New England Arbors VA80207

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Bolt Down Bracket System

VA80206 (2-Pack) | VA80207 (3-Pack) | VA80205 (4-Pack)

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

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In the event of missing or defective parts please call our customer service

dept. at

1 800 282 9346

(Mon. to Fri. 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST).

1. Steel Post Bracket (2, 3, or 4; depending on quantity pack purchased) 80054

2. 1 1/2” Self Tapping Screws (4 screws per individual bolt down bracket) 20005

to fasten wood posts to Steel Post Brackets

Please read through before starting installation.

Extra Materials Required (Quantity requirements

detailed below will vary depending on your pergola model).

• 4x4x8’ - pressure treated wood posts - 1 wood post per pergola column

Tools You Will Need

• Cordless Drill

• Concrete Hammer Drill (if drilling in concrete)

• Wrenches/Socket Set (if fastening with bolts)

Designed to be used to mount any New England Arbor pergola with 5x5 columns

DO NOT use the bolt down bracket system for isntalling the pergola over

concrete pavers, patio stones, or interlocking bricks.

Warning:

If you are installing a pergola on

a wood deck or concrete surface,

it is highly recommended that

you purchase this product.

Refer to page 8 of the instruction manual for more detailed post location

information for your specific model.

If mounting Pergola onto an existing concrete

surface:

• 1/2” x 3 1/2“ x 12” long wood shims to “build out” wood posts - 8 shims

per wood post (can be cut from 1/2” plywood).

• 1/4” x 2 3/4” Cement Screws

bracket

- Countersunk head - 3 screws per bolt down

• 3/16” Concrete drill bit. Minimum 3” Long (1)

• 4x4x8’ - pressure treated wood posts - 1 wood post per pergola column

If mounting Pergola onto a wooden or composite

deck with AN ACCESSIBLE UNDERSIDE:

4 5/8 in

6 in

3.5 in

Extra Hardware Required:

1/4” x 2 3/4”

Cement Screws

and

3/16” Concrete

Drill Bit

1/4”x?”

Bolt, Washer, and Nut

and1/4”WoodDrillBit

Bolt Length would be:

thick

ness of deck +

thickness of blocking

board+ ±1/2”

V3.

1/011217

• 1/4” x ?” Bolts and nuts - Countersunk Head - 3 bolts/nuts per bolt down bracket

• 1/4” Washers - 3 washers per bolt down bracket.

(length depends on total thickness of deck board plus blocking board ± 1/2”)

• 1/4” Wood drill bit (1) (Length depends on total thickness of deck board

plus blocking board ± 1/2”).

• 1/2” x 3 1/2“ x 12” long wood shims to “build out” wood posts - 8 shims

per wood post (can be cut from 1/2” plywood).

• 2x6 x 6” long - Blocking Board - 1 piece per bolt down bracket (to be installed

underneath the deck boards and bolt down brackets).

Need help?

Do you have a question about the New England Arbors VA80207 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Bolt Down Bracket System Overview

Parts Included

Lists the components included in the bolt down bracket system kit.

Extra Materials Required

Details additional materials needed for mounting on concrete or wood decks.

Tools Required

Specifies the tools necessary for the installation process.

Important Warning

Advises on recommended usage for specific surfaces like wood decks or concrete.

Extra Hardware Required

Lists optional but recommended hardware for concrete and wood deck installations.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Measure and Mark Locations

Guides on using string or chalk lines to mark bracket positions for square installation.

Step 2: Mark Hole Locations

Instructs on marking the precise hole locations for the bolt down brackets.

Step 3: Mount to Concrete Surface

Details drilling into concrete and securing brackets with concrete screws.

Step 4: Mount to Wood Deck

Explains drilling through wood decks and using a blocking board for support.

Step 5: Secure Bracket Assembly

Guides on aligning and fastening the bracket, deck, and blocking board with bolts.

Step 6: Install Wood Post

Covers setting the 4x4 wood post into the plumb post brackets and securing it.

Step 7: Shim Wood Post

Details using shims to create a snug fit between wood posts and vinyl columns.

Step 8: Install Vinyl Column

Describes guiding the bottom vinyl columns over the installed 4x4 wood posts.

Step 9: Complete Pergola Assembly

Final instruction to proceed with the overall assembly and installation of the pergola.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Bracket Dimensions
Included Components (per pack, quantity varies by pack size)
Extra Materials Required (User-Supplied, quantity varies by pergola model)
For Concrete Surface Installation
For Wooden or Composite Deck Installation (with accessible underside)
Tools You Will Need (User-Supplied)
Usage Features
Installation Process Overview
Important Considerations for Installation
Maintenance Features

The Bolt Down Bracket System is designed to securely mount New England Arbors pergolas with 5x5 columns onto either existing concrete surfaces or wooden/composite decks with accessible undersides. It is crucial to note that this system is not suitable for installing pergolas over concrete pavers, patio stones, or interlocking bricks.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Bolt Down Bracket System is to provide a stable and robust foundation for pergola columns. It achieves this by anchoring the base of the pergola's 4x4 wood posts to a solid surface, preventing movement and ensuring the structural integrity of the pergola. The system utilizes steel post brackets that are secured to the ground, into which pressure-treated wood posts are inserted and fastened. To ensure a snug fit and proper alignment with the vinyl columns of the pergola, a "build out" method using wood shims is employed around the 4x4 posts.

Important Technical Specifications:

Bracket Dimensions:

Height: 6 inches
Base Plate Dimensions: 4 5/8 inches x 4 5/8 inches
Flange Opening: The direction of the flange opening is important for reducing offset motion of posts, as indicated by arrows in the installation diagrams.
Hole Spacing (Base Plate): 3.5 inches between centers of mounting holes.

Included Components (per pack, quantity varies by pack size):

Steel Post Bracket (80054): 2, 3, or 4 brackets depending on the VA80206 (2-Pack), VA80207 (3-Pack), or VA80205 (4-Pack) purchased. These are the main anchoring components.
1 1/2" Self Tapping Screws (20005): 4 screws per individual bolt down bracket, used to fasten the 4x4 wood posts to the steel post brackets.

Extra Materials Required (User-Supplied, quantity varies by pergola model):

For Concrete Surface Installation:

4x4x8' Pressure Treated Wood Posts: 1 post per pergola column. These form the core support for the pergola.
1/2" x 3 1/2" x 12" Long Wood Shims: 8 shims per wood post, used to "build out" the wood posts for a snug fit within the vinyl columns. These can be cut from 1/2" plywood.
1/4" x 2 3/4" Cement Screws (Countersunk Head): 3 screws per bolt down bracket, for anchoring the steel brackets to concrete.
3/16" Concrete Drill Bit: Minimum 3" long, required for drilling pilot holes in concrete.

For Wooden or Composite Deck Installation (with accessible underside):

4x4x8' Pressure Treated Wood Posts: 1 post per pergola column.
1/2" x 3 1/2" x 12" Long Wood Shims: 8 shims per wood post, for "building out" the wood posts.
1/4" x ?" Bolts and Nuts (Countersunk Head): 3 bolts/nuts per bolt down bracket. The length of the bolts depends on the total thickness of the deck board plus a blocking board (± 1/2").
1/4" Washers: 3 washers per bolt down bracket.
1/4" Wood Drill Bit: 1 bit, length depends on the total thickness of the deck board plus blocking board (± 1/2").
2x6 x 6" Long Blocking Board: 1 piece per bolt down bracket, installed underneath the deck boards to distribute compression force.

Tools You Will Need (User-Supplied):

Cordless Drill
Concrete Hammer Drill (if drilling into concrete)
Wrenches/Socket Set (if fastening with bolts)

Usage Features:

Installation Process Overview:

Layout and Marking: Measure and mark the exact locations for the bolt down brackets using string or chalk lines. Diagonal measurements must be equal to ensure a square installation. The inside corner of the string lines defines the corner of the bottom flange of the bracket. Mark the hole locations on the surface.
Surface-Specific Anchoring:
- Concrete: Drill 3" deep holes using a 3/16" masonry drill bit. Install three 2 3/4" concrete screws per bracket.
- Wood/Composite Deck: Drill three holes through the deck using a 3/16" wood drill bit. Use the bracket as a template to mark and drill three holes through a 2x6x6" blocking board. Align the holes on the bracket, deck, and blocking board, then secure with bolts, washers, and nuts. Tighten with a screwdriver and wrench.
Post Installation: Once brackets are plumb, set the 4x4 wood posts into the brackets and secure them using the included self-tapping screws.
"Build Out" for Snug Fit: To ensure vinyl columns fit snugly over the 4x4 wood posts, "build out" the posts near the bottom and top using 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 12" shims on all four sides.
Vinyl Column Placement: Guide the bottom vinyl columns over the "built out" wood 4x4 posts using a step ladder.
Pergola Assembly: Proceed with the general assembly and installation of your pergola.

Important Considerations for Installation:

Pergola Model Specifics: Always refer to page 8 of your specific pergola's instruction manual for detailed post location information.
Bracket Orientation: Orientate brackets as shown in diagrams (arrows denote flange opening) to minimize post offset motion.
Leveling on Concrete: Concrete patios often have sloped surfaces for water run-off. If the bracket is at an angle after securing to concrete, galvanized steel washers (not provided) can be used as shims underneath the base to level. This is crucial for ensuring the pergola beams and rafters are level.
Deck Blocking Board: For deck installations, the blocking board underneath the deck distributes the compression force from the fasteners, enhancing stability.

Maintenance Features:

The manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features for the bolt down bracket system itself. However, given its construction from steel, it is reasonable to infer that periodic inspection for rust, loose fasteners, or damage would be beneficial. For concrete installations, checking the integrity of the cement screws and the surrounding concrete is advisable. For deck installations, ensuring bolts remain tight and the blocking board is secure would be part of general maintenance. The use of pressure-treated wood posts within the brackets helps resist rot and insect damage, contributing to the longevity of the overall structure.