Questions? - Download the ebook "Everything you Wanted to Know about Pergolas" for answers to frequently asked questions or contact us.
ATTACHED GARDEN PERGOLA SPECIFICATIONS (PDF DOWNLOAD)
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PERMITTING FOR PERGOLAS AND PAVILIONS
Specifications have the following sections, any of which you may go to directly by clicking:
DIMENSIONS & DRAWINGS (PROVIDED PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION)
DIMENSIONS & DRAWINGS (PROVIDED PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION)
Each time we receive a Pergola order we provide you with a detailed set of drawings based on the options and sizes you have selected. Our drawings will clearly show every detail and dimension from 3 different angles. They are an excellent tool for you to double check everything and make sure everything is exactly as you'd like before we begin building it for you. Drawings are emailed within 5 business days of receiving your order, and we'll revise your drawings as much as needed to make sure all details and sizing issues are perfected prior to beginning construction.
Below are some examples of drawings sent to prior customers:




Corner posts are 5 1/2" by 5 1/2" (standard sized 6x6s) and are recessed 12" in from roof dimensions (This can be adjusted to meet your needs, just let us know).
Roof support timbers (lintels) and rafters are 1 7/8" x 5 3/4". If you prefer a different sizing or style, simply write what you would like in the comments section or contact us.
Posts normally ship 9' long. 9 posts make the top of the roof 9' and give you an 8' 4" clearance ("ceiling height") under the rafters. About 90% of our pergola customers go with the default 9' post height. If you'd like your pergola taller or shorter, just select Other Height and write in what you would like in the comments section.
The maximum roof size is 20' in either direction with a 4 post structure. The maximum span (with the standard timber sizes mentioned above) is 18' 2 1/2" on center between posts. Structures over 20' in any direction are built with an additional post to support roofs between 20 and 40 feet. For example, a 30' x 20' free standing pergola has 6 posts.
Forever Redwood Pergola kits are completely assembled in the shop prior to shipping to be certain everything fits together perfectly. All timbers are notched into one another to increase structural strength and to lock all your pergola timbers in place so they will never sag, twist or move. There are hundreds of notches in the larger pergolas. Full notching is rarely practiced because it is labor intensive, but it is one of the secrets to a long lasting, beautiful pergola.
All assembly hardware is stainless steel and included.
Pergola (Roof) Size (ft) | Approx. weight |
---|---|
10 x 10 | 705 lbs. |
10 x 12 | 795 lbs. |
10 x 14 | 885 lbs. |
10 x 15 | 930 lbs. |
10 x 16 | 975 lbs. |
10 x 18 | 1065 lbs. |
10 x 20 | 1155 lbs. |
12 x 12 | 903 lbs. |
12 x 14 | 1011 lbs. |
12 x 15 | 1065 lbs. |
12 x 16 | 1119 lbs. |
12 x 18 | 1227 lbs. |
12 x 20 | 1335 lbs. |
Pergola (Roof) Size (ft) | Approx. weight |
---|---|
14 x 14 | 1137 lbs. |
14 x 16 | 1263 lbs. |
14 x 18 | 1389 lbs. |
14 x 20 | 1515 lbs. |
15 x 15 | 1268 lbs. |
15 x 18 | 1470 lbs. |
15 x 20 | 1605 lbs. |
16 x 16 | 1407 lbs. |
16 x 18 | 1551 lbs. |
16 x 20 | 1695 lbs. |
18 x 18 | 1713 lbs. |
18 x 20 | 1875 lbs. |
20 x 20 | 2055 lbs. |
For additional long-term structural strength, we add solid timber blocking in-between the dual support timbers as shown in the drawing below. With this blocking, the dual supports are in effect converted into one solid 5 3/4 inch x 61/2 inch or 7 1/4 inch x 6 1/2 inch timber as shown below:

Assembly instructions for: Typical Assembly instructions for an average sized Attached Garden Pergolas (shown is a 22' x 14' size)
Assembly instructions for: Attached Garden Pergolas by Rafter Side - With Ledger Board
Assembly instructions for: Attached Garden Pergolas by Rafter Side - With Metal Plaques
Assembly instructions for: Attached Garden Pergolas by Support Side - With Ledger Board
Assembly instructions for: Ways To Attach Your Pergola Posts to the Ground
Our White Glove Assembly is a complete onsite assembly and anchoring service. The cost varies between 25 - 35% of your structure's overall cost and includes all materials: footings work, concrete, equipment rental if needed, and standard roofing materials if needed. Our installation teams are now available in all 50 states!
DIY: For moderately-sized structures (up to 400 sqft.), some of our customers choose to save money by doing the assembly themselves. In general, the larger the structure, the more people and time you will need: we recommend a minimum of 3 people. If you have assembly questions, just give us a call!
Care: You should expect your furniture to last outside for a minimum of 10-40 years without maintenance, even in climates with harsh year-round conditions. Because of our high quality wood, the silver patina that will naturally occur is surface deep (less than 1/64") and is not indicative of decay. We keep our display items without refinishing as examples show off their natural aging. We like the patina! If you’d like to keep your set looking its best for decades please visit: Care and Finish.