The Rafter Reader

inspiring everyone to practice + play

Best Pergola Kits For Your Backyard

by Peaceful Patios August 03, 2022 8 min read

Best Pergola Kits For Your Backyard

How to Install Your Traditional Vinyl Pergola - A Step by Step Video Guide

by Allan Phillips May 03, 2020 19 min read

Maybe you've seen our installation guide and you still have a few questions. Sometimes it just helps to see the steps in action. Regardless of your experience level with construction, these videos will get you started in putting your vinyl pergola together.

Fiberglass Pergola Factory Tour

by Allan Phillips December 30, 2018 4 min read

Our Custom Pergola Design Process

by Allan Phillips September 25, 2018 1 min read

How to Pour Concrete Footings for Your Pergola

by Allan Phillips August 30, 2018 1 min read

When new concrete is needed, we usually recommend mounting the pergola on top of concrete once it has dried. However, Outdoor Living Today offers brackets with their pergolas that allow you to put the brackets in the wet cement.

How to Measure for a Pergola

by Allan Phillips August 11, 2018 3 min read

There are three common ways to measure a pergola: Overhead dimensions, column center to column center, and footprint. Understanding the relationship between them is important when measuring for the size you need. It’s also important to let us know what method you used for your measurements when you request a quote.