Yes, there are additional materials required for all our pergolas. Our pergolas require pressure treated lumber for the outside posts as well as (of some models) 2x6 pressure treated lumber for the main beams and rafters. Depending on your installation, you may also need our Bolt Down Brackets for a surface mount installation. Please use our website's search function to locate your specific pergola.

The installation time will vary depending on your pergola. Please check your pergola’s product page. Generally, we say our pergolas require two people, 8-9 hours a day for 2 days.

Once your pergola is installed, there will be a small degree of movement in the pergola. The vinyl will have some flex. In-ground installation will have the least amount of movement versus a surface mount with a small degree of movement.

We do not offer installation services. We recommend contacting a local fence and deck company in your area. The ideal installer would have experience working with vinyl products.

No, we do not recommend installing onto patio pavers. Patio pavers are not secure enough and can cause movement in the pergola over time. Ideally, the Bolt Down Brackets need to be mounted to a concrete slab patio or a wood deck (see installation guide for full details).

We recommend using only Vita Bolt Down Brackets. We have designed and tested these brackets for best performance with our pergolas. Off the shelf brackets from the hardware store are not recommended.

The recommended depth for a footing in 36” deep by 10” wide.

Yes, you can install a pergola on a wood or Trex deck. This would require our Bolt Down Brackets and for the bracket to be properly reinforced under the deck. Please see our Bolt Down Bracket instructions for more details.

Most of our pergolas can be modified to some degree. The traditional or beam and rafter style pergolas can easily be modified. This would require cutting the vinyl to size and adjusting the post placement. When modifying a pergola, be sure to account for this with you wood posts and 2x6’s. When cutting the vinyl sleeves, we recommend using a fine tooth saw blade. If you are modifying a louvered pergola, this technically can be done; However, it can be complicated and time consuming. If you have additional questions regarding customization, please call us at 1-800-282-9346.

Yes, you can reduce the overall height of your pergola by cutting the vinyl sleeves with a chop saw or circular saw. You will also need to shorten your wooden post accordingly.

Yes, you can add additional height to your pergola using our Pergola Extension Kit. This kit will give up to 24” inches of additional height to your pergola posts. The extension kit can be cut to size easily with a fine tooth saw blade.

Yes, if you’re adding additional height with the extension kit, you will need to add that same additional length to the wood posts.

Posts cannot be removed from a pergola. There needs to be a supporting post at leaset every 12 feet. Posts can be moved to accommodate obstructions such as stairs or windows, but the distance between posts should not exceed 12 feet.

If ½ shims are not available at your local hardware store, an easy alternative is to use a ½ sheet of plywood. This can be cut into strips and used as shims for your pergola posts.

Yes, we do sell additional parts for pergolas. These are not on our website and need to be ordered over the phone by calling 1-800-282-9346. We try to accommodate all requests. you can also email hello@wearevita.com with your request.

No, you can not add a swing to any of our products.

Yes, if you need flat caps to replace the decorative end caps on your pergola, you can order those from us directly by calling 1-800-282-9346.

Yes, privacy curtains or sunshades can be added to your pergola. We recommend the hardware be installed directly into the posts connecting securely into the wood inside.

Yes, a lightweight ceiling fan can be added to any of our non-louvered pergolas. Our louvered pergolas do not have the spacing needed between the rafters to accommodate a fan. 

Yes, many of our pergolas have additional shade options including the additional shade slate kit or the canvas weave kit. These are available for our 12x12, 12x16 or 12x24 pergolas.

No, unfortunately we do not have shades for the sides of our pergolas.

We only offer the canvas weave in one colour (gray). 

If you can remove the canvas weave for the winter, that is ideal. There could be possible snow accumulation if they are left in place all winter. Simply remover the canvas strips and roll up for best storage. (avoid folding if possible)

The canvas weave can be cleaned with a simple spray of the garden hose. If there are stubborn stains, warm soapy water works well. A sponge or soft brush will work well.

No, we recommend that no solid roof be added to any of our pergolas. A solid roof can add additional weight load due to rain/snow or possible wind uplift to the pergola.

We don’t recommend any large heat sources below the pergola.

To clean your pergola, you can use your garden hose. You can also use an off the shelf outdoor cleaner (example: cleaner for patio furniture) if there is mildew build up.

For stubborn stains, try the Mr. Clean magic eraser or “Bar Keepers Friend” found at your local big box retailer. www.barkeepersfriend.com

If you can remove the canvas weave for the winter, that is ideal. There could be possible snow accumulation if they are left in place all winter. Simply remover the canvas strips and roll up for best storage. (avoid folding if possible)

The canvas weave can be cleaned with a simple spray of the garden hose. If there are stubborn stains, warm soapy water works well. A sponge or soft brush will work well.

Unfortunately, no – but you can alter the size of your pergola kit yourself to match the sizing you need.

The thickness of the vinyl is 0.135 inches thick. Pergola posts are 0.125 inches thick 

No, the louvers do not completely close. They can be adjusted to a 45 degree angle each way and will provide about 90% shade coverage. There is always 4” in between the louver boards. The reason they do not fully close is to allow rain or snow to pass through freely and not pool on top of the pergola.

We do not recommend painting our vinyl products. The white vinyl has a clear topcoat that is a UV inhibitor which protects against warping, cracking or discoloring.

No, our products currently only come in two colors.

VINYL: Vinyl products come with a 20 year warranty against material defects.

COMPOSITE: Composite products come with a 10 Year warranty against material defects.

WOOD: Wood products come with a 1 year warranty against material defects.

PERGOLA LOUVERS: Louver assembly is covered by a 5 year warranty against material defects.

We do not have a wind rating on our pergolas. In our experience over the past 20 years having many products throughout the U.S. and Canada, because of the low profile/surface area of our pergolas, they have withstood high winds and hurricanes. Installing our pergolas into a concrete footing will be the most secure option. However, we cannot guarantee that there will not be damage from high winds, hurricanes and storms.