Can I Anchor a Pergola Kit to Pavers? (And How to Do It the Right Way)

Bjørn Woodworks
12m
3 min read

If you’ve ever searched this question, you’ve probably noticed something: everyone has a different answer. Some say “just bolt it down,” others say “don’t even try.”The truth is — pavers look solid, but they aren’t structural. Anchoring a pergola kit directly to them won’t meet load requirements or last long-term.Here’s the real explanation of why — and how to build your pergola the right way, without sacrificing the look of your patio.

Why Anchoring to Pavers Doesn’t Work

Pavers are designed for aesthetics, not structure. They sit on a bed of sand or gravel, which shifts slightly over time.That means if you try to anchor your Bjorn Woodworks pergola kit to the surface of the pavers:

The anchors only grab the thin paver stone, not a solid foundation.
The base can pull loose in wind or snow loads.
Frost heave can lift and rack the frame over time.

It may look secure at first — but structurally, it’s not.And since every Bjorn bracket is built to handle thousands of pounds of shear strength, it makes sense to pair them with a foundation that’s just as capable.

Three Proven Ways to Anchor Your Pergola Kit

1. The “Cut-and-Cap” Concrete Pier Method

Best for: paver patios, freeze climates, high winds.

Temporarily lift the pavers where each post will sit. Dig or auger a hole down to frost depth, pour a small concrete pier, set your Bjorn Foot Bracket, and then replace the pavers neatly around it.

✅ Meets code in every region ✅ Keeps the finished patio look ✅ Maximum strength and longevity

Pro Tip: Use our Pergola Foot Brackets — each base includes an open drain hole to prevent moisture buildup at the post bottom.

2. Anchor to a Concrete Slab

Best for: patios already poured in concrete.

If you’ve got a strong, level slab (minimum 4" thick), use wedge or screw anchors rated for structural loads to attach your Bjorn foot brackets.This is common for covered patios, modern decks, or backyard slabs.

✅ Fastest and cleanest install ✅ No digging required ⚠️ Be sure your slab is uncracked and properly reinforced before anchoring.

3. Use Helical Piles or Ground Anchors

Best for: finished patios you don’t want to disturb.

These screw-in steel anchors install through the joints or next to the pavers, down to stable soil. Once secure, your foot brackets bolt directly to the pile heads.It’s a premium solution but eliminates concrete altogether.

✅ No demo, no mess ✅ Instant load-bearing capacity ✅ Ideal for professionals or windy zones

Myths to Avoid

“Just glue or epoxy the bases to the pavers.” ❌ Epoxy can’t resist uplift or frost movement.
“I’ll just bolt through the paver.” ❌ A bolt through a 2" stone isn’t structural and will likely break.
“Planters are enough ballast.” ❌ Open-roof pergolas act like sails. Wind will move or flip them.

Your pergola deserves better than that — and so does your patio.

Climate & Load Considerations

Every Bjorn Woodworks bracket is made from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel and powder-coated for weather resistance— but the wood and foundation determine how your structure handles wind, snow, and frost.

Wind zones: Add gusset brackets for lateral support.
Frost zones: Always go below frost depth or use engineered piles.
Coastal zones: Use coated anchors to prevent corrosion.

For tall pergolas (over 8'), we recommend adding Gusset Support Brackets for extra rigidity.

How to Decide

Surface	Best Solution	Why It Works
Pavers	Concrete piers below pavers	Full structural support & frost protection
Concrete slab	Anchor directly to slab	Quick, secure, code-compliant
Finished patio you can’t dig	Helical piles	Engineering-approved and non-invasive

Hardware You’ll Need

Bjorn Foot Brackets (choose 4x4 or 6x6)
3,000+ PSI concrete mix (for piers)
Rated structural anchors (included with Bjørn footer brackets)

The Bottom Line

If you want your pergola to last — and look as solid as the day you installed it — give it the foundation it deserves.

Don’t anchor to pavers alone.
Use piers, slabs, or engineered piles for true structural support.
Pair your foundation with Bjorn Woodworks brackets, and you’ll have a pergola that’s built to outlast every season.