How to make pergola footings level with each other??

Pergola Design

I'm constructing a pergola on a brick patio.

The 4 corner posts won't be on the patio itself; I'm going to remove bricks in the corners and pour 18" concrete footings. The posts will be secured to the footings with heavy-duty angle ties.

Since the footings will be below the level of the brick, and they'll be about 12' from each other, I'm wondering how to make sure they're level with each other so that the pergola is also level?

I don't want to pull up more bricks than necessary. I know the patio itself isn't level; it's sloped to allow for proper drainage.

I hope my description isn't confusing and someone can give me some help with this.

Comments for How to make pergola footings level with each other??

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 09, 2020
Rating

Great!
by: Jason

Following this thread...great information. Thanks!
https://www.chattanoogadeckcontractors.com/

May 11, 2020
Rating

Leveling footings NEW
by: Anonymous

If you want the footings to be level, dig your holes for the footings and use forms such as the cardboard tube-type forms. If your footings are 18-inch, then get some 24- or 36-inch stakes. Drive the stakes into the center of the hole with the forms in place. Wrap a string around the perimeter, and using a couple of line levels, making a mark on each stake once the string is level all around. Then, measure the distance from the mark to the top of the form, and adjust the height of the forms using packed gravel underneath. Once the tops of the forms are level, remove the stakes and pour the footings.

Or, if the tops of the post are custom-cut, then cut the bottoms of the posts as needed to level them. ;)

Mar 31, 2013
Rating

Its a Pergola Kit
by: Anonymous

since this is a kit, the post tops are already custom cut to fit rafters and cross beams. therefore I can't cut them to height. I need to level the bases at the footings.

Mar 31, 2013
Rating

Install post and level afterwards
by: Editor-Rich Bergman

Why don't you just install the large posts to your footings and then find the correct elevation of each post at the height you would prefer and cut it.

Then use that one post height as the reference for the heights of the other three posts. You can mark the correct elevation on the other posts by either using a water level, line level, or with the help of another person a 2x6 beam held against the reference post and the post to be marked.

This method uses the base foundation elevations as they naturally occur and saves you much unneeded worry and work.

Once cut, you will be certain that each is at the identical elevation for your roof beams and trusses.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Design and Construction Forum.