Outdoor Accents® Sage System™

Q: Is everything I need to build a pergola included in one box? 
A: Sage System connectors and post bases are sold separately, and the number you need depends on the size of the pergola you’re building. Corner connectors and posts bases come in sets of two. So, if you’re building a four-post pergola, you’ll need to buy two corner connector boxes and two post base boxes. Fasteners are included with the parts. If you want to add a sunshade, there are two sizes and two colors available to purchase separately, and they come with all the screws and brackets you need. For a double-bay pergola, the middle-T connector is sold individually, with all the screws included. 

Q: How does water drain from the connectors? 
A: The corner connector and middle-T connector are designed to let water flow from the top of the post to the beam support and out. 

Q: Are screws included with the connectors? 
A: Each carton includes a bag of 1 1/2" Outdoor Accents connector screws (SD10112DBB) and a 1/4" hex driver bit. 

Q: Are anchors included for attaching the post base to concrete? 
A: Each two-pack of post bases comes with 16 black Titen Turbo® concrete screw anchors. Please note: a concrete drill bit and 5/16" hex driver for the anchor screws are not included and must be purchased separately.  

Q: What if I lose any of the screws or anchors? Can I buy them separately?
A: The same screws and anchors are available for purchase through your local distributor or home center in large-quantity retail packs. The model numbers and quantities are:   
TNTBL25134H (100 per pack) 
SD10112DBBR50 (50 per pack) 

Q: What type of wood works best with Sage connectors?
A: How well the wood fits in your connectors will depend on things like the wood species and grain, moisture content, treatments, and where you buy it. For the best fit, make sure the largest dimension of your lumber is not bigger than 3 5/8" for 4x4 connectors or 5 5/8" for 6x6 connectors. If your boards have sharp edges or corners, you may need to smooth them with sandpaper. If your lumber is too big to fit into the connectors, you might need to sand or cut it down.

Q: What happens if my wood beam doesn’t fit into the connector?
A: These connectors are designed for standard 4x and 6x lumber. Be sure the lumber you purchase is “nominal,” which is the standard size. You don’t want to buy “rough” lumber, as those pieces are too big for these connectors. If you have standard wood and it still doesn’t fit smoothly, be sure it’s dry. Wet wood swells beyond its usual size, which can lead to fit issues.

Q: My lumber seems too small for the bracket. What do I do?
A: Don’t overdrive fasteners if there are gaps between the bracket and lumber, as it could cause damage. For large gaps, consider using shims to fill the gap before installing the fasteners for a cleaner look.

Q: Are there installation instructions for building a pergola with Sage connectors? 
A: Yes! We offer free instructions for building simple, modular pergolas. See the assembly instructions on this page for options with and without sunshades.

Q: What type of surfaces can these post bases be attached to?
A:  Post bases are designed to attach to concrete using the included concrete screw anchors. These post bases can also be fastened to wood decks or framing with Strong-Drive® SDS screws (not included). However, solid blocking is required when installing these bases to wood decks. Do not attach to wood decking only. 

Q: Do I need to add knee bracing supports from the post to the beam?
A: There are some instances where knee-bracing should be considered:

• Pergolas taller than 8’
• Bay widths larger than 10’
• When adding solid walls or roofs
• In areas with high winds
• When required by local building codes

When knee-bracing is added for aesthetics or needed for additional support, we recommend using Outdoor Accents® Avant Collection™ knee-brace connectors (APVKB) installed with Outdoor Accent screws and washers.

Q: Do I need a building permit?
A: Check local building codes to see if a permit is required. In many areas, one-story detached structures under 120 square feet may not need a permit. Installation requirements can vary, so build at your own risk.

Q: Where can I find information about the structural integrity of this system?
A:  You can find load capacity info on each product page: Sage Corner Connector, Sage Middle-T Connector and Sage Post Base (provide link to each page)

Q: Can I make the post match the beam height if deeper beams are used? 
A: For easier assembly, posts typically stop below the top of the connector. If you’re using deeper beams and want the post to be flush with the top, you can use a taller post and notch the top of the post to match the column stop tab dimensions.

Q: Can I add a privacy wall on one side of the pergola?
A: Yes, great idea! However, we suggest adding knee bracing for additional support.

Q: What size pergola requires adding the Middle-T connector and additional posts?
A: Many factors affect whether additional posts are needed. For example, a pergola made with Douglas Fir-Larch or Southern Yellow Pine #2 lumber with sunshades that will be removed during snow or inclement weather should not have a span greater than 10' when building with 4x4 lumber, or a 15' span for 6x6 lumber. However, if a solid roof is added, these spans may be shortened, especially in areas with heavy snow. Spans may also need to be reduced depending on lumber species and in high-wind regions if knee braces aren’t used. We recommend consulting a design professional.

Q: Do I have to use standard 8' or 10' length beams?
A: Longer spans will require additional posts and knee bracing (see knee brace question above). If you’re using the Sage sunshade, you will need to stay with the standard 8' or 10' length beams. The 8x8 sunshades are for use with 8' lumber on an 8' x 8' pergola. The 10x10 sunshades are for use with 10' lumber on a 10' x 10' pergola.

Q: If I want to use a Sage sunshade, what size should I build my pergola?
A: The 8x8 sunshades are for use with 8' lumber on an 8' x 8' pergola. The 10x10 sunshades are for use with 10' lumber on a 10' x 10' pergola.

Q: Are the sunshades waterproof? 
A: Sunshades are not waterproof and will allow rainwater to trickle through to the space below. 

Q: How can I clean my sunshade?
A: Sage Sunshades are made of durable HDPE material that is resistant to mold and mildew, but regular cleaning with mild soap and water helps maintain their longevity. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials to protect the fabric's UV resistance and overall integrity. We recommend proper storage and removal during high wind and weather events to ensure safety and extend the sunshade's lifespan.

Q: Can I use a heating lamp below the sunshade?
A: We do not recommend sources of flame or heat to be used below or close to the sunshades.