Installation Information

These instructions provide you with step by step instructions for your outdoor do-it-yourself pergola kit (Big Kahuna, Big Kahuna PLUS, Sombrero, Melbourne, Fedora, Brim, and Visor style pergola kits) or planter box kit. Read the complete pergola installation instructions for the pergola kit or your planter kit you purchased before beginning so you can get a feel for what you’ll be doing. You can also view our helpful pergola installation videos that will take you through the entire pergola building process from start to finish. If you take your time and follow these instructions, you can build the pergola yourself. We have faith in you! If you decide to have your pergola kit professionally installed, you can check our Pergola Installer Directory to see if there is an installation contractor available in your area. If there isn’t one listed in your area, or doesn’t meet your project requirements, you can consider finding a local handyman or landscape contractor in your area.

If you have any questions about our do-it-yourself pergola kits or our cedar planter box kits, we’re only an email or phone call away. Call: 1-877-563-0002 or email us at: info@pergoladepot.com

Pergola Installation Instructions

Cedar Box Kit Assembly Instructions


The Big Kahuna Assembly Instructions

The Big Kahuna Pergola Kit

We have been in the business of constructing pergolas for years, and have perfected this design to make it a strong and lasting pergola that will stand the test of time for years to come. The Big Kahuna Pergola Kit is our signature pergola kit, combining strength, style and maximum coverage. Using 6×6 posts, 2×8 double beams, 2×8 rafters (every 12 inches) and 2×2 top slats (every 6 inches). Standard sizes 8×8 to 20×20. Custom sizes available.

If you are installing this kit on a concrete patio or on top of concrete footers, we advise that you use 6X6 galvanized steel post bases on each post secured with 5/8″ concrete anchors, which can be purchased from us or your local hardware store. You will need some additional tools for this. There are instructions and videos on how to install them included here, or watch our videos on our Youtube channel.

Big Kahuna Freestanding Pergola Kit Installation Instructions

Big Kahuna Attached Pergola Kit Installation Instructions


The Big Kahuna PLUS Covered Pergola Kit Assembly Instructions

The Big Kahuna PLUS Covered Pergola Kit

Our Big Kahuna PLUS Covered Roof pergola kits are designed like our standard Big Kahuna pergola kits to withstand high winds and elements, but engineered to accommodate metal roofing for maximum protection from the elements. Offered in standard sizes 10×10 up to 20×20 as well as custom pergola sizes in freestanding and attached, the attached pergola kits also include a ledger board and attachment hardware. This kit includes all materials required to assemble your roofed pergola, including metal roofing offered in a variety of colors + installation hardware. Like all of our pergola kits, all lumber is pre-cut, pre-drilled and marked for easy assembly.

MasterRib roofing panels can be ordered with the Big Kahuna™ PLUS Covered Pergola Kit to complete your covered pergola. Metal roofing option includes appropriate number and length of roofing panels to suit size of pergola, plus 1 ½” roofing screws, side lap Butyl tape sealant and Lap Tek screws, and for PT Pine kits an adhesive barrier for application between wood and metal roofing.

Big Kahuna PLUS Freestanding Pergola Kit

Big Kahuna PLUS Attached Pergola Kit

MasterRib metal roofing manufacturer information, including MasterRib Manufacturer Instructions


The Big Kahuna Timber Frame Pergola Kit Assembly Instructions

The Big Kahuna Timber Frame Pergola Kit

Our Big Kahuna Timber Frame pergola kits are a classic timber frame pergola design, built for style and engineered for extreme weather conditions. Designed using mortise and tenon cuts and traditional woodworking techniques, this high-quality pergola will provide elegance and durability for your backyard project. Engineered to withstand 175 MPH wind gusts. With rafters on 24-inch centers and top slats on 12-inch centers, any size you choose will provide ample sun coverage. Freestanding or attached choices available in standard sizes 10×10 up to 16×16 and custom sizes. Like all of our pergola kits, all lumber is pre-cut, pre-drilled and marked for easy assembly.

Big Kahuna Timber Frame Pergola Kit

Big Kahuna Timber Frame Attached Pergola Kit


The Big Kahuna Solar Ready Assembly Instructions

The Big Kahuna Solar Ready Pergola Kit

Our Big Kahuna Solar Ready pergola kits (Big Kahuna SRP) are designed like our standard Big Kahuna pergola kits to withstand high winds and elements, but engineered to accommodate solar panel mounting including bearing boards and post reinforcement boards. Offered in 90+ standard sizes as well as custom pergola sizes in freestanding and attached, the attached pergola kits also include a ledger board and attachment hardware. This kit includes all materials required to assemble your solar ready pergola, but does not include solar panels, racks, or other solar related equipment. Like all of our pergola kits, all lumber is pre-cut, pre-drilled and marked for easy assembly.

Big Kahuna SRP Freestanding Pergola Kit

Big Kahuna SRP Attached Pergola Kit

The Sombrero Assembly Instructions

The Sombrero Pergola Kit

The Sombrero pergola kit shares a solid design and quality construction with our signature Big Kahuna pergola kit, with half the rafters and top slats as the Big Kahuna, making for a high quality kit that captures the open feel of the outdoors at an even more affordable price point. Like the Big Kahuna, the Sombrero is offered in both freestanding and attached versions, with 90 standard sizes ranging from 8×8 to 20×20, and comes standard with 6×6 posts, double 2×8 beams, 2×8 notched rafters, 2×2 top slats and stainless steel hardware. The rafters are placed on 24 inch centers and the top slats on 12 inch centers, creating a more exposed feel than the Big Kahuna, but with more coverage than a lot of other pergolas on the market. The Sombrero is a great choice to help you create your outdoor space. Custom pergola kits are available.

If you are installing this kit on a concrete patio or on top of concrete footers, we advise that you use 6X6 galvanized steel post bases on each post secured with 5/8″ concrete anchors, which can be purchased from us or your local hardware store. You will need some additional tools for this. There are instructions and videos on how to install them included here, or watch our videos on our Youtube channel.

Freestanding Sombrero Pergola Kit

Attached Sombrero Pergola Kit


The Fedora Assembly Instructions

The Fedora Pergola Kit

Like the timeless hat, our Fedora Pergola Kit is simple and stylish. We have upgraded the standard design to include 2×8 rafters, 2×8 beams and beefy 6×6 posts, and now offer 90 standard sizes ranging from 8×8 to 20×20 in freestanding and attached versions. The Fedora pergola kit comes standard with 6×6 posts, double 2×8 beams, 2×8 rafters, 2×2 top slats and stainless steel hardware. The rafters are un-notched and configured in 3 sets of 2 for sizes 8×8 to 15×15, or 4 sets of 2 for larger sizes. All standard sizes with rafters 8′-15′ include 8 top slats. All standard sizes with rafters 16′-20′ include 10 top slats. The Fedora pergola is the perfect choice if you’re looking to frame an outdoor patio with style and create an open feel that still allows some sunlight and breeze to float through. Custom sizes available.

Freestanding Fedora Pergola Kit

Attached Fedora Pergola Kit

If you are installing this kit on a concrete patio or on top of concrete footers, we advise that you use 6X6 galvanized steel post bases on each post secured with 5/8″ concrete anchors, which can be purchased from us or your local hardware store. You will need some additional tools for this. There are instructions and videos on how to install them included here, or watch our videos on our Youtube channel.


The Brim Assembly Instructions

The Brim Pergola Kit

The Brim pergola walkaway trellis kit makes a perfect border pergola when installed between the edge of a deck and garden, or used as a trellis over a walkway.

A beautiful trellis like structure, perfect for the edge of a garden, patio or deck.  Standard sizes 8 to 20 feet. Custom sizes available.

Brim Pergola Kit Installation Instructions


The Visor Assembly Instructions

The Visor Pergola Kit

The Visor pergola kit is a perfect wood awning for that big empty wall above a slider, window, French door, or even a garage door.

Our pergola style awning, enhances the look of your windows and door openings. Standard sizes from 6 to 20 feet, using 2×8 double beams, 2×6 rafters and 2×2 top slats. Custom sizes available.

Visor Pergola Kit Installation Instructions


The Cedar Planter Box Assembly Instructions

The Cedar Planter Box Kit

The Pergola Depot Cedar Planter Box Kit is made from 100% Western Red Cedar. The cedar is planed for a smooth finish on all sides and includes natural knotting and grain. This makes for a beautiful natural box with a rustic look that can be used for planting flowers and vegetables, storing firewood or a variety of other uses. We use notched 2×4 sides, 2×4 legs, 1×2 floor boards and 2×4 floor supports to allow for super sturdy box and an adjustable floor height. The floor boards are designed to fit loosely inside the box, to allow for drainage. Floor boards and supports are not planed. The cedar box comes unfinished. We recommend using a light stain to preserve the natural beauty of the cedar. Assembly is made easy with notched corners and star head stainless steel screws. Our Cedar Box kits arrive pre-cut and ready to assemble with step-by-step instructions.

Offered in 3 standard sizes Small, Medium, and Large.

Cedar Planter Box Kit Installation Instructions


Installation Videos

Big Kahuna & Sombrero Installation Videos

Post Mounting Hardware Installation Video

Post Base Trim Installation Video