How Much Weight Can 4x4 Post Brackets Hold?

Built to Withstand 4,000 Pounds — Per Bracket

At Bjorn Woodworks, strength and longevity are the foundation of everything we design. Our 4x4 pergola brackets are engineered with a shear strength of 4,000 lbs per bracket — more than enough to handle the demands of virtually any residential or commercial pergola build.

That means when you build with Bjorn brackets, you’re working with a system that far exceeds the structural loads most DIY and professional projects will ever face.

The Wood Will Fail Before the Bracket Does

It’s worth noting: when a pergola fails, it’s almost never because the brackets gave out. The wood is far more likely to buckle or sag before the steel does.

Our brackets are made from heavy-duty 12-gauge steel and powder-coated for long-term protection. They’re designed to hold up for at least a decade in harsh outdoor conditions, resisting rust, corrosion, and structural fatigue. That strength and rigidity aren’t just about longevity—they also reduce wiggle or sway, giving your structure a solid, professional feel that lasts.

How to Build an Even Stronger Structure

While 4,000 lbs of shear strength per bracket gives you plenty of confidence, there are a few smart design decisions that make any pergola or outdoor structure even stronger.

1. Add More Vertical Supports

Adding more posts helps distribute weight and increase stability, especially in windy conditions. Using our T, 4-Way, or 5-Way Brackets creates additional vertical connection points to the ground, which:

• Reduces lateral movement and flex

• Improves load distribution across the structure

• Helps mitigate wood sagging over long spans

We recommend that no horizontal timber spans more than 12 feet without a vertical support post, even though our brackets can handle longer distances. This guideline keeps the wood—not the brackets—from becoming your limiting factor.

2. Properly Mount Your Foot Brackets

For maximum strength, make sure your foot brackets are securely mounted to a concrete slab. This anchors the structure and dramatically increases resistance to uplift and twisting forces caused by wind or uneven weight.

A solid foundation paired with Bjorn’s heavy-duty steel creates a structure that feels permanently grounded.

Designed for a Lifetime of Use

Our mission at Bjorn Woodworks is simple: build hardware that outlasts the lumber it supports. That’s why our 4x4 post brackets are not just over-built—they’re designed for real-world performance in sun, rain, snow, and salt air.

Whether you’re building a pergola, cabana, carport, or custom outdoor structure, you can trust that your Bjorn brackets will stay strong, stable, and solid for years to come.

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