Direct-to-Ground Installs

One of the most common and straightforward ways to use the Foot Anchors is directly on the ground — whether that's compacted soil, gravel, or turf. Paired with our galvanized convex load plate, this setup allows for a wide, stable footprint that transfers load efficiently without digging holes or pouring concrete.

It’s ideal for backyard builds where you're working with natural ground and want to avoid the mess or permanence of traditional footings. Customers have used this method to build everything from simple four post shade structures to larger modular pergolas with privacy screens and even louvered tops.

"Great for Pergolas! I used the 36" version to anchor my pergola in St Augustine FL. — Installation was easy in my sandy soil. I appreciated the adjustment of the saddle holding the 4x4. Made precise positioning easy."

- Eric B.

Unlike our traditional Deck Foot Anchors, the Pergola Foot Anchor doesn’t use a fixed post saddle. This makes it ideal for pergola kits with hollow metal posts or TOPS post bases.

Instead of being locked into a saddle, the post is placed over the auger shaft, and you have about 2 inches of movement in any direction before fastening it down to the plate with stainless self-drilling tapping screws.

That means your footing doesn’t need to be perfectly square or plumb during installation — you can make final adjustments when setting the post itself, saving time and reducing layout stress.

Over Pavers Installs

The second most common application we’ve seen is installing pergolas over patio pavers using our flat black load plate. This setup is perfect for anyone looking to add shade or structure to an existing hardscape — with zero need to tear up the entire surface.

The flat plate distributes load evenly across the paver surface, creating a secure base for your posts while preserving the clean, finished look of your patio. It’s an especially popular option for homeowners who want to build pergolas beside pools, along outdoor kitchens, or in tight backyard courtyards where excavation just isn’t feasible.

"Was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to reverse the auger if I was off of the mark I wanted. And when it down 36" it's not going to move...very secure. This was done by removing only one or two pavers. Drilling a 1" hole in the paver, and putting it over the Anchor shaft...... Super satisfied with the Foot Anchors"

- Joseph M.

When installing over pavers using the flat load plate, you'll first position and mark your post brackets (or post footing) directly on the plate using masking tape as a guide. Self-drilling screws are used to pierce through the plate and lightly mark the paver surface below.

Once marked, the plate is removed and shallow pilot holes are drilled into the pavers using a 1/4" masonry bit. After resetting and tightening the load plate back onto the auger, the brackets are aligned with the pre-drilled holes and secured in place.

From there, pergola posts can be set inside the brackets and fastened through the sides — creating a strong, clean install with zero disturbance to the patio base.

Solving Slope Challenges: Customer Innovation

One of the most creative uses of the Pergola Foot Anchor came from a customer named Gary, who successfully installed a heavy metal pergola on a sloped yard with up to 14 inches of elevation difference between posts.

To make it work, he mounted two anchors directly into level ground, while the other two were elevated using custom-built wooden boxes made from 2x10 pressure-treated lumber.

Each box was placed on a compacted gravel pad, with a hole drilled through the center to allow the auger to pass through and anchor below.