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Pergolas are generally the centre of attention in gardens. So, imagine a situation where the pergola isn't set up well and collapses due to heavy wind. Of course, it will be disastrous to see that happen. Hence this question is important: Does the pergola need a footing? Does it need to be on concrete?
This article will provide helpful information about pergolas and their need for concrete footing, how it can be carried out, and any other base used for a pergola.
The Need for Concrete
Is the on-concrete method a necessity for installing pergolas? The actual answer is no. Other types of footing can be used depending on the pergola material. You need no concrete if the pergola is made from light materials, like aluminium or wood, and on a levelled surface.
However, a pergola made from heavy materials or installed on an unlevelled surface needs a concrete footing. When pergola installation is being considered, certain things are crucial such as how levelled the ground is and how heavy the materials are. Generally, concrete is used for many pergolas but not all pergolas require them.
There are other ways to make a solid footing without mixing, digging, and using cement. Refrain from trying to install a pergola with no base because every pergola requires some form of footing because of its weight. Although possible, it is hazardous to install a pergola without proper footing.
Pergolas are relatively tall outdoor structures with a height of only 8 feet. To guarantee safety, you must fix them in-ground or use concrete. These footings are used for the posts to ensure that the pergolas are upright and the structures are rigid.
On Concrete or In-Ground?
People argue that pergolas are meant to be on concrete; others say it is better off in the ground. Both can be used, but if what you need is stability for the long term, you can install the pergola using concrete in the ground. Pergolas can also be installed using concrete above ground using powerful anchors.
Whichever one you eventually decide to go with, it will still be worth it, provided the proper materials and methods are used. Choosing to bury the pergola using concrete in-ground gives it a decent look since no pergola footings will be in sight. So, choosing any of them is fine. No one is ultimately better than the other.
If the floor covering your pergola post is in disrepair, you can opt for concrete; if you want a deck beneath it, choose in-ground. You should know that if you reside in a region that experiences heavy rainfall, it could subject the poles to rot. To avert being caught up in this kind of scenario, gravel should be used to keep the underground posts safe.
Pergola Anchoring
Is it necessary to use an anchor for your pergola? The short answer to this is yes. Footings, of course, make the pergola structure rigid, but are they enough? No, they are not. Whether or not you are using a concrete footing, you still need to anchor your pergola.
This gives the structure maximum stability and further enhances its safety. Should you decide not to anchor your pergola, it could get toppled by a heavy wind and even injure someone. We do not want any of that now, do we? Additionally, you will have to spend more to set it up again. This can be avoided if you use pergola anchors to hold down the structure.
How is a Pergola Anchored?
You can decide to either anchor your pergola on concrete or in-ground. We will highlight some steps to follow to anchor your pergola safely. If you want to do it yourself, then it is only safe that you should check in with local authorities. Consult them if there are any underground pipes before you begin digging.
In-ground anchoring
To anchor your pergola directly to the ground, you should follow these steps:
Step One: Holes marking
Ensure a 12 inches diameter hole is dug. Make sure it is around 1/3rd of the posts deep.
Step Two: Mix your concrete
This step is easy. Get concrete bags, open them, check the directions on the package, and mix till you get wet concrete.
Step Three: Fill the holes with concrete
Fill the gaps you dug in step one to about 4 inches into the bottom. Erect one of the poles and fill it up with concrete. Do the same for the remaining poles and holes, depending on what shape you want your pergola to adopt.
On concrete anchoring
This process and in-ground anchoring are mostly alike; just a few alterations are done here. The steps to follow are:
Step One: Holes digging
Dig a 20 cm or 8-inch diameter hole, and the frost line should be 15 cm or 6 inches deep; this depends on the area.
Step Two: Tube installation
You need to install the tubes here. Insert them into the hole and cut the top off (around 6 inches above ground level). Use gravel to close up the space between the tubes and the soil.
Step Three: Concrete mixing
Prepare it the same way in the in-ground phase.
Step Four: Tube filling
The tubes should be filled with the wet concrete prepared in Step 3, and the post anchor should be placed into the wet concrete. Make sure it is level horizontally and vertically.
Step Five: Drying and bolt drills
After the concrete has dried, place a horizontal plate and drill holes suitable for the bolts under the posts.
Step Six: Bolt installation
The bolts are now ready. Please place them in the holes drilled in Step 5 and tighten them. Ensure that they are standing upright and plumb.
Time it Takes for Concrete Footings to Set?
Usually, this takes around 36 to 48 hours to set after concrete application. Hence, people can walk on it after approximately 48 hours. You can partially cure the concrete after about seven days; vehicles should be able to move on it now. Complete curing should be done around 28 days after.
Other Options for Pergola Footing
There are diverse pergola footing options available, and a few of them will be discussed below. From the possible traditional footing options that would be addressed, you can choose anyone you want. They include:
Posts inside a hole
The posts are placed inside a hole with a concrete footing beneath the crater. Since the poles are directly buried underground, they ought to be checked for ground contact.
Pyramid footing
Concrete with a pyramid shape is utilised here instead of the flat concrete used in the first option. The pyramid-shaped concrete is usually above ground, and hence anchoring is needed.
Flat footing
As the name implies, the footing is flat with the underground concrete.
How Deep Should a Pergola Footing Be?
The depth of the footing is an important thing to note during installation. Giving a specific answer to this is challenging since a couple of things can influence it. Soil type is one thing that affects how deep the footing should go.
The general rule is that you should ensure that the depth of the footing is around 1/4th the length of your pergola. If this is strictly adhered to, the footing will be rigid enough to last long. Remember to ensure that all posts have equal lengths.
Professional Pergola Installation
Now that you have good information on concrete footings and others at your disposal, you can decide which one is best for you: in-ground or on concrete. Whichever you choose, you must consider the depth and the type of anchor you need to use, as they are necessary for a proper installation.
Remember that it is best to consult a professional to handle the installation. They are in the best position to comply with building codes and building regulations and would have the necessary building permits.
