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A construction worker in a black jacket and white cap uses a power drill to secure a black steel bracket onto a wooden post outdoors, with blurred palm trees in the background.

Outdoor Accents® Sage System™ Installation Steps

A construction worker in a black jacket and white cap uses a power drill to secure a black steel bracket onto a wooden post outdoors, with blurred palm trees in the background.

Designed with do-it-yourself homeowners in mind, the Sage System makes it easier than ever to create stunning outdoor structures in a single afternoon. The innovative open-top connector design, available for both 4x and 6x lumber, simplifies installation, adapts to various build methods and handles those small size differences in your boards. We offer installation steps for single or double-bay pergolas, with or without sunshades. The pergola can be easily customized to fit your outdoor living space.

You have two installation options for the Sage System.

Three people lifting and assembling a pergola frame in a backyard, aligning wooden beams and metal connectors on a concrete patio.

Option 1

This method provides the installation steps for “top down” assembly or building the top on the ground and then raising it up on posts. This method is best when using 4x4 lumber.

Two builders on ladders installing beams on a pergola structure, supported by braced posts on a concrete slab.

Option 2

The traditional “ground up” build method starts with placing the post bases first and then adding the top beams.

 

 

Single Pergola Installation Steps

Installation Steps — Option 1

A 3D-rendered wooden pergola frame with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors, built on a concrete base, shown without a sunshade.

Single Pergola, No Sunshade

A wooden pergola with black metal brackets, installed on a concrete base. The structure has four vertical posts and horizontal beams, with a taut gray sunshade attached to the top for partial coverage.

Single Pergola, With Sunshade

Installation Steps — Option 2

A 3D-rendered wooden pergola frame with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors, built on a concrete base, shown without a sunshade.

Single Pergola, No Sunshade

A wooden pergola with black metal brackets, installed on a concrete base. The structure has four vertical posts and horizontal beams, with a taut gray sunshade attached to the top for partial coverage.

Single Pergola, With Sunshade

Double Pergola Installation Steps

Installation Steps — Option 1

A 3D-rendered double pergola frame with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors, installed on a concrete base, shown without a sunshade.

Double Pergola, No Sunshade

A 3D-rendered double pergola with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors, installed on a concrete base, featuring two brown sunshades secured to the top frame.

Double Pergola, With Sunshade

Installation Steps — Option 2

A 3D-rendered double pergola frame with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors, installed on a concrete base, shown without a sunshade.

Double Pergola, No Sunshade

A 3D-rendered double pergola with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors, installed on a concrete base, featuring two brown sunshades secured to the top frame.

Double Pergola, With Sunshade

Sage System Sunshade Installation Steps

A 3D-rendered wooden pergola with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors on a concrete base, featuring an 8x8 beige sunshade secured to the top frame.

For Use with 8x8 Pergola

A 3D-rendered wooden pergola with Simpson Strong-Tie black metal connectors on a concrete base, featuring a 10x10 beige sunshade secured to the top frame.

For Use with 10x10 Pergola

DIY 8x8 Pergola Build Step-by-Step

DIY 8x8 Pergola Build Step-by-Step | ‪‪@JenWoodhouse1‬ + Sage System

Now it’s easier than ever to build the backyard pergola of your dreams. Join DIY expert Jen Woodhouse of the House of Wood as she provides step-by-step instructions to assemble an 8' x 8’ pergola using the Outdoor Accents Sage System from Simpson Strong-Tie. Designed with homeowners in mind, the Sage System makes it simple and fast to create stunning outdoor structures.

How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Pergola

How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Pergola | 4x4 & 6x6 Lumber

Join DIY expert Jen Woodhouse of the House of Wood as she provides valuable tips on selecting wood for your dream pergola using the Outdoor Accents Sage System from Simpson Strong-Tie. The Sage System is designed to fit either 4x4 or 6x6 lumber. However, wood size, appearance and quality can vary from one supplier to another, depending on the species, grain, moisture content, treatments and other factors. This video makes it simple to choose the right lumber.