Custom Wooden Fat Timber Pergola
There’s nothing quite like our Custom Wooden Fat Timber Pergola, and we’re not ashamed to say so. They are versatile, elegant, sturdy, and intricately made by hand. But, what makes them amazing is that we can build them in any shape or size and that we use MASSIVE timbers of the highest quality wood. You can browse our diverse selection and customize each and every one to fit your specific requirements. We will not only design and build, but we will also install your kit anywhere in the Continental U.S.
NEW OPTION: By popular demand, Forever Redwood is now working with 2 Retractable Shade Canopy companies. More information at this link.
Click Photos Below for pricing and options:
The fat timber pergolas can be built with 8x8, 10x10 or even 12x12 posts with the roof timbers upgraded to match the size of the posts you select. We will design with you, build and install any of our pergolas anywhere in the Continental U.S. They are made from the highest quality wood available anywhere and built with massive timbers that will last a lifttime. Give us a clue as to what you want by emailing or calling and we will walk you thru the process of building your ideal shade structure from A to Z.
- Choose an Arched or a Lattice Roof or an Attached or Freestanding or a Garden, Cherry Hill, Fan, Retractable or a Custom design all your own. Yes, you can have your Pergola in any size, style or shape.
- We can build complete kits including wood posts or you can use masonry columns and have us make the roof only.
- We make designing your Pergola kit a snap. Just let us know what you are thinking by email or by phone and we'll answer any questions to quickly help you get the details fine tuned.
- Detailed Drawings of your order are emailed within 3 business days. You can change any detail or dimension to ensure your pergola will work perfectly for you.
- Tailor your custom Pergola kit with shading options, privacy screens, custom stains, paddle fan bases, electrical trim kits and more (see More Options).
- Our Materials are guaranteed to last decades. Redwood outlasts teak and cedar. We use oversized timbers, Stainless Steel hardware and the best weather resistant sealant.
- All joints are notched so your pergola will never sag, warp, twist, or shrink. Each timber is finely sanded to a smooth to the touch feel.
- Forever Redwood ensures that your Fat Timber Custom Pergola will last for decades with a warranty of up to thirty years.
Questions? - Download our Pergola Booklet, Everything you Wanted to Know about Pergolas, for answers to frequently asked questions or please contact our Pergola Advisor. Thank you!
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PERMITTING FOR PERGOLAS AND PAVILIONS
Specifications has the following sections, any of which you may go to directly by clicking on it:
DIMENSIONS & DRAWINGS (PROVIDED PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION)
DIMENSIONS, DRAWINGS, DESIGN & SPECIFICATIONS
When we receive any Pergola order, we will provide you with a detailed set of drawings based on the options and sizes chosen. The drawings will clearly show all the details and dimensions from 3 different angles. They are an excellent tool for you to double check everything to be sure it is exactly as you'd like before it is built. Drawings are emailed within 3 business days and we'll revise your drawings 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:
20 x 16 Custom Wooden Fat Timber Pergola:
Each post have an electrical wiring trim of 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" where the yellow arrows point
Blocking between supports and rafters is 8 1/2" x 2 3/4", add one board flush with the top, and one board at the bottom as shown:
All posts supports and rafters will have a 1 3/4" holes for the conduit
Lights: (12 lights) Bottom blocking with a 1/2" diameter hole to pass the wires
Roof support timbers (lintels) and rafters are 1 7/8" x 5 3/4". If you prefer a different sizing or style 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' also 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 pergolas 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 included and is stainless steel.
Assembly Instructions for: Attached Garden Pergola With Metal Plaques
Assembly Instructions for: Attached Garden Pergola With Ledger Board
Assembly Instructions for: Attached Arched Pergola With Metal Plaques
Assembly Instructions for: Example Assembly Instructions for an Attached Arched Pergola
Assembly Instructions for: How to Anchor Your Pergola
All You Need is a Few Tools and a Friend
Assembly is best done by two people and usually takes about half a day to a day, depending on size. Pergolas need a ratchet wrench, a hammer and a ladder to put them together. In some cases you might need a drill to attach the posts into concrete. As with all our products, we preassemble pergolas in our shop to ensure everything fits together. All hardware is included and all parts are clearly labeled before it is shipped. We also include detailed step-by-step instructions.
Take a look at our assembly instructions below for specific details. If you plan to pour concrete to hold the posts, the project will require an additional half day prior to assembly. Please do the concrete pour a few days prior to assembly to allow the concrete to cure.
Installation Help
Special talent is not required to re-assemble our pergolas. But, if you would like help, just let us know. We have our own team for installations in California, Nevada and Southern Arizona and a network of local contractors we recommend for farther afield.
Care: Your Forever Redwood Furniture will last for decades in year-round weather without maintenance.
Depending on the wood grade you choose, even with harsh year-round outdoor conditions, you can expect your furniture to last from ten to forty years without maintenance of any kind.
Being outside year round is rough on any woods finish. The surface absorbs UV rays, pollution, constant variations in moisture and temperature and it also oxidizes. This is why most wood just doesnt hold up and the surface color slowly changes towards a silver patina over the years. But, with Forever Redwood, you dont have to worry. The silver patina is surface deep only (less than 1/64") and is not indicative of decay. Your set will last decades and is not compromised in any way by the surface color change. For example, we keep our display items as is without refinishing to show off this natural aging (we like the patina!).
Although Forever Redwood is maintenance-free, we recommended you take a few minutes as needed to clean by either hosing down and/or brushing/dusting away accumulated debris (no soap or chemicals needed). If youd like to keep your set looking its best for decades, please go to: Care and Finish
Keep the colors looking vibrant for decades
A quick power washing every 5 to 10 years clears away the accumulated grim, UV surface burning and the old sealant in a few minutes. When power washing be careful not to spray close to the surface or you may cut into the grain of the wood. Once dry, go over any rough spots to smooth out and ready for sealing. Youll need $2 and 10 minutes to do it. Pick up 2 sheets of sandpaper (one 100 grit and one 220 grit). Go over the spots with 100 grit for ten strokes or so and dust off. Then do the same with the fine 220 grit. Redwood sands easily. Dust off and youre ready for sealing.
For best results, sand in the direction of the grain (same direction of the growth lines in the wood). For example, on a picnic tabletop, sand in the lengthwise direction of the boards. After sanding, choose any stain/sealant you like. Redwood takes well to most.
