Types of Pergola Kits
Wood Pergola Kits
Wood pergolas are made with thick wood posts and beams. Weather resistant wood, such as cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine must be used to build a pergola. The components can be joined with metal fasteners, such as Simpson Strong-Tie Fasterners, or by overlapping the wood components.
Aluminum Pergola Kits
Aluminum is a perfect material for exterior projects because it is lightweight, strong, easy to fabricate, and naturally resists corrosion. The Merge Outdoors Aluminum Pergolas are made from aluminum.
Steel Pergola Kits
Steel is often used for structures such as pergolas because it is strong and can easily be fabricated into the posts, beams and other components that make a pergola. Steel components must be treated with a weather resistant coating, such as paint or powder coating.
Is a pergola a do-it-yourself project?
Yes, building a pergola can be a DIY project. It depends on the complexity of the pergola design, the type of pergola kit, and your skill level with building and assembling projects. For example, aluminum and steel pergola kits include manufactured posts, beams, and fasteners that are ready to assemble, so they will typically require fewer tools than it takes to build a wood pergola.
How large can I make my pergola?
As long as you support the beam with posts that are no more than 10’—12’, you can expand your pergola to cover a large area. The Merge Outdoors Aluminum Pergola Kits are 10’ x 10’ and can be expanded to cover larger areas by adding 10’ x 10’ two-post or three-post modular extensions.
In addition to standard square or rectangle pergola layouts (right photo), consider linking pergolas to create interesting configuations and separate areas (left photo).
What kinds of accessories can I add to customize my pergola?
Customizing your pergola might be the most fun part of installing a pergola to your backyard. There are a wide range of popular pergola accessories. The accessories that you can add depend on the model of the pergola kit you are installing. In addition, there are common solar lights or speakers that can be attached to many different types of pergola kits.
Merge pergola kits can be customized with several design options, including different frame colors, roof louvers and panels, privacy panels, corbels, curtains, lighting, televisions and more.
What is the difference between the Merge Outdoors Aluminum Pergola and the Merge Outdoors Aluminum LED Pergola?
Both kits share most of the same components and accessory options. The main difference between those kits is that the Merge Outdoors Aluminum LED Pergola features built-in LED light strips in the posts and beams. Theses lights are dimmable and can change color via a remote control.
Do I need to anchor my pergola to the ground or deck?
Yes, we recommend you anchor your pergola to its foundation. There are many factors and variable that determine how you anchor your pergola. The method you use to secure your pergola will depend on what you are anchoring it to, such as a concrete patio or deck, and the requirements established by the International Residential Code (IRC) and your local building codes such as regional wind and climate conditions. Check with your local city building code and permit office for specific requirements.
Many pergola kits include base piece (left photo) that covers the connection of the post to the foundation. Pergolas that feature wood posts are most often anchored to the foundation with structural metal brackets (right photo).
Can a pergola be installed on a deck?
Yes, you can install a pergola on a deck. You must check with your local building codes to determine the proper deck support framing and how to anchor the pergola to the deck.
Can I install my pergola on uneven ground?
If the ground elevation is not extreme - less than 2” of elevation change, then you can level most pergolas kits with the post anchors. The Merge Outdoors Aluminum Pergola Kits feature post anchor plates that can be connected to adjust for up to 2” of elevation change. If your location has greater elevation change, then you must install a foundation or footings that are level.
Can a pergola be attached to another building, such as your house?
Yes it can, but similar to anchoring your pergola to a foundation, you must follow your local building codes for attaching a structure to your home or garage. Check with your local city building code and permit office for specific requirements. It is most often recommended to not attach your pergola to another building and install it as a free standing structure that is anchored to its foundation.
How do I maintain my pergola and keep it in the best condition?
Aluminum and steel pergolas feature premium powder coated finish that is weather resistant and requires very little maintenance besides routine cleaning. Wood pergolas should be maintained like a wood deck - refinish the wood surfaces every 2-3 years as needed.
Do pergolas come prewired and do they feature electrical outlets?
Some pergola kits are prewired. For example, the Merge Outdoors Aluminum Pergola Kits with powered louvers or with LED lights feature internal wiring and a 25-ft.-long power cord. The pergola kits themselves don't have outlets, but you can add them via the Merge Power Side Panels. There are 3 power panel options - slat panels, solid panels, and herringbone panels (left photo below). These panels have an extension cord that plugs into the internal wiring of the pergola.The powered side panels feature one power outlet right in the middle of the panel (right photo below).
What are the best ways to install lights in a pergola?
The lighting you install will depend on the type of pergola you have and if you have an electrical source connected to the pergola. If you don’t have a power source, then solar-powered exterior-rated lighting is the easiest option. If you have run an electric power supply to your pergola, then you can choose from a wide range of exterior-rated light fixtures. Choose directional lighting for task lights to illuminate specific areas, such as a prep station or countertop. Choose non-directional lights, such as hanging strings of lights or LED light bars, for general ambient light. Some kits, such as the Merge Outdoors Aluminum Pergolas LED Pergola Kits (bottom photos) feature built-in LED light bars that are dimmable and can change color via a remote control.
