I'd suspect improper flashing at the point of connection between the pergola and house, possibly coupled with improper flashing of the door. Who is the manufacture? When installed correctly they have a 90mph to 110mph wind rating, we can get to 60mph gusts here in the desert. The price is definitely right though and it is nice-looking. If so could you E mail it to me? I am also looking for the installation manual did anyone who installed it keep a copy that could be emailed to me? So, is there any building material that can be used to create a similar structure that doesn't have the downsides of upkeep and termite-susceptibility that wood has? You need to do some deconstruction and play around with a water hose on a dry day in order to find out the exact infiltraton point, and why it's coming in. I realize this thread is old but here goes anyway. That is the problem that needs to be addressed, or it can rot out your house behind the walls. As a DIYer, I think building one yourself is not a bad idea. Letting it dry out first also helped with the painting (new PTL can't be painted because it's too "wet"). NV. As far as the house connection, when I built the garage I preinstalled a 10" Azek board (see "before" photo in my first post) and when it came time to build the pergola I installed a 2X ledger for the cross pieces to bear on. We've had bad experiences with wood in the past, probably because life gets too busy to maintain it the right way. Frankly a freestander is quite a bit of work for a DIY. Any help would be hugely appreciated. It went into effect this spring. They got an unlicensed contractor to install a small 10 x 12 on deck and it blew over a couple months later. Everyone likes it. For all the cross pieces I prepainted them before assembly to avoid time on a ladder. A properly built pergola and deck and door will not ever have water coming through into the house. We now have tons of screws and bolts and have no clue how this goes together. Does anyone have a sense of how much weight these light aluminum beams can bear without buckling? How are they quality-wise and otherwise? I'm also interested in the Costco Pergola. In any event, I saw a Pergola (patio cover) that they are selling there. There is a company out of Cali that sells kits on the net and will provide an engineering report for permits, but I don't remember the name or if they supply a freestanding unit. See their website for ideas, but I don't believe they sell to the public. After that's fixed, if you still want a covered gathering spot, I'd suggest lexan sheets as that will still allow light in as you originally wanted. And the best of luck with your project! Even those pieces had knots and checks so I used Minwaxws wood filler (2 part system) to fill all that stuff in. It didn't have stakes into the floor, but I did notice that the "feet" were not moving - it wobbling up by the roof. Still not sure about covering the entire deck vs. half the deck. The only way it will be totally sturdy is install L brackets to hold the square footing and pillar together. Something to consider. Good luck. bamboo flooring anyone use costco Strand Woven Bamboo by Wellmade? " It *looks* like wood, but once you touch it, it's very obviously painted metal with a faux (weathered) finish). This pergola cannot be permanently staked or attached to concret floor or platform" Costco at that point would not refund or adjust the purchase, so it's use it or throw it away. Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11169519, I have seen that pergola on display at Costco here in Vegas. The coast environment is a terrible place to have bamboo. Hope this helps. However, it still sways a little during strong winds or when someone is pushing on one of the pillars with full force. You really need to live in an area with constant 30-60% humidity, like Portland. Everything is screwed together, countersunk and filled in with the wood filler (I thought that one pergola you have in an "idea book" with the exposed metal hangers looked horrible because of that!) BUT to meet building code here, the freestanding style must be steel reinforced and posts set into concrete footer holes for wind load of 90mph. It's hard to imagine that you can find marine-grade stainless steel hardware and natural granite stone easily around here. Kind of a distressed tan color. So, it has been YEARS since this post was active. the "joiner sleeve" is called a splice. Install on level ground. How about the manufacturer's name? You can buy a BBQ and return it 2 years later simply because you didnt like it. The coated aluminum products are great for longevity. And since they charge over $11 a sq. they just need hosed to keep clean. It will be subject to wind damage if modified with additional weight. I think it measured 12x14. Not good. This project also had another part where the connection to the garage was a little bit different so I'll point that out not knowing your set up. material for a pergola: cypress or pressure treated lumber. They have a really nice Tuscan Style 10 X 12 Aluminum pergola for $599.00. This is another fantastic pergola from Costco, http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11160592, Never see anything as beautiful as this one before, Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11160592. I would never recommend adding anything to the top ( ie lattice) or hanging plants on that structure. Thanks :o). Before: After: Connection closeup of trellis: It was a lot of work getting the PTL to the proper shape but at $3K savings over cedar I was motivated. We have this pergola but we dismantled and moved without saving the assembly instructions. Our code here in some areas of S. NV (not all areas) says that less than 120 sq ft of cover doesnt need a permit. If you put it within 5 ft of the water portion of your pool, it will have to be grounded. That one is quite a bit more money than the other one though - might as well get one built in for that price! For the price though, it's very nice-looking. For the record, I own the costco/wellmade version and live in Portland. It's 8' to the top of the 2X10 beam (same as to the bottom of cross pieces). Getting above 70% humidity will cause buckling due to the swelling of the wood. You may be able to install a small 10' x 10' without footers. Hope this helps some. Please keep us posted and anymore questions, just ask. DH is about to install one this week, almost $15k in cost. If you pushed it with your finger, it swayed quite a bit. I thought the Costco one was too light weight for our winds, but if properly anchored and not exposed to too much wind, it would be ok. After opening the boxes and doing the inventory, I found the following statement in the directions: "For outdoor use only. Thanks so much in advance. We purchased one of these with the intent of installing it on a concret patio and kept it in storage for over 3 months before installing it. I guess I need to keep an open mind. So many manuels are now downloadable. gcz1969 I was wondering if you still had the manual for the Costco pergola? It looked like a powder coated aluminum which wont fade or rot. As near as I could tell from looking at the one at Costco, the top beams seem to come in two halves with a "joiner sleeve" in the middle. Does anyone still have them they can email to me or know the company that made this. Incase no one responds with the directions.try calling the manufacturer or look it up online. Push on it - the one at my store at least feels very wobbly. Covering the deck won't address that pergola house connection and may exacerbate the problem. We are having our pool remodeled. Actually since my last post, Costco has added a HUGE coupon of $600.00 to this pergola. Any further thoughts about a superior non-wood material for building a stronger pergola? Right now, the square footings are screwed to the pillars on the underside of the footing. Have jun with your project. When we build similar structures, it must be centered over a post to meet 90 mph wind load for building code in So. Whats yours? Any clues? On the box is says that it comes with stakes, so maybe becuase they didn't install it with stakes, that's why it's wobbly? Snookums - wish I could. 10 Fantastic Benefits of Owning a Swimming Pool, Pool company can't get plaster and summer almost over. This is the cause of the minimum swaying. It looked quite good in person. Mrs. Architectrunnerguy really likes it too but calls it our $80,000 moongate and pergola because it took me so long! Never fade or rot or need painted. The one the OP referred to was only $699. I saw it at the Mission Viejo Costco on Cabot (it might be Laguna Niguel actually). Barb. Glad to hear the motorized awning has worked so well for you for so long! But it was a project I was kinda sad to see completed. After assembly, I found it to be so weak it would sway with the slightest touch or breeze. The water infiltration problem isn't originating in a lack of cover for the deck. That is huge. The road to successful design is paved with disaster stories. The clear cedar for the gate and pickets alone ran around $700! Does anyone have their email address.I bought the Costco Pergola installed it over a concrete patio with concrete anchor bolts and brackets to the house facia. These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable, So you think DIY remodeling is going to be fun? There's been no warping but I let everything dry out all clamped together. It seemed quite sturdy and had holes in the base "feet" so you could anchor.I found it on their online catalog, but the picture isn't great. Thanks for the compliment. (I saw that they are selling a couple of cedar wood pergolas on their website, but they cost about 5 times as much as the white ones). The whole thing sways a lot less when all four pillars are anchored. However, I have some concerns about the capacity of its aluminum top-beams to bear weight. ft for the product and another $4 a sq to install, that is no bargain. Specs - 36' wide x 16' projection 4 footers 36" cubed which will have steel posts set in concrete. Does it look flimsy or solid (assuming that properly installed, it wouldn't wobble? I installed this pergola on an exising concrete pad in my backyard yesterday (03/18/07). Here is one homeowner's list of what you may be getting yourself into, We asked you to tell us your top kitchen amenities. Hi PB You may be able to buy the coated aluminum product in your area of the US. Put on Houzz a while back and got over 240 likes: [https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-give-your-driveway-and-front-walk-more-curb-appeal-stsetivw-vs~24094147[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-give-your-driveway-and-front-walk-more-curb-appeal-stsetivw-vs~24094147) Scroll down to the 12th post. PTL lumber is not meant for finish stuff and the typical stack of the stuff has a lot of beat up pieces. I have tied the corner posts to guy wires to try to keep it from moving in the wind. Top is all 3" x 8" headers and rafters with 3" x 3" lattice tubes. We use Amerimaxbp.com products. I'd check it out at a few stores before deciding for sure. For the low price I would go for it. We got a call from the landscaper who said we were so right. it needed footers. Costco just started a new return policy, at least on electronics (not sure if its on everything), its 90 days. Ha! It is great for the price, but consider it like an umbrella. I would not recommend this product to anyone. These would both support some vines and would provide additional shade. See what popular kitchen features made the list, A landscaper transforms his apartment buildings rooftop into a lush retreat where he and his friends relax and sometimes take in a movie, From a custom mural to a solid concrete slab built to look like tiles, these outdoor rooms dont overlook the details or comfort, Challenging weather is no match for this family's tough but elegant-looking outdoor space, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11169519, The Good House: An Experience to Remember, See a Soothing Backyard Bathhouse Born From a Salvaged Tub, Case Study: 8 Tips for Planning a Backyard From Scratch, 15 Remodeling Uh-Oh Moments to Learn From, 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers, 8 Lessons on Renovating a House from Someone Who's Living It, Sit Back and Enjoy the View From This Brooklyn Rooftop Garden, Get the Details That Brought These 15 Patios to Life, Patio Details: A Modern Pergola Stands Up to Nebraskas Climate. Not ever. One of my goals is to place 4'x8' vinyl lattice panels on the top. Try BJ's. It's $60/gallon but I only needed one! Cal., no??). Does anyone have any experience with these? Haven't done anything to it in the four years it's been built except for one power washing last year. Entry/Exit to detached garage, enough space for door location? The price is great and maybe some bigger screws would stabilize it more. Thank You, I purchased this Costco Pergola a while back and had to take it down and now want to put it back up but we have lost the instructions on how to build it. I'm also seeing that you can get manual crank awnings so if I'm spooked about the motor, it doesn't mean a retractable awning wouldn't be a good fit. I like it and honestly you can't buy the materials alone for the price. Never know if they just did a half-a#@ job putting themtogether for display, though.We saw one on display at Sears that was also the faux woodlooking aluminum but was a bit smaller (8' x 10') and had apretty neat sliding shape that could be pulled down oppositesides. Now you can get it for $1,999.99; while this pergola was retailed at $3,999.99 before. I was planning to call around to some of the other stores to see if anyone has one up. We walked away from a small freestander a few years ago because the homeowner didn't want to rip into their pool deck for footers. I was in Costco today for the first time in a long while (and yes, that cube thing does look dangerous!!). I had a big blank wall and built a trellis and the connection there was under an eave. As of writing this, it is 75% humidity in Newport. First I would research your building codes to see what is required, then search the internet for the products. It is pretty sturdy but I will have to wait on the high seasonal winds to see how it fairs.Hope this helps.BTW Costco no longer offers this pergola. The cedar is the gate and the pickets. Barb. It's possible that the screws weren't in tightly or something, but I don't know. Pergola with retractable canopy for back deck - need advice! It invites meaningful experiences and connections, Creative thinking and DIY skills give a Portland couple a pergola-covered 'hot tub' under the stars, Turn a blank-slate backyard into a fun and comfy outdoor room with these ideas from a completely overhauled Phoenix patio. One of the hardest parts of the whole job was picking out the best pieces from the stack. I sanded everything well but even then it's not as smooth as the cedar as PTL always has a little texture to it but the difference is hardly noticeable. The stated specs for humidity can be found on the manufactures website.. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. The idea of not having to worry about termites and special maintenance to keep a wood structure in good shape is very appealing. A pergola that covers the full deck is going to force us to move and rewire some light fixtures, though, which would be a pain A home that enriches us is more than something we own. However they only sell set sizes and they must be attached to the house, not freestanding structures. Does anyone have a copy they'd be willing to share? They didn't have it on display at the Costco I went to. It is without doubt the worst purchase we ever made at Costco. Something else is going on here. We just recently purchased the last one at the Costco in Northridge California.Since it was the display model the assembly instructions are long gone.Does anyone still have the instructions.Thanks in advance. The 6x6's weigh about 100 pounds each but we found 11 that were very good. HOWEVER we pull permits on all projects and engineering requires footers for any size. This is imported premium shorea, which is much denser and tougher than teak and cedar, and does not have knots at all. Where did you see it (you're in So. And as I mentioned above I used Sherwin Williams "Duration", a higher end, thicker paint that tended to "fills things in" better. We also saw the pergola at our Costco here looked nice butit too was wobbly and the top cross-beam was sagging quite abit. It will not last long since we have a lot of wind here in Southern Arizona. Husband is in the contracting business and installs the Alumawood type patio covers and pergolas all the time. I got the manual from the manufacturer if you still need it I can email it to you! I'm worried that the vinyl panels, vines, and hanging baskets might weigh them down too much. I anchored it to the concrete using four wedge concrete anchors per pillar. So I know the coast well. Suggestions?? Hi Jenn: Yes, I used PTL for the posts (6x6x10'), beam(2x10 each side) and the crosspieces (2X10's 16" apart. It is made out of aluminum and is white. The grout was just installed today a. wind broke my umbrella pole at the base IN pool. I saw that at Costco. Also, I want to hang baskets from these top-beams with fuchsias and other plants growing in them. I want to add a cover on my existing pergola. However, you won't be able to find the wood of this pergola in the U.S. Also see Metals USA, they do sell to Home Depot here in Vegas. I feel like I can make a pergola canopy or retractable awning work for my needs right now without diving into the screened in porch territory, though we might go that route someday. Here is a link that might be useful: Sears pergola. It was fun after sitting on by butt all day to go out and "putter" with it a while. Really nice for the $$$$. Now that I step back and look at that picture of the rear of the house, I can see that the deck center rail doesn't line up with the middle of the four windows into the living room, so cutting the deck in half might look kind of lopsided where it joins the house and splits the windows unevenly. And I was thinking of this project when I wrote number 17 here: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3285825/what-makes-a-house-have-good-design?n=39 Scroll down to the 23rd post there. Thanks, airborne 101, for your great education about it not being a good idea to top-load this type of pergola. But there's good pieces in every pile.