Hey everyone!
I’m new to the forums, but I’m a long-time amateur/hobbyist that loves the architecture/building industry! I’m not expert by any means, so I’m liable to ask some stupid questions so thanks in advance for your patience!
I have a brick patio that I would like to build a pergola over. The bricks are mortared (sp?) and are not free. It also is curved in a shape like a kidney bean cut in half. My biggest question is, how should I go about setting up the posts/columns? Should I remove the bricks and build footings, or would simply drilling the bricks and setting the posts using brackets suffice? I’ve seen many pictures of columns set in positions that appear to be on the patio surfaces themselves but I wanted to check with the experts. Also, if setting them on top of the bricks with brackets is sufficient, if anyone has any recommendations of methods I would also appreciate them.
Thanks!
Replies
No doubt in my mind that you have to remove the bricks & securely set the posts for the pergola.
Presume you'll be reinstalling the bricks, assure that the top of any concrete that anchored the pergola post is far enough below the grade to have reinstalled bricks level with the rest of them.
Post should go as deep as req'd by local code / practice to preclude frost heave. Where I'm at that would be 42".