixings that the forces of the wind should not be able to blow the pergola away.

So how do you attach a pergola to the ground? In this post, you will get tips on how to proceed based on which surface the pergola will stand on.

Preparation before assembly:

1. Find the right equipment for mounting the PERGOLUX pergola.There is a lot of truth in the saying "the right equipment is half the job". Remember that you need a good stepladder.

2. Check whether the substrate is level. If not, you should improve this or cut the length of the columns, see how to do this here: How to Customize your PERGOLUX Pergola.

3. Make sure that the area where your PERGOLUX pergola is to be attached is solid enough for the structure.

Installation on a wooden terrace:

Terrace is the most common surface to mount a pergola on. When the pergola is to be mounted on this surface, it is important that there is solid wood under where the columns are to stand. The column base should not only be attached to the terrace boards, but must be screwed firmly into the joist layer below. This means that the pergola can be stable outside all year round and will withstand strong winds. Use strong wood screws in galvanized or stainless steel. If the screw head is small, a disc of the same design should be used.

Installation on a concrete surface:

Many choose to install the pergola on a concrete slab. The pergola will then be installed differently than when placed on, for example, a wooden terrace. When you are going to place your pergola on the concrete slab, it can be useful to know which solutions are suitable. Use a hammer drill with a concrete bit of the correct size for your fasteners. The most ideal is to use expansion bolts. These should be galvanized or stainless steel. When the pergola has been outside for a few months, it is recommended to re-tighten the bolts.

Installation on a surface of paving stones, slabs, and asphalt:

If there is concrete under the sub-base, long expansion bolts should be used so that these go all the way down into the concrete. If there is loose gravel or stone masses under the surface, a hole should be dug under each pillar of approx. 50x50x50cm which is filled with concrete. When the pergola has been outside for a few months, it is recommended to re tighten the bolts.

Installation on a grass base

If you want to place your PERGOLUX pergola on a surface of grass, it is important to make a good assessment of the surface. Think through what material is under the grass that you will be anchoring to.

Installation on a roof terrace

Are you considering installing the pergola on a roof terrace with a concrete base? We recommend placing an extra membrane under the points that receive stress. This creates an extra slip/wear layer. The terrace construction can vary somewhat. Make sure that the membrane below does not puncture when you screw into the concrete.

Straight roofs

In the case of a straight-facing roof, the supporting structure is at the bottom, and the vapor barrier, insulation and roof covering come above. The membrane is located high up and it is therefore very important that you do not drill into the membrane and puncture it.

Inverted ceiling

In the case of inverted roofs, the membrane is further down, as it lies directly on the supporting structure. Insulation and ballast of protective wearing layers are laid over the membrane.

Duo roof

Duotak has insulation both above and below the membrane. It can be an option on terraces with cast-on. The insulation then also acts as protection for the membrane.

A pergola that can stand outside all year round

The PERGOLUX pergola can stand well outside all year round when it is firmly attached to the ground. When the pergola has been outside for a few months, it is recommended to re tighten the bolts. A pergola on the patio provides great, wonderful opportunities to spend time outside in atmospheric, framed surroundings.

Unsure? Contact us in chat - we'll help you get started!

What about installation?

We currently do not offer install but have thousands of customers either assemble it themselves with our easy-to-follow manual, ask some friends to help, or hire a local handyman. It takes 2 people around 3-5 hours depending on how many tea breaks are involved :)