Instructions / Assembly
8 | Pergola Installation Guide
Step 5 – Install Perimeter Box Beams
(Attached to Structure Method)
a) If you trimmed the width or depth of
your pergola follow items 1-4 below.
If not proceed to letter b) below.
1. Start by measuring, at the
post base, the outside to
outside of the posts as
shown in figure 5c. Write this
measurement on top of the
corresponding box beam (2x8).
2. Cut this beam ½" under
the outside to outside
post measurement.
3. Measure the outside of
post to ledger plate (already
attached to structure) for
the remaining two openings.
Write this measurement on
the top of each box beam.
4. Cut these beams 2 ½" under
this measurement.
b) Using the step bit, drill two large
holes in the top of each beam end
according to figure 5b. These holes
will be covered later. DO NOT drill
holes on the side of the beam
that attaches to the structure.
c) Install the rafter hanger on the
ledger plate for each of the box
beams attaching to your structure.
NOTE: Necessary fasteners for
ledger plate attachment are NOT
provided in kit. Requirements
determined by structure.
d) Using a helper, lift and set the
beams into your posts and
hangers ensuring to lap the
beams as per figure 5c.
e) Using your driver extension fasten
the beam to the Post Top Plate
using the fasteners provided.
f) Set the beam attachment bracket
in the inside corner of each
beam intersection (Figure 5b).
g) Using a driver extension and
the pre-drilled holes in the post,
attach each bracket to box beam
with fasteners labeled "beam
attachment bracket" You DO
NOT need to fill every hole on the
bracket, four per side is sufficient.
h) Insert the post cap into each
post. This cap should sit ¼" below
the top edge of the post.
i) Fasten the post cap to the
top of the box beams with
fasteners labeled "post cap."
j) Install
5
⁄
8
" plugs into the holes
on the side of the post.
k) Fasten outside beams to rafter
hanger using fasteners labeled
"rafter hanger to rafter." DO
NOT put a screw in the top
hole on the inside of the box
beam as it will interfere with the
outside purlin holder in step 7.
l) Repeat this step for each
beam and post connection.
Ledger Plate
Structure
7" sq. Post
2"x8" Box Beam
2"x8" Box Beam
2"x8" Box Beam
Measure Outside of Post to Ledger Plate
Measure Outside to Outside at Post Base
Figure 5c