A louvered pergola is a roof on four posts. In wind, the roof pulls up on those posts. The anchoring is what keeps it on the ground, and every maker's wind rating assumes you did it their way.
On a concrete slab
Most kits ship with a steel base plate on each post and expansion bolts. You drill into the slab and bolt the plates down. This works on a sound slab at least 4 in thick. Thin or cracked concrete does not hold bolts well.
On footings
On a lawn or pavers, pour a concrete footing under each post. Depth depends on your frost line, which runs from a few inches in the South to several feet up North. Your building department can tell you yours.
On a wooden deck
Bolting into deck boards alone does not hold. The posts need to land on joists or blocking, or better, on footings below the deck. Many makers say their wind rating does not apply on a deck. Check the manual before you buy.
On pavers or gravel
Not enough. Pavers lift with the post. Pour footings or a pad first.
Assembly tips
- Most kits weigh 250 to 650 lb. Plan two to four people.
- Square the frame before you tighten any anchor: measure both diagonals, they should match.
- Level the posts. A frame out of level makes the louvers bind.
- Some makers, like Mirador on the 111DA, tie their top ratings to professional installation.
Read more about what the ratings mean in pergola wind ratings explained.
