Installing Tojagrid Pergola System

[@cadiehl1]

When I built mine, from 6x6’s, I put all of the steel brackets on the wood before erecting it. It’s the quickest and easiest way to do it. Mine is a double bay 12’x26’. Each of the 6 legs had the steel pieces already attached. It’s the way to go. So much faster.

[@infosociety2112]

I was thinking of the same size for my backyard.

[@hugomontellano9623]

Enjoyed your installation and review videos.

[@p.s8950]

I'm thinking about buying a couple lengths of 4" square tubing and making my own fittings. Thanks for your review.

[@viktorrotkiv1698]

I have that in mind , too.

[@reyman7131]

Where do you get that at 4ft tubing?

[@sjeverett75]

@@reyman7131 he said 4 inch tubing, not 4ft. Any metal yard should have it

[@MisterRocket-lg8lc]

Won’t fit. I thought of too. A 4”x4” post truely isn’t a 4x4”. A steel post is.

[@stevenebel6991]

Is there a way to anchor straight into the ground without cementing?

[@littlebrotherinspires]

Thank you for the video and love to see the teamwork during the video. #marriagegoals 💯🤞🏿

[@TheGarage656]

Our pleasure! Thanks for the comment.

[@theBennydictos]

Nice build! We did ours last month!

[@hugocervantes26]

Nice! Is it 12x12 or can it be 14x14

[@robertjones7221]

Those brackets are robotically welded. I know the people who built the welding cells. Apparently it was very difficult to program and get the proper torch angle. P.S. I am a robotics technician.

[@toddwiseman1421]

Did you consider a side mount into the house, or didn't want to go there? Also, why the cross beams in the back against the house? Thanks, awesome video

[@thedyslexic9936]

I have only 12' of patio from house to edge of it so if I want a (whatever length - 8 - 10 - 12) x 12' deep pergola, it seems that it wouldn't fit since the bases extend that distance out by 10" to 12' 10". Is that correct? I was thinking I could just make the beams shorter by 10" but then the shade wouldn't fit properly? What is the final distance from outer edge of one base to outer edge of the other?

[@darlingdear2687]

How do you secure the posts, so that wind does not rip them out ? I like tojagrid and also have a low deck, but I am concerned that if I screw the posts simply onto the deck boards the next strong wind is going to blow these posts onto my neighbor's fence or backayard.

[@jamin2dmb]

Does the casement window open entirely? Looks like it might hit the post if opened.

[@Howto-uo8uc]

Great video hows did you anchor it to the composite decking and what hardware did you use and how it holding up

[@javierq6268]

I bought it but I found the same connectors in amazon for 1/3 of the price , troja is a very very expensive option

[@ambermadison178]

Me too

[@michaelmcgillivray2485]

You oftentimes get what you pay for so possibly the reason the connectors are cheaper on Amazon is that they could be made of inferior quality steel and/or shitty welds. The Tojagrid looks pretty beefy but I'm sure if you know a metal fabricator you might be able to have them rig up a similar design for less $$$.

[@hornesbee]

Yes, I did as well. I bought 6x6 3-way corner stainless steel brackets, and am building one now. It is decent quality, made of 13 gauge stainless steel, painted or powder coated black. Welded seams. My only change will be drilling out the mounting holes from 1/4" to 5/16". Maybe a touch of overkill, but feel better with a little larger diameter and length Lag screws 5/16x3". Set of 4 for $ 236+tax free shipping, yes on the "jungle store .. LOL

[@bakervinci163]

I raised up a squared pergola and put it on six inch shorter poles on the lower side. I can’t get it to set square. I think I’m gonna have to replace the shorter post with the same length and figure my drainage another way

[@TheGarage656]

Drainage was never a big issue for me. The water just flows out the fabric. But perhaps you have a different fabric.

[@m.jackson0846]

Did you just attached the post onto the deck?

[@Suthan.Mano28]

Does the wind escape during windy days as there are gaps between the top frames and the fabric? I'm curious as I installed this on a rooftop with composite decking (using 5 inch tapcons)

[@TheGarage656]

A bit yep. But not a lot. Enough to help.

[@gbaninja]

Also thinking of installing on my rooftop with composite decking. How did your's turn out ? Any thing I shouod watch out for ?

[@Suthan.Mano28]

@@gbaninja I used 5" Tapcon concrete anchors to hit the concrete way below but I think it went through the whole slab. Otherwise still holding up strong (with some wood cracks). Only thing I would suggest is to remove the fabric top on windy days as it does shake quite a bit in strong winds (especially 60ft up)

[@gbaninja]

@@Suthan.Mano28 perfect thanks! I am afraid of hitting the roof membrane if I go through the slabs. I might anchor in a few 2×6's to the sub-frame. 🤞🏾

[@Suthan.Mano28]

@@gbaninja Hopefully I didn't with the 5" screws, no issues thus far

[@jyrileino3136]

Thanks for the video. At 5:56 you mentioned, you were a little worried about how wiggly that is. That came to my mind also. How was the end result?

[@drjcrobinson]

So far so good actually. It does wiggle when pushed but the wind doesn't really seem to be an issue. It only moves a little.

[@deennzz]

Did your 4x4 wood fit perfectly in the middle piece? Did you have to sand it down a bit?

[@jorgelopezjr5456]

what are the post size I know the leg post are 8'long what are the size, of the top post are they 12' long??????

[@TheGarage656]

Yep. 12 feet around the top.

[@Lou13Cyf3r]

why would the railing go next to the house where there is no fall hazard??

[@TheGarage656]

Its used as a shelf and to keep the couch from hitting the wall each time someone hits it. Works well as both.

[@gbcubed]

Thanks for the video. We are considering this for a patio in a building that we live in. We cannot secure it to the ground (it's a roof). We are considering placing a cinder block around each base bracket and filling it will sand. Do you think that would be enough to keep it anchored?

[@TheGarage656]

Frankly I am still nervous that my 5 inch bolts into frame aren't enough when the storms hit. Imagine trying to hold 25 umbrellas in real winds. Its that kind of power.

[@shantelh9127]

Try cementing in 5 gallon bucket instead

[@joebrito4478]

Losy video on how to install tarp

[@jordanframe2981]

Hi, so standard 12 ft 4x4s for the top framing, but what then what length 4x4 for posts? 8 ft 4x4s?

[@TheGarage656]

That worked for me nicely.

[@webherring]

They are having a scratch and dent sale off of Facebook Marketplace. I just picked up a 4x4 set for $300. Can't wait to set it up in spring!

[@45breedjr]

Where did you see the sale? Looking at them and I swear I saw a 20% deal last year

[@webherring]

@@45breedjr Still on Facebook Marketplace. $300 for 4x4 clearance sale in Oakville

[@45breedjr]

@@webherring Oakville? I’m struggling to find it.

[@webherring]

@@45breedjr Toja Patio Furniture 450 S Service Rd W #3 Oakville

[@SabirKhan-mn5il]

Can I install Outsunny 2-Person Outdoor Wicker Hanging Porch Swing Bench on lumber, so steel brackit can hold the load?

[@TheGarage656]

I honestly can't say. I would suspect the answer is "yes" but I've never done it and I don't know what kinds of loads/stresses the supports might be put under. Definitely a good question for the manufacturer who knows the load tolerances. Sounds fun though.

[@RudyTheG]

Why shouldn't you anchor it to the decking. I'm planning on using the Tojagrid on my rooftop which has 2x4 decking and I was planning on securing it that that.

[@TheGarage656]

My composite decking doesn't have any "hold-down" strength. Composite is just plastic and woodchips, nothing structural. The pergola is a giant umbrella that the wind wants to take away ... badly. If the decking is secured really well (unlike composite which often just lays on top with hidden fasteners made of plastic), you will hopefully be just fine. Just think "giant umbrella" and anchor it really well.

[@RudyTheG]

@@TheGarage656 Awesome, thank you for the explanation.

[@gauravjeet2181]

13:13 is the cutest part of the video ! whr the robot shows up to inspect !:(

[@JC-vq2vv]

Good Job, thanks for the video! I am building a flat ground deck and just saw you anchor them down to the joists. Smart move! I think I need to do the same. My surface is on a slope and I don't know how to get it to level so this method maybe easier for me. First, I need to get a ground level deck and then attach to joists.

[@TheGarage656]

Thanks for the comment. Some sort of anchor is needed for sure. The wind will pick this thing up like a kite.

[@JC-vq2vv]

@@TheGarage656 I knew it! I plan to take the sails off whenever I dont use it.

[@rickyr7790]

@@TheGarage656 newb question. Arent the joist spaced every 12 inches? Howd you screw into the joists? I believe the bracket is 6x6...

[@TheGarage656]

@@rickyr7790 I could only bolt half. Good observation. But the 2 bolts still hold.

[@rickyr7790]

@@TheGarage656 gotcha! This helps a ton. Thank you

[@alessiomartino220]

Looks nice. How has it been holding up since almost 3 years now? Also, just curious, why did you add silicone around the lag bolts?

[@MTHADON]

I live in florida, and dont have a deck, for the sake of hurricane proofing, i was thinking of digging the standing beams in the ground and concreting around them.

[@TheGarage656]

I'd be curious what the manufacturer suggests on that one. I.e., how many feed down and what size of diameter for concrete. Surely deep enough and wide enough would work. Never tried that myself.

[@piratetaylor29]

Having built a TOJA grid pergola, would you do it again or do anything differently?

[@TheGarage656]

Next time will be using 6x6 lumber instead of 4x4.

[@bisniskidcali9998]

@@TheGarage656 great question! I’ve been on the fence about a 4x4 system or a 6x6 for aesthetic reasons. The 6x6 is better looking in my opinion. Why would you go for a 6x6?

[@TheGarage656]

@@bisniskidcali9998 I prefer 4x4 unless it was a huge top in a windy location. Then maybe 6x6. I don't want to be looking at lumber if I don't have to do so.

[@airstreamwithus7699]

Great video! What kind / color decking is this?

[@TheGarage656]

Homedepot's top composite (grey plus other colours mixed). Veranda I believe is the name. Used in my cabin videos too. Works really well. Stands up to punishment.

[@futbol1972]

I need a 12x 20 ft pergola. Would this work for my project? I heard these brackets are expensive but if I do it mysel I will be a lot better money wise than paying someone to build me one from scratch right?

[@TheGarage656]

I can't say for sure but I suspect it would be cheaper (or at least close). The main factor for me is that the metal brackets just look a lot nicer (less blocking your view). If you hire someone to build it, it will need corner braces that will take up a lot of visual space. Less about money for me. More about clean lines.

[@futbol1972]

@@TheGarage656 cool thank u. And it looks lime anybody could install this

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

@@TheGarage656 I need corner braces anyways because my deck is bigger than 12 feet👎🏻

[@Discovery123.]

Do you have any issue with snow get on the top of it?

[@TheGarage656]

I take it down every year. The snow would be a problem.

[@fredstewart5163]

Looks good! I'm actually getting my deck extended and we're going to be installing one of these Toja pergola

[@veronica2561]

I received my 10x10 ToJay a couple days ago and need some guidance. I want it installed on an existing area paved with patio stone slabs 1-1/2" thick. Will that be sufficient to anchor the corner frames to or do I have to have concrete poured? I don't know much about construction so I will be depending on someone to install it for me.

[@TheGarage656]

Personally, I'd want more than patio stones holding it down (I know those are heavy). Just holding the corners down will probably end with a flip-over. Plus, even if you use tapcons (concrete screws), there probably isn't much hold to them (given how thin the stones are). Concrete like that just tends to crack and fall apart too ... sorry to say.

[@veronica2561]

@@TheGarage656 Thank you for taking the time to respond. Please let me know what you would recommend - very much appreciated.

[@RR-lp3yk]

What kind of lumber is that?

[@TheGarage656]

4x4 cedar. Holds up really well.

[@henrypelham619]

What is the length of your span? Thank you.

[@TheGarage656]

12 feet from corner to corner bracket.

[@cof6289]

Most of the wood post dosent fit into the Toja Grid brackets, what did u fo to make it fit? How did u make it fit? What tool did u use? Thank you

[@TheGarage656]

It sounds like you have wet lumber. Personally I wouldn't sand or plane it down because when it dries it will be too small. Ideally you would let it dry. If you can't wait then I'd probably use a hand held sander.

[@atulsyadav]

How is the stability? Does it wobble? If additional corner braces are installed will it improve stability?

[@TheGarage656]

It still wobbles a little, nothing annoying or bad. You could install corner braces and those would help, but then you may as well forget the metal brackets and just do wood framing (save the money). I got these to avoid the look of braces and so far it is holding up great.

[@jessewacht1205]

Thanks for video! I have composite deck also -- So you drill thru the composite and into the joists then line up to bottom bracket? What size bolt/screw did that require? Second question -- noticed you installed two exta supporting crossbars under windows in rear -- just for extra support? Are those also 4x4 or are they 2x4?

[@TheGarage656]

Yes on the drilling and joists. Bolted right into solid lumber under composite deck. I used the biggest lag bolts that would fit through holes in brackets. Construction screws, etc., would never be strong enough. I don't remember specifics. The extra crossbars are 4x4 cedar to keep furniture from hitting house and to rest drinks on, etc.

[@AlekseyK86]

Are the 12’ sagging in the middle by any chance?

[@TheGarage656]

Nope. Fortunately. The cedar is holding up.

[@dannysfilmsreno]

How long are the vertical post?

[@TheGarage656]

8 feet.

[@mannysmith1962]

Looks very nice! How do you get the water to run away from the house? I looks as if the awning does not have a slope for runoff.

[@TheGarage656]

Surprisingly it goes right through fabric.

[@mannysmith1962]

Ahh, ok. Thanks!!

[@bradracine3426]

@@TheGarage656 this was my concern. We want this but also need something to prevent rain. Any tips of a way to have something block rain?

[@TheGarage656]

@@bradracine3426 I wish I did. We need to invent new fabric that is water diverting.

[@jordanframe2981]

Tajo makes an umbrella top that seems suitable for rain. Just saw on their site

[@johnnymata523]

Good video, you think I can make a 12x16 ??

[@TheGarage656]

I don't see why not.

[@futbol1972]

What size is that and how much was it?

[@TheGarage656]

12x12 and every region is different for price. This was about 1500.00 including lumber.

[@futbol1972]

Nice

[@mikevarrin3304]

Would you say the 4"x4" feels sturdy enough to face the Canadian winter elements or would you recommend the 6"x6" for higher winds/ice rain/snow areas?

[@TheGarage656]

It holds in 70km winds. Lots of rain too. Snow would be a problem for fabric. Not not rated. I'm in Ontario Canada and so far so good. Taking fabric down in Oct.

[@TheGarage656]

Not snow rated.

[@mikevarrin3304]

@@TheGarage656 Excellent, thanks. Yeah, I'll defo be removing the fabric, I was more concerned about the frame itself. We're here in Ontario as well. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

[@davidburmudzija185]

Did you use a drill or an impact driver to attach the Trios to the posts. Thanks

[@TheGarage656]

Just a regular drill. Nothing complicated.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Really😂

[@timrutherford7582]

What’s the span from post to post. Thinking of getting this kit and doing a 16’x16’ square. Is that span too long?

[@TheGarage656]

We did 12x12 from post to post. So the 12ft 4x4s meet end to end without any cutting. We find it big but larger might be nice too. It has survived big winds. Not sure about a 16 footer.

[@MegaOfficeNinja]

We are looking at this as well (want to do 14'x14'). Toja says it only recommends 12'x12' without adding a middle post. We're considering putting angle brackets to add extra support. Thoughts?

[@rlrl79]

What kind of wood did you use?

[@TheGarage656]

@@rlrl79 Cedar even though it does cost a bit more.

[@mp3llll]

Great thanks for the video

[@branoMTB]

what kind of posts did you use? is it cedar? are they true 4x4 or in fact 3.5x3.5? thanks

[@TheGarage656]

Before drying, true 4x4. After drying ... not so much.

[@margiehair3756]

How has it been since you built it? Did you have any problems with it during storms ?

[@TheGarage656]

So far one year going and still strong.

[@brettro9451]

What kind of wind can that sail handle?

[@TheGarage656]

We've had 70 km/h gusts so far. No problem.

[@katieferguson1707]

Do the 2 separate 4x4x12 vertical posts in the back provide stability ? What brackets did you use ?

[@TheGarage656]

Yes. Those add some stability. The whole thing still wiggles (the nature of the product) but not much. The brackets are Toja and bolts from my local hardware store. Nothing special beyond the Toja Grid system.

[@gcook44]

what size lag bolts or screws did you use for the feet

[@TheGarage656]

Good question. Sorry I don't know. I just had some galvanized lags around so I used those. The lags were at least 3 inches but I do not know the width.

[@johnnyrodriguez9225]

This was a great video! I've been thinking of getting a pergola for a long time and just can't justify a Home Depot or Lowe's pergola that are $1500+!!! Why did you decide to go with Cedar over other wood?

[@TheGarage656]

The natural oils in cedar will keep it going for a long time. It resists cracking slightly more than treated wood (or so I'm told). Plus it smells great.

[@RIVERPLATE3A1CARP]

What hardware was used for the base brackets?

[@TheGarage656]

5 inch galvanized lag bolts from local hardware.

[@vicko7476]

How much did you pay?

[@TheGarage656]

I cannot recall now but it was not cheap. Prices fluctuate all the time.

[@45breedjr]

Months later are you still liking it? How has it held up?

[@TheGarage656]

We are into spring now and the frame survived the winter/snow without any issues. So far so good.

[@poppiclan]

Great video. What is the height of your pergola? I'm trying to decide between 8' and 10' posts.

[@TheGarage656]

Eight feet for us. 10 feet would hit too many windows (visually).

[@Jswainpelletier9]

@@TheGarage656 did you end up going with 10 foot ? I’m in the same boat trying to decide

[@stevebiskup4162]

I'm thinking of using these to build a loft bed. Do you feel they are strong enough for that?

[@TheGarage656]

I know they have kits for heavy-ish loads such as hammocks but that requires extra braces on bottom, including extra lumber. Given that the joint ends do not overlap, i.e., the lumber holding a possible floor does not lay on top of the lumber holding the whole floor up (i.e., legs), it would not make for a good loft bed in the traditional sense (i.e., it is not traditional framing/load bearing support with weight following from top all the way to ground wood-to-wood). So hammocks, yep, with the right kit. Something more floor-like with a loft bed, that is outside the design expectations of the engineers I suspect.

[@rodn5616]

Great video! The price of wood right now will be the same as the hardware! Wish me luck setting mine up. lol

[@TheGarage656]

I suspect you are right. Good luck!

[@hr.m885]

How about now :))

[@eastcoastlife3547]

So nice vid! Much appreciated. Simple question.. if it’s a 10 by 10 ( meaning the shade is 10 by 10, how long do you cut the 4 by 4’s? 10 feet long exactly? Thanks!

[@TheGarage656]

The best part is no cutting. They design it to fit standard lumber. So mine was 12x12. Just got 12 foot 4x4s and everything fits. No saw needed.

[@TheGarage656]

So "yes" to answer your question.

[@MaddoxVicRealtor]

@@TheGarage656 did you feel the 12ft long distance made it weaker in the middle of the horizontal post? Like what if an adult male tried to do pull-ups from the center of the 12ft horizontal post….. do you think it would break the beam? Or it feels strong

[@TheGarage656]

Mine fit but if wood is wet you'll have to sand or wait to dry. No big deal either way.

[@tipsreviews7476]

Nice music

[@patrickcong4595]

Thanks

[@fanwu3650]

Hi. Just wondering you just screwed the base bracket to the deck? Do you need any reinforcement? I have a off-ground deck and I am considering to do a pergola using this Toja Grid system. But I don't feel secure to just screw the base to the deck board. Any input? Thank you!

[@TheGarage656]

Lag bolts into frame (under the deck topping which is just plastic). The bolts are much heavier than screws and have held nicely. Your frame should be at least 2x6, probably larger. Leaving lots of space for long bolts.

[@fanwu3650]

@@TheGarage656 ok. Thank you!

[@bori1993]

Awesome

[@vonjournet]

What's metal called that's connecting the 4x4 wood together

[@TheGarage656]

Pergola Corner Bracket

[@WhiskeyTangoFoxtraught]

I’ll pay a little more for a well made product made in Canada 🇨🇦, our brothers and sisters living in the land of ice and snow, know how to engineer products that handle the elements.

[@loukhryst.7366]

According to a personal Home Insurance Adjuster, he have written so many claims and strongly advises home owners to caution installing these types pergolas. It’s not structurally sounded and often does a lot of damage to it’s surrounds such as privacy fences, neighboring properties, windows, and electrical conduit lines. Just too dangerous.

[@TheGarage656]

Wow. Thanks for sharing. I hadn't thought about the possibilities, especially when not installed correctly. Of course nothing will stop the big winds, installed correctly or not.

[@mikej238]

🐎 💩

[@userbosco]

Curious (sorry if I missed it), but did you screw those base mounts into any deck structure, or just the PEX deck boards? Thanks for the vid - looks good.

[@TheGarage656]

Into deck frame. Composite would never hold in any kind of wind.

[@louisgholland709]

Wood does shrink they should make shim's. I would let 4x4 dry for a week then install.

[@TheGarage656]

Colour matching shims is a great idea!

[@Mynameisdiy]

my posts were a bit moist I wish the install was this easy for me!

[@sugardailey63]

Nice

[@voodoochile4147]

😂 @ false notion of masculinity. This video is very helpful. Thank you 😊

[@philipboyer3437]

Lucky no one got hurt

[@jimcondon8063]

When working on any type of building project, wear closed toed shoes.

[@scott5747]

Never take advice from someone who wears flip flops to work.

[@TFrakesTanks]

You must not be from Cali. Always in the warehouse in flops

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

I bought this kit and spent probably almost $1000 before realizing the metal isnt strong enough to support a polycarbonate roof. Not a happy wife at my house.

[@carlaocaldeira1027]

First storm it will be on top of the neighbors roof...

[@margiehair3756]

Even if it’s screwed down ?

[@TheGarage656]

I screwed mine down (lag bolt screws) and so far so good ... even after huge storms. Let's see what year two brings.

[@tomzhao103]

A window is bocked.

[@inaclowder9240]

music is a huge distraction

[@cadiehl1]

Powder coated

[@simonm1041]

6 months those top post will warp like a candy cane

[@hvnfun8601]

When you needed real muscle or adult supervision, the wife came out. You married well 🙄

[@billdolan7442]

get on with it

[@earthdweller222]

Flip flops!! 😂

[@brettro9451]

Boy the wife could have helped!

[@BX0207]

loose the dam music

[@Zi.Zenior]

What type of lumber did you use?

[@martincoronado5809]

Were you get the mesh tarp?

[@JohnnysTrainVideos]

Nice...