Pergola Options

Anchoring Your Pergola

All pergolas posts should be attached to the ground. If your set will be attached to an existing deck/patio/concrete slab, you can use metal "Simpson Ties" anchors from the local hardware store. Or, purchase our anchoring kit, which includes everything you need for $125: the metal anchors, lag bolts to attach the posts to the metal anchors, the anchor bolts to attach to the concrete, plus wood trim pieces and the deck screws to attach the trim to the base of the posts to cover the metal for a finished look. Click on the image at left for anchor kit photos and ordering instructions. If attaching to a wood deck, please let us know so we send lag bolts for the wood deck instead of anchor bolts for concrete or stone (make selection at checkout).

If you are building over undeveloped ground, you can do it in one of two ways:

1. Dig 30" deep x 8" diameter holes with a post hole digger. Add cardboard Sono tubing and some rebar, then pour concrete (in snow areas go below the frost line). Attach metal anchors at the top of the concrete pour (to keep the posts out of the weather, pour the concrete about two inches above ground level) and, after drying, bolt the pergola posts to the tie. If you order the anchoring kit, the trim pieces will hide the metal ties at the base of the posts.
2. If you order your pergola in our Mature Redwood (20-year decay warranty) or Old-Growth Redwood (30-year decay warranty), you can order your posts 12"L and bury them directly in the ground with concrete and some rebar. This is structurally stronger than attaching at ground level, but placing pergola posts underground is not recommended if ordering in Redwood or Douglas-fir, both of which will decay within 12 years in constant contact with the soil. The Mature and Old-Growth Redwood will be fine underground for decades. (Learn more about our wood grades.)

If you order the anchoring kit, you don't need anything from the hardware store if you are attaching to an existing deck. If going underground, just add the concrete and a bit of rebar.

Read more in our FAQ, including the best grade of wood to choose for your climate.

Lattice Privacy Panels

You can add privacy panels to your pergola for a small additional charge; see drawing at right. The lattice is 1 3/4"W slats with 1 3/4"W holes. There are several options in configuring the panels:

• The panels are 48"H each. We can make them a different height if you require—please note that taller panels will require two stacked on top of each other, increasing the price. We'll contact you with a quote.
• The panel(s) will be made long enough to fit between the posts (up to a 16' distance). You'll have the option of adding 1, 2, or 3 panels and choosing the long or short side(s), where applicable.
• When you order the panel(s), please write in the provided comment box during checkout at what height from the ground you'd like the top of the panel(s) to be—we'll drill installation holes in the posts to achieve the height you specify. If no height is specified, we'll ship your posts without the holes so you can determine at installation.
• You can also choose whether you'd like the lattice going vertical-horizontal or diagonal (same cost).

Pergola Questions?

Have questions about our pergolas? Need to know about customization options? See our Pergola FAQs.

2-Post Pergola Dimensions

Posts are 4x4's while rafters are 2x6's. Roof slats are placed 12" on center by default (as opposed to 18" with our other pergolas). Posts can be ordered 8' long for above-ground installation or 11' for underground installation.

Pergola Finishing Options

All of our pergolas are fully planed, pre-cut, routered, notched, all holes are pre-drilled, and every timber finely sanded. After sanding, there are different finishing options you can choose from:

• We can seal each timber with our premium sealant, which has UV protection that helps keep the surface color of the pergola looking supple and beautiful for several years.
• If you are planning to add another stain or sealant, just order your pergola "unfinished."
• Do you want to paint your pergola to match your house? We’ll add 2 coats of oil-based primer to all the timbers so all you have to do is add one coat of color. Choose the primer option that best suits your needs during checkout: if you plan to paint a dark color, order the gray primer, or if painting a light color, order the off-white primer.

Wood Grade Options

Old-Growth Redwood 30-Year Warranty

Mature Redwood 20-Year Warranty

Redwood 15-Year Warranty

Mosaic Eco-Wood 10-Year Warranty

Douglas-fir 8-Year Warranty

Wood Samples: If you'd like to experience the quality of our wood before placing a furniture order—or if you'd like to see first-hand the difference between our five grades of wood—we offer a set of wood samples. For $10 we'll expedite your samples anywhere in the U.S. or Canada (includes HI and AK). The purchase price will be refunded on your first furniture order.

Wood Samples - U.S. and Canada (price includes shipping) - $10

Finish Options

Your furniture can be finished in one of five ways (select during checkout):

• Premium Sealant

  If you want to keep the natural wood tones with a translucent Alkyd oil based product. This finish will hold the surface color for an average of 4 years.

• Unfinished

  Lets you apply your own stain, or let the wood fade to a "weathered look" in a few months.

• Off-White Oil-Based Primer

  If you're going to paint in a light color. (We apply two coats.)

• Gray Oil-Based Primer

  If you're going to paint in a darker color. (We apply two coats.)

• Wax Finish

  If you plan to use your furniture indoors and would like to keep it looking great without sealant or paint.
• Learn more about our finish options and how to care for your Forever Redwood furniture.