If you have recently installed a pergola in your backyard, you may be wondering how you can properly and safely anchor it. You may not have all of the tools you need at the moment, but you do have pavers in your backyard.
You may be asking yourself, how can you anchor a pergola to pavers?
You can anchor a pergola to pavers by adding post footings into the ground, drilling gently into the pavers and adding brackets, using concrete to secure your post bases, and, as a last resort, you can use weighted bags to keep your pergola in place.
But why might you need to anchor pergolas to your pavers? And is there a better way for you to do this rather than our 4 choices? In this article, we will explore all of your possible options in terms of getting your backyard pergola or gazebo safely secured. Let’s get started and talk about some of these methods now.
Why Anchor a Pergola to Pavers?
Anchoring a pergola to your backyard pavers or landscaping decorations is a good idea for many reasons. The primary reason is to keep your pergola in one safe and secure location so that it doesn’t fall over or move as storms or other inclement weather happens.
You may not have any other options for securing your gazebo or pergola, such as a sturdy fence or soft soil that you can simply bury the pergola into. Pavers are naturally attached to the ground in a relatively secure fashion, which makes them ideal for anchoring your pergola as well.
The last thing you want is for your new pergola or gazebo to sway in high winds or, even worse, get knocked over during a storm. This can cause damage to your home and brand new pergola, as well as inconvenience you as a homeowner. Anchoring a pergola is always a good idea for everyone’s safety!
Is it Better to Anchor the Pergola Before Pavers?
Yes, it is often better to anchor your pergola into the ground before setting up any pavers. This is because the ground is much easier to dig into and it is simple to secure each post of your pergola into it. You can even secure and anchor your pergola using concrete in addition to a deeply dug hole.
However, this is not always an option for every homeowner. Perhaps you are renting and do not wish to damage the backyard landscaping in any serious way, or you have recently purchased a home that has existing pavers in your new backyard.
If you have the option to, I highly suggest anchoring a gazebo or pergola into the ground before installing pavers. This is also a good excuse to replace existing pavers if you don’t like the way that they look with the rest of your backyard. However, if you want to use the pavers currently installed in your landscaping, read on to learn more about how to anchor your pergola to them now.
How to Anchor a Pergola to Pavers?
If you would like to anchor your pergola to your backyard pavers, no matter the material, read on to learn about our top four methods for accomplishing this!
1. Remove Paver to Add Post Footings into the Ground
Did you know that you can remove pavers and add post fittings into the ground that attach to the legs of your pergola? This is, as we have already mentioned, one of the best ways to securely hold your pergola in place, with or without pavers.
I highly recommend checking out this secure post footing bracket on Amazon by clicking here. While you will need to know the exact dimensions of your particular pergola, these brackets fit a wide variety of gazebo and pergola legs and are very easy to use once you have the right tools. These brackets are designed to be installed into wet concrete, so they are perfect for the homeowner who is planning on replacing their pavers!
This particular process is likely the most involved on this list. You will need to remove your existing pavers and add fresh concrete beneath wherever you plan on having the legs of your pergola. These brackets are meant to be installed as your concrete dries, so you likely don’t need to remove all of your backyard pavers in order to accomplish this.
If you are able to do this particular method, you will have reliable and sturdy post fittings for your pergola or gazebo. While it may require a bit of extra effort, it is often worth it so that you have an extremely secure backyard area for years to come.
2. Drill into Paver and Add Post Brackets
If you have no interest in removing your pavers or reinstalling new ones, I highly recommend checking out post brackets that are designed to be drilled into your existing pavers. This option from SPACEEUP is ideal for a wide variety of pergola styles, and you can get them in multiple packs on Amazon.
These brackets are designed to fit on the legs of your pergola or gazebo. They have holes for 4 screws so that you can safely and securely screw into your paver and attach your pergola. However, while this may sound simple, you may need to consider a few things before diving into this particular DIY project.
For example, you should make sure that you have a proper drill bit that can screw into the paver material without cracking or damaging the paver itself. You will also need special masonry screws that are also designed to grip pavers and hold your gazebo in place without damaging the stone or concrete.
Once you have all of these tools, it should be a fairly easy installation. However, you may want to keep an extra paver or two nearby if possible, just in case you happen to crack one. While this may be the worst case scenario, the last thing you need is a cracked paver. This will not be a secure enough foundation for you to secure your pergola to.
3. Concrete the Post Base
If you have little interest in removing or drilling into your existing pavers, you can use concrete when installing your pergola. This is an awesome option for those of you who are renting but still want the luxury of a backyard gazebo or pergola.
You will need to purchase a few large containers, such as barrel planters or metal buckets, and be sure you purchase enough for each of the legs of your pergola. You will then place the legs of the pergola into the containers or planters and fill them with concrete. Once the concrete has fully dried and cured, you should have a safe and stable base for each leg of your pergola.
Something to keep in mind with this is how durable your pavers or patio are. The last thing you need is to create sturdy concrete planter bases, only to end up cracking your pavers anyway because the containers are too heavy! While securing your pergola is the main objective of this, you may want to make sure that the containers are not too heavy so that they don’t damage your existing patio or pavers.
4. Use Weight Bags
Often a temporary option or for events, using weighted sandbags is a simple way to keep a lightweight pergola in place for a shorter duration of time. I recommend checking out a product like this one, available on Amazon here. Not only is this an inexpensive option, it is one that is easy to install and remove as needed. All you need to do is fill these bags with sand or dirt, and you have instant weight!
However, as I’ve already mentioned, this solution is best for temporary applications or extremely lightweight pergolas or gazebos. A heavy duty pergola is unlikely to be secured by these weighted bags alone, so keeping your expectations reasonable for this particular installation is a good idea. You may consider a more permanent application in the future!
Getting Help from the Experts
Sometimes, there’s only so much DIY we can do. Everyone has their own threshold for the amount of work that they would like to accomplish on their own, and there is no shame in getting professional help with securing your pergola in your backyard.
While not everyone’s budget can accommodate this, consulting an expert landscaper or contractor may be a good idea if your backyard is particularly unique, or if you have a very heavy pergola or gazebo. These professionals can help you find a solution and do all the work for you, even if it may come at a price.
Related Questions
Still have questions regarding how to anchor a pergola to pavers in your backyard? Read on to learn more about some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this installation.
Can Pavers Hold the Weight of a Pergola or Gazebo?
It ultimately depends on installation and type of paver. If you have purchased a pergola that isn’t particularly heavy, you may have good success with proper installation. However, wider concrete pavers crack quite easily compared to others, so this is something to keep in mind. Unfortunately, this is a difficult thing to test without causing damage to your pavers, so do your research before diving in!
What to Do if Your Pergola Blew Over?
Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and there are a few things that you can do if your pergola blows over. The most important thing is to get it upright and assess any damage caused to the pergola or to your backyard in general. If everything seems to be stable and secure, as well as undamaged, you should make an effort to secure your pergola to your pavers or backyard from here on out.
If you notice that your pergola blew over in the night, this could be a wake-up call for you to seriously consider anchoring it to something. The last thing you need is for it to damage your home or even your neighbor’s house. Securing a gazebo or pergola is important to prevent any potential injury as well.
Who’s Responsible for any Pergola Damage?
You are ultimately responsible for any damage caused by your pergola. This includes damage to a neighbor’s fence or property, as well as your home or theirs. You should always ensure that you have adequate homeowner’s insurance when dealing with potential damages, as accidents do happen! You may also consider purchasing a warranty option for your pergola or gazebo so that the cost of it is covered.
Final Thoughts
Securing and anchoring a pergola to pavers is more possible than ever before. While it may take some DIY skills, you are taking a step in the right direction by wanting your pergola secured. Having a backyard that is safe at all times is necessary, and this ensures that your pergola will be protected for years to come!
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.