Flat Top Models: reducing the size of your pergola

If you're thinking of changing the footprint of one of our pergola kits, its important to note that while you can make cuts to the material allowing you to reduce the overall size, it is not possible to make a pergola larger by adding parts and pieces.  We recommend looking for a standard size that is larger than what you need and reducing the measurements from there.

There are two methods to choose from when modifying a flat-top pergola:
 

1. The first method is to simply move the posts of the pergola inwards to meet your desired footprint and attach the rafters spaced evenly over the main beams.  This will create more overhang on your pergola but this is the simplest modification to do and requires no cutting of the parts.

 2. Your second option is to not only move the posts inwards, but to also cut the rafters, beams and shade slats to reduce the overall footprint of your pergola and keep the standard overhang at the top.  

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1.  The warranty on your pergola covers material defects like warping, discoloration or cracking of the vinyl for 20 years.  It does not cover damage due to inclement weather, damage from external mechanical forces or damage as a result of incorrect or alternative installation methods.  The information we have provided today on modifying pergolas is designed to provide you with information and advice based on your chosen installation method but does not override the tested installation methods in our instruction manuals.  Vita always and only recommends the installation methods as written in your provided instruction manual.

2. We recommend when reducing the size of your pergola that you split the total reduction over the width of the structure. More simply stated, don't take everything off of one side you'll end up with a lopsided pergola.  It's better to divide the measurement you want to remove and reduce your pergola in even sections across the structure.

3. All cuts should be made with a brand new saw blade with a minimum of 60 teeth.

4.  It's a great idea to make your cuts near the joiners if you can that way messy or uneven cuts can be hidden inside the joiner once complete.

5.  While Vita does keep a small warehouse of spare parts on hand for sale these are primarily used for customers that require parts for repairs and we can not fulfill large parts orders to accommodate a pergola modification.  Please reach out to your local vinyl fencing company or hardware store to source similar parts.