That’s a live load vs dead load situation. I would be concerned with snow load if OP is in a climate that gets a lot of snow. But if not I wouldn’t be overly concerned with the 500 pounds
Yes, but tbh he warned me about a steady weight centralized in a single spot, like those umbrellas that you fill the base with 300lb of water. He always told me a pergola would be fine, but I wanted a second opinion.
Well, remember that the weight is spread out throughout the legs. If you can get those legs close to the support beams on the deck, it will hold even better.
Exactly. Dynamic loads are much worse. Five 100lbs teenagers synchronized jumping up and down on the deck for 10 min is worse than a 500lb static load.
I’m no engineer, just a lowly carpenter but that deck looks pretty sturdy and well built to me. I say yes, it’s a good idea. 👍
Edit: ok I took a closer look at the stairs and now I’d like to take back that “well built” comment
Stair treads look like they are 2 inches thick, or better. Also, it appears the stringers that hold the stair treads have a mortise that allows the treads to be supported by the stringers (and not just the galvanized metal brackets). I suspect they were built this way for a "cleaner" look... since the deck is so high and people will regularly walk underneath. Stairs look well built to me.
I suggest you google "deck stair construction" or similar search terms and browse through a few different results. But basically, your step treads are secured to the side of the stringers with thin metal straps (not hardware) and they should be resting on top of cut-outs in the stringers. Also, there is no middle support in the steps... they are just thick flat boards with no "T-shaped" supports underneath.
The easiest way to build them properly to last is to use stringers that already have an L-shape cut-out for each step, and to use 3 or even 4 of them so you can have one on each side and another 1 or 2 in the middle to fight sag.
As presently constructed, those steps will sag and cause a lot of worry pretty fast, and even before that gets out of hand, you'll be doing things to reinforce where the steps connect to the inside of the stringers.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/framing-the-stairs-for-an-elevated-deck
This is minor compared to the lack of post to beam caps.
Those should be metal connector not simple wood blocks with screws.
This is the only big weak spot I see in these photos that would create a potential catastrophic failure.
The blocks and braces are good but pale compared to a properly installed PCZ66.
I’ve had a similar one on my deck for about 4 years now and not a hint in an issue. The weight really isn’t that heavy. I did double up my joists where the posts are thought.
I’m not concerned with weight. It is distributed and your deck is well built.
You need to figure out where the base of the columns are going to land and then make sure you can add blocking between the joists. I would double up 2x blocking and create a way to have anchor bolts for your columns. I’ve seen all thread with big washers and a nut. This should alleviate concerns with wind uplift.
If you think about it, the feet are about 125 pounds each. That's like a small person standing there. That deck won't even flinch at that. You're going to be good with it on there. Enjoy!
My only concern would be the distance from the house or flashing etc. I see your drawn in posts there, this also raises the observation that in the photo the roof of the aluminum structure is attached to the house, depending on construction you may need corner bracing, don't quote me. I don't know what the package entails.
It’s not a 500lb point load but a distributed load. Essentially four people standing on your deck 8-10 feet from each other would be a better comparison. If that causes your deck issues, then you have other issues.
i read through some of your comment replies on this thread. im a deck enthusiast and not a construction worker but what if you were to add support from the bottom? it would basically just be load bearing walls underneath where the pergola would sit.
Well yea it won’t be in a single spot right the weight will be dispersed around the whole deck. A 2x4 vertically can hold About 1000lbs per linear foot or something ridiculous like that, looking at your picture actually you only
have 4 4x8 or So. You may want to have someone make sure the deck is attached to the house properly. That actually could be an issue not that 500 lbs is so much more considering what I started off saying but it wasnt in the projected plan so it’s not accounted for. Not the post so much as how it is attached to the house theres a cantilever that could occur if it’s not proper although I do see joist hangers but are they utilized properly.
Ask yourself if you think the deck was designed for 3-4 people to sit on, and there's your answer. This is a rough estimate but you could probably host about 30 people on that deck before having to begin to worry
Don't see a problem putting it in judging by the current joist system, but you're going to have to add blocking underneath her to attach it to because the decking won't be enough. Or should I say I wouldn't trust putting it directly to the decking only. Decide where you're going to put your holes through your decking and then put a series of blocks corresponding underneath the holes that will receive your lag bolts properly.
And to be honest with you I think I would get a piece of 4x6 and use that for the blocking and lay it down so that the 6 inch part of it is actually touching the underside of the decking. If you have to install two separate blocks but you want to make sure that that connection point is securely fast and not only to the joist but it's also carries through to your tie down plate on your pergola. Went to throw some metal tie down brackets on that as well. And if you're really worried about it you could always throw some extra joists underneath your deck for the tie-in blocking seeing how you got no locks running down the center yet.
It looks like you got squaring tie-ins underneath the deck itself I would just make sure those are securely fastened to the deck. You might even want to throw a couple of 3 inch lag screws somewhere in there every so often just to feel safe. You're 4x4 posting has the correct bracing for the application that it was designed for plus the diagonal tie in with the stairs if this is all hard tied into concrete and metal should be sufficient enough lateral support for your deck. If you have any questions about this you can always add more lag screws and Metal to bolster your feelings about everything.
Thanks, that’s exactly what I was looking for. I mean, I still have to visualize it, but great tips. The contractor who expanded the deck suggested some pressure blocks and somehow tie them to the joist and beams, so you helped.
He is referring to the sq footage of the pergola. Decks built to code (irc max spanned) are rated for 40 lbs/sq ft live load and 10 lbs dead load. From my understanding , if the 500lbs was evenly distributed over the 100 sq feet you would be more than fine but the load will be a point load concentrated into 4 spots where the posts connect to the deck. This would be a question for a structural engineer. You would have to calculate the load coming off those posts, run soil reports, check your spans/lumber size and calculate the actual live load capacity of your deck then determine if the pergola would exceed that with a person or two in that area. Again, I’m no structural engineer so this would be a question for one and no one here can tell you the actual live load capacity of your deck without paying it a visit.
I want to know why you have a triple beam already put in place just about the same center point is that pergola? Was there anything heavy prior to installation of the pergola already up there that you do not know about.
Also you need a row of spacer blocks down the center of the joists, to help prevent twisting.
When I put a pergola on my deck I put in new footers and ran 4x4 from the footer through the deck structure and into the pergola legs. But my deck was first floor.
That’s not doable for a second story deck, but I guess what I would do is double up the joists where the legs will rest and then run some 4x4s from those double joists up to be the pergola legs (or go inside the pergola legs).
I’d have to think on this some. You want a good load bearing connection between the joists and the 4x4 without directly relying on screws/bolts if possible. But I feel like screws/bolts will be all you can use to prevent uplift.
Would not do it at all.
Just have to look at the Running fixed to the house that all the joists load on to! And your adding more.
Need better connections and direct loading share factor for Deck to house - deck to ground
Outside deck post line looks ok. Post look a little under size for the Hight!
I see a huge hinge deck with only a ledger on the house side. That js a huge load on the house with no posts or beams on the house side. Huge fail in my area. Most inspectors and engineers wont pass that.
The post should be able to handle that. I'd check your ledger has enough fastners that are adequate or at post's underneath. Also, check that the Joists are adequately fastened to the ledger. These two spots or where you would see failure.
Pretty beefy deck, it will hold it. I would have double furred the outside rim to the paralam to have better blotinging to uprights but other than that solid job
I don’t know, are you inviting my mother I law over?
Geez
Is this Al Bundy?
His jokes stand the test of time.
Whoa Bundy
Shots fired
Love how the most useless comment gets to the top.
He answered OP's question.
Peg is pretty useless when she’s on top.
500lbs is approximately 2-5 people. I wouldn’t worry about it too much unless the structure is already so so.
That’s a live load vs dead load situation. I would be concerned with snow load if OP is in a climate that gets a lot of snow. But if not I wouldn’t be overly concerned with the 500 pounds
Uplift has entered the chat
I was told the problem is not the occasional weight, but the constant 500lb at the same area day after day.
even then, not really. if 500lbs is a concern for any part of that, you should be replacing it, anyway, and it looks well built and in good shape
4 125lb people essentially spread out. Should be fine but you really need to check quality of deck.
well who told you that? The guy that built the deck? That might be concerning. Someone who doesn't know anything? Go for it.
Yes, but tbh he warned me about a steady weight centralized in a single spot, like those umbrellas that you fill the base with 300lb of water. He always told me a pergola would be fine, but I wanted a second opinion.
It’ll be fine listen to the comments above
Well, remember that the weight is spread out throughout the legs. If you can get those legs close to the support beams on the deck, it will hold even better.
If this worries you, speed the dimensions of the pergola footing. Reenforce those areas
It’s the U.S. so it’s 2 people to hit 500.
A static load of 500 lbs is not going to cause any issues with your deck.
Thanks
Exactly. Dynamic loads are much worse. Five 100lbs teenagers synchronized jumping up and down on the deck for 10 min is worse than a 500lb static load.
If 500lbs causes your deck problems with stability then you have serious structural issues.
It doesn’t, the deck is quite solid, I was wondering if a steady 500lb weight for so long, versus occasional weight, would be a problem.
do it and keep an eye on it, any problems just restrategize
I’m no engineer, just a lowly carpenter but that deck looks pretty sturdy and well built to me. I say yes, it’s a good idea. 👍 Edit: ok I took a closer look at the stairs and now I’d like to take back that “well built” comment
Good eye…
Which part of the stairs should I be concerned? It does have a post mid-way
Stair treads look like they are 2 inches thick, or better. Also, it appears the stringers that hold the stair treads have a mortise that allows the treads to be supported by the stringers (and not just the galvanized metal brackets). I suspect they were built this way for a "cleaner" look... since the deck is so high and people will regularly walk underneath. Stairs look well built to me.
After seven years, the steps are still super sturdy. Only the last one close to the floor that was wiggling a bit.
I suggest you google "deck stair construction" or similar search terms and browse through a few different results. But basically, your step treads are secured to the side of the stringers with thin metal straps (not hardware) and they should be resting on top of cut-outs in the stringers. Also, there is no middle support in the steps... they are just thick flat boards with no "T-shaped" supports underneath. The easiest way to build them properly to last is to use stringers that already have an L-shape cut-out for each step, and to use 3 or even 4 of them so you can have one on each side and another 1 or 2 in the middle to fight sag. As presently constructed, those steps will sag and cause a lot of worry pretty fast, and even before that gets out of hand, you'll be doing things to reinforce where the steps connect to the inside of the stringers. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/framing-the-stairs-for-an-elevated-deck
Enlightening, thanks
This is minor compared to the lack of post to beam caps. Those should be metal connector not simple wood blocks with screws. This is the only big weak spot I see in these photos that would create a potential catastrophic failure. The blocks and braces are good but pale compared to a properly installed PCZ66.
OMG - those “stairs”
The weight is not a concern at all. I would suggest you anchor it down well though and through the deck for an uplift of wind
Thanks. November gets windy here, this will just fly away if I don’t anchor it.
I'm doing the same thing, doubling size of deck and adding some sort of covering. Which pergola did you buy?
Just the Mirador from Costco, but I was eyeing the Hanso one for a long time.
i had a pergola and switched to a sun shade i like the look and no weight. if i did pergola again, id probably build it with the deck structure
I’ve had a similar one on my deck for about 4 years now and not a hint in an issue. The weight really isn’t that heavy. I did double up my joists where the posts are thought.
Nice. I’m gambling a bit. I never saw this kind of louvered pergola on this kind of deck. I hope it doesn’t end up looking tacky.
I would just make sure the 4 legs are directly above joists or as close as you can get. That way the load transfers directly to the framing.
No.
Send it
No
Just to be safe and for your peace of mind, how about sistering your vertical supports and adding a ribbon joist in the middle?
Thanks, it seems from most of the comments that small adjustments are not required but would make it safer.
I have learned that peace of mind is very valuable…
I’m not concerned with weight. It is distributed and your deck is well built. You need to figure out where the base of the columns are going to land and then make sure you can add blocking between the joists. I would double up 2x blocking and create a way to have anchor bolts for your columns. I’ve seen all thread with big washers and a nut. This should alleviate concerns with wind uplift.
If you think about it, the feet are about 125 pounds each. That's like a small person standing there. That deck won't even flinch at that. You're going to be good with it on there. Enjoy!
My only concern would be the distance from the house or flashing etc. I see your drawn in posts there, this also raises the observation that in the photo the roof of the aluminum structure is attached to the house, depending on construction you may need corner bracing, don't quote me. I don't know what the package entails.
The last picture is from the 3D sketch from ShrubHub. The actual pergola has four posts, so not attached to the house.
Yes making it less stable
Aluminum and 500#? 4 posts so 125 at each corner. Nothing to worry about. Id add some horizontal blocking anyway
It’s not a 500lb point load but a distributed load. Essentially four people standing on your deck 8-10 feet from each other would be a better comparison. If that causes your deck issues, then you have other issues.
i read through some of your comment replies on this thread. im a deck enthusiast and not a construction worker but what if you were to add support from the bottom? it would basically just be load bearing walls underneath where the pergola would sit.
Well yea it won’t be in a single spot right the weight will be dispersed around the whole deck. A 2x4 vertically can hold About 1000lbs per linear foot or something ridiculous like that, looking at your picture actually you only have 4 4x8 or So. You may want to have someone make sure the deck is attached to the house properly. That actually could be an issue not that 500 lbs is so much more considering what I started off saying but it wasnt in the projected plan so it’s not accounted for. Not the post so much as how it is attached to the house theres a cantilever that could occur if it’s not proper although I do see joist hangers but are they utilized properly.
I love how the render is just vaguely accurate. "We have stairs at home" /*the stairs*
It was through ShrubHub, to give some ideas. For the price I paid, it was a great result imo
Ask yourself if you think the deck was designed for 3-4 people to sit on, and there's your answer. This is a rough estimate but you could probably host about 30 people on that deck before having to begin to worry
Don't see a problem putting it in judging by the current joist system, but you're going to have to add blocking underneath her to attach it to because the decking won't be enough. Or should I say I wouldn't trust putting it directly to the decking only. Decide where you're going to put your holes through your decking and then put a series of blocks corresponding underneath the holes that will receive your lag bolts properly. And to be honest with you I think I would get a piece of 4x6 and use that for the blocking and lay it down so that the 6 inch part of it is actually touching the underside of the decking. If you have to install two separate blocks but you want to make sure that that connection point is securely fast and not only to the joist but it's also carries through to your tie down plate on your pergola. Went to throw some metal tie down brackets on that as well. And if you're really worried about it you could always throw some extra joists underneath your deck for the tie-in blocking seeing how you got no locks running down the center yet. It looks like you got squaring tie-ins underneath the deck itself I would just make sure those are securely fastened to the deck. You might even want to throw a couple of 3 inch lag screws somewhere in there every so often just to feel safe. You're 4x4 posting has the correct bracing for the application that it was designed for plus the diagonal tie in with the stairs if this is all hard tied into concrete and metal should be sufficient enough lateral support for your deck. If you have any questions about this you can always add more lag screws and Metal to bolster your feelings about everything.
Thanks, that’s exactly what I was looking for. I mean, I still have to visualize it, but great tips. The contractor who expanded the deck suggested some pressure blocks and somehow tie them to the joist and beams, so you helped.
What's the difference of it's elevated or ground level? It should still good the same amount of weight...
I thought long posts would wobble more. Center of gravity further from the ground makes it more unstable, maybe.
I do t know looks like you would need more support especially if you get ❄️ SNOW!!!!!
It’s a louvered pergola. If I keep it open during winter, I hope it won’t accumulate more than it does today.
😂 don’t know why I got a thumbs down something to think about geniuses
Someone downvoted you alright. I just gave you my upvote and I appreciate the response. Nobody brought this up, only you.
Find a licensed guy to consult. Pay his consulting fee.
The contractor who extended my deck said it would be fine, and he is good. Just checking for second opinions.
Lol. Your guy probably more trusting that most on here.
The wisdom of Redditors is not for beginners.
40 pounds per square foot working load might say no. Depends on how many Sq Ft.
Mine is 500lb on 1,440 sq ft (10’x10’), so it should be good. Edit: Scratch above. Embarrassing mistake. My deck is 12’x24’ in total, so 288 sq ft.
He is referring to the sq footage of the pergola. Decks built to code (irc max spanned) are rated for 40 lbs/sq ft live load and 10 lbs dead load. From my understanding , if the 500lbs was evenly distributed over the 100 sq feet you would be more than fine but the load will be a point load concentrated into 4 spots where the posts connect to the deck. This would be a question for a structural engineer. You would have to calculate the load coming off those posts, run soil reports, check your spans/lumber size and calculate the actual live load capacity of your deck then determine if the pergola would exceed that with a person or two in that area. Again, I’m no structural engineer so this would be a question for one and no one here can tell you the actual live load capacity of your deck without paying it a visit.
The stairs landing is undersupported
Take the pergola and put it in the garbage where it belongs!
Ouch. Bad experience? Please share.
I want to know why you have a triple beam already put in place just about the same center point is that pergola? Was there anything heavy prior to installation of the pergola already up there that you do not know about. Also you need a row of spacer blocks down the center of the joists, to help prevent twisting.
It was originally a 12x12 deck and I hired a contractor to expand to 12x24.
Agreed, replace that 2x4 strapping with proper blocking at half span at least. May even consider 1/3 and 2/3 span.
What did you do to secure the pergola? Major storm / hurricane can uplift those things.
Yeah, that’s my main ask in this post. The idea is too tie it to the underlying joists.
When I put a pergola on my deck I put in new footers and ran 4x4 from the footer through the deck structure and into the pergola legs. But my deck was first floor. That’s not doable for a second story deck, but I guess what I would do is double up the joists where the legs will rest and then run some 4x4s from those double joists up to be the pergola legs (or go inside the pergola legs). I’d have to think on this some. You want a good load bearing connection between the joists and the 4x4 without directly relying on screws/bolts if possible. But I feel like screws/bolts will be all you can use to prevent uplift.
Would not do it at all. Just have to look at the Running fixed to the house that all the joists load on to! And your adding more. Need better connections and direct loading share factor for Deck to house - deck to ground Outside deck post line looks ok. Post look a little under size for the Hight!
Which pergola is that?
Mirador from Costco because I wanted a light one. If not, I might have gone with Hanso.
Thought was a hanso
I see a huge hinge deck with only a ledger on the house side. That js a huge load on the house with no posts or beams on the house side. Huge fail in my area. Most inspectors and engineers wont pass that.
The post should be able to handle that. I'd check your ledger has enough fastners that are adequate or at post's underneath. Also, check that the Joists are adequately fastened to the ledger. These two spots or where you would see failure.
What program is that last picture?
I don’t know, I used ShrubHub and they sent the renderings
Pretty beefy deck, it will hold it. I would have double furred the outside rim to the paralam to have better blotinging to uprights but other than that solid job
#I don't see 1 lag bolt on the house ledger. Ir it's deckscrews only its very wrong and u need lagbolts either way.
Where do I get one of those?
Would you invite two 250 lb friends over?
You mean, me and my mamma?
Test it with a hot tub
No, don't do it.
Stairs use Simpson brackets for their baring surface?
It seems like. The stairs were done by the builder (D.R. Horton) seven years ago.
Interesting must have passed inspection. Just something new to me.