Foundations for pergola posts

Foundation for pergola posts.

As a rule, a pergola is made of wooden beams, which are attached to concrete foundations. Due to the significant deterioration of the wood, caused by moisture from the ground, the beams should be placed at least 5 cm above the ground. It is absolutely forbidden to concret the beams, because then they would rot quickly. A simple solution is to fix the beam in a U-shaped steel strip holder, which covers the end of the pole on both sides. There are also galvanized pergola feet available for sale in various variants and for beams of various thicknesses. We use a shovel to excavate a square for a concrete foundation with an edge length of approx. 25 x 25 cm and depth 80 cm. Such a depth is needed to protect the foundation against the effects of ground freezing and to set the pergola permanently in a vertical position.. Dig carefully, so as not to damage its edges. Because concrete is only intended to meet low strength requirements, it can be mixed in the following proportion: and 1 cement shovel 4 aggregate shovels. Work the mixture until it is moist (KW). We put concrete into the trench in layers with a thickness 20 cm and compact it well with a thick strip. Together with the concrete, we put the steel foot into the column at the same time. If the foundation is to remain invisible, its depression in the ground should be 5-10 cm. If the foundation is to be visible, we make a square casing from the battens, to carefully finish the top of the foundation. Using a previously stretched string, we check the assembly of steel feet to the poles, whether the desired height above the ground is the same. Only after 30 days, when the concrete has hardened, it is allowed to build a pergola. It is unnecessary to wet the concrete for better bonding, because concrete cannot dry out due to moisture in the ground.