How do I stop my pergola from swaying?

2 Answers

  1. You might consider adding a 2nd screw at each end of each diagonal brace.
  2. I would put the 2nd screw at a different angle than the original (i.e. if the original lower screw is horizontal, add a 2nd screw at a 45° angle up).
  3. This may help provide some additional stiffness.





How do you stabilize a pergola to the ground?

How to Anchor a Pergola to the Ground

  1. Mark Your Holes. …
  2. Prepare the Concrete. …
  3. Pour the Concrete Into the Post Holes. …
  4. Dig Your Holes. …
  5. Install Concrete Tubes. …
  6. Prepare the Concrete. …
  7. Fill the Concrete Tubes. …
  8. Wait for the Concrete to Dry.

How do you secure a pergola joist?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I got the slats off site hit my shop using a table saw I ripped a two by six cedar. Board in half I found this to be the most cost effective way to get the slats.

Do pergolas move in the wind?

A poorly anchored pergola can be moved by high winds if there is a canopy or cover on it as this adds to the wind load the pergola could see in a storm or high winds. Secondary is to ensure long term stability to keep the pergolas shape. Wood over time can bend, bow and twist with the seasons and the frost.

How do you straighten a pergola Rafter?





You could put a row of noggins through the centre using the measurements you have at the ends of your rafters. This should straighten them enough to look ok. Make sure you put temp brace to hold the outside rafters straight while you nog and leave them on until your cross bracing on the roof is done.

How do you stiffen a pergola?

Make sure your posts are plumb in all directions, or your pergola will lean like Pisa. Add end beams. Add knee braces to the end beams and posts (knee braces are the 45-degree supports that stiffen the structure so it can’t lean).

How do you keep pergola rafters from twisting?

To keep the posts from twisting or warping (they can, especially treated posts) and to support them during construction, I screw 2-by-4 diagonal kickers. I want four of them at least 6 feet up on the post down to the middle of the sand box.

How do you weigh down a pergola?

Sandbag leg weights are another ideal budget option for use in normal weather conditions on hard ground. Sold in sets of 4, simply fill them with sand or fine pea shingle and strap them to the base of the gazebo legs for extra anchorage. Contents for sandbags not supplied.

How far can a pergola beam span without support?



Although it depends on the species and grade of wood. As per thumb rule, for a pergola beam, 2″×12″ size timber you can span it upto 20 feet, 2×10 can span upto 16 feet, 2×8 can span upto 12 feet, 2×6 can span upto 10 feet and 2×4 can span upto 6 feet.

Should you notch pergola rafters?

Mark on the board where the four support beams are located on your cross beam. You will need to notch out this area so that the board fits over the support beams.

How far apart should purlins be on pergola?

about 3” apart



Rafters are spaced about 24” apart. Purlins are spaced about 3” apart. Will the unit be attached or freestanding? Attached would allow the pergola to attach to a home or building.

How much wind can a pergola withstand?

What Strength wind can a gazebo withstand? The strength of wind your gazebo can withstand will depend on the type of gazebo, how it’s secured and its durability. Most heavy-duty gazebos can withstand wind speeds of up to 50-55 kph (31-34 mph) if properly secured.

How do you support a pergola?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But here's a quick summary dig the holes to the right depth insert the posts in the hole embrace. Them at approximately. The right location. Then build the structure.

How long should a pergola last?

With limited maintenance, expect a wood pergola to last about five years. You can improve its lifespan to 10 to 12 years with annual cleaning, staining or sealing.

Do pergolas add value to home?



Here’s what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% — 80% for your ROI.

Should you paint a pergola?

The snow, ice and cold weather can wreak havoc on the stain on wooden trellises and pergolas. Seeing exposed wood means it’s time to protect it with quality painting and staining.

Is it better to stain or paint a pergola?

Paint can peel, but penetrating oil stains, which don’t form a surface layer, cannot. Staining your pergola isn’t an option, though, since stains work only on bare wood. Plus, most of the stains on the market — especially ones that give a white look — are water-based finishes that form a film, albeit a thin one.

Should you varnish a pergola?

Sealing or staining your wood pergola can enhance the enjoyment you’ll get and maintain the natural beauty of one of your most prized patio possessions for many years.

Whats the best paint for a pergola?



For your painting a pergola quickly, the best product to use, which is easy to apply and ideal for exterior wooden surfaces, is Cabot’s Timbercolour Deck & Exterior Paint. This self-priming water based product requires no undercoat when applying onto timber, which means faster, simpler painting.