AboutEugene Clayton Expertise I would be happy to answer any question reguarding the construction of decks, composites verses natural materials, structure support systems,railing applications,stair design, how to figure stairs etc.. Pretty much anything that has to do with decks and or porches.
Experience I have been in the construction industry for over 26 years including new home construction, custom deck and screen porches. Most of my expertise is from framing custom homes for over 20 years. I now own and opperate a very successful custom deck and screen porch company in Atlanta Ga. Along with my Brother.
Expert: Eugene Clayton Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: Pergola over deck--high off ground
Question Eugene,
My wife and I would like to put a freestanding Pergola over our deck. The deck is 8ft off the ground and it is 45x16. Due to height issues, we cannot attach to our house, and I was thinking of using brackets for the posts and simply screwing/bolting the brackets on top of the existing deck. Do you believe this would be stable/safe enough? Oh yeah...2x10 Joists 16" o.c. The deck seems pretty soli (15 yrs old) 4x4 Post every eight feet..the deck is attached to the house.
Hello Andrew, I would assume the deck has a hand rail. Try and incorporate the posts into the hand rail, if you put the structure in a corner then you will have 3 posts that are supported by the rails.
Depending on how the posts are oriented you should be able to cut them loose and insert taller ones.How the posts are attached to the deck is not the issue, more the sway you will have due to it being free standing.A 36" rail between the two sides will do allot for stability. Hope this helps.
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