Toja Grid DIY Pergola Kits
How to Build a Pergola using Toja Grid in an Afternoon
I’ve written before about how much we love our patio furniture from Toja Grid, so when the Canadian company offered to send us pergola kits for our new deck project, I jumped at the opportunity! Most people actually know Toja Grid for their pergolas. They are easy to assemble, durable, and can be put together in a million different combinations. But we had never used the pergola kit before.
Well, that’s now changed! On our new deck we have two Toja Grid pergolas — one large pergola for shade over the seating area and the other which we configured to create a changing room for our pool. As impressed as I am with their furniture — I am equally impressed with their pergola kits. You can truly assemble a pergola in just a few hours and only using a few simple tools! But I will say this: having a friend or two is helpful!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Toja Grid, but all ideas and opinions are my own. AKN
How to Create a Stylish Pergola with Toja Grid Kits
Before you place your pergola order on the Toja Grid website, you’ll need to design your pergola. Measure your space, and use their guidelines to choose your kit. Or if you are ambitious — and you know this is my family — design your own and order your parts accordingly.
You can choose to use 4x4 or 6x6 lumber for the wood structure. We used 4x4 for everything. If you aren’t familiar with Toja Grid, one of the ways they save shipping costs and — therefore greenhouse gas emissions — is by only shipping the essentials to you — brackets, sails, etc. You purchase and cut all of the lumber for your pergola. We had our wood delivered, too, which made everything even easier. It had already arrived when the Toja Grid shipments arrived, and we were ready to get to work.
What Tools Do You Need?
If you use standard lumber sizes, all you REALLY need is a good drill. However, there are a few other things that may be helpful:
Planer or sander: lumber isn’t always perfectly square, so having a planer or a sander on hand to ease the ends of your 4x4s comes in handy
Drill: get a good one for this project, and if you are working with friends, have them bring their drills, too. There are lots of screws to drive, and many hands make light work. You’ll need a philips head bit and a bit for the connectors when you attach the bottom plates to your decking or ground surface.
Sander or sand paper: most lumber comes with stamps on the wood — a sander or sandpaper will take that right off
Toja Grid Assembly Tips
If you are not using standard lumber lengths, you can have your lumber cut at the store where you purchase it. But if you are using standard lengths, even that step can be eliminated.
Once you have both your lumber cut to length and all of your Toja Grid pieces in hand, it’s time to assemble your pergolas, and honestly, the process is as simple as driving screws. The Toja Grid brackets have pre-drilled holes. Just insert your wood into the brackets and attach with screws.
“HOT TIP: Use a self-centering bit to pre-drill the holes for each screw which will save both time and frustration!”
We pre-drilled all of our holes with a self-centering bit which made the whole process even faster!
Pool Changing Room
We have a stock tank pool which we LOVE, but I hate wet feet in the house. So I wanted an outdoor changing room — a place to hang up towels, change out of wet suits, and have a little privacy. Added bonus: it also blocks the patio and pool from our neighbor’s view which just makes for better neighbors, frankly.
For our Changing Room, we used a basic pergola kit for the frame. The structure is 4’x8’. Then we used the KNECT brackets to create walls through which we wove Wave Shade panels to create privacy. Finally, for the ends, we used the curtain brackets and hung curtains which can be pulled when in use.
Supplies List:
Any Size Pergola Kit for 4x4 Posts: 1
8’ Wave Shades: 5
KNECT 4x4 Rafter Kit: 26 total brackets
Curtain Rod Holder Kit: 2
The Main Pergola
The main pergola on our deck is 8’ x 16’. It frames our primary seating area with shade positioned for the afternoon sun most of the year. Again, we used a basic pergola kit and the KNECT brackets together with Wave Shades in white. The main furniture in this area is also from Toja Grid.
We positioned the Wave Shades to maximize the shade at the peak of the summer, but we also wanted the pergola to fill the space — and to avoid having a post in the middle of the doorway. So the shades are 12 feet long while the pergola is actually 16 feet long.
This is a flexible conversation area and, frankly, is where we hang out A LOT!
What are the Benefits of using the Toja Grid Pergola System?
Honestly, there are so many good reasons! They are easy to assemble, eco-friendly, and well-designed. I have full confidence that our pergola kits will last for decades even in Colorado’s punishing sun and winds. And they look fabulous! So the real question is: why would you choose anything else?
FAQs
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A Toja Grid pergola kit is a pre-fabricated system designed to make it easy for DIY enthusiasts to build a durable and stylish pergola in their backyard. The kit includes all necessary hardware and a detailed instruction manual to assemble a pergola using galvanized steel brackets and wooden beams.
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Building a Toja Grid pergola is straightforward, even for beginners. The system includes step-by-step instructions, and the brackets are pre-designed to simplify assembly. With basic tools and a little time, most DIYers can complete the project in a weekend.
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Toja Grid pergola kits are made using high-quality galvanized steel brackets, designed to resist rust and corrosion. You'll need to supply your own wood, such as pressure-treated lumber or cedar, to complete the structure. The steel brackets help create a sturdy and long-lasting pergola.
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Yes, Toja Grid kits are designed to be customizable. You can choose the dimensions of your pergola, such as width, length, and height, based on your space and design preferences. The kits allow you to add extra features like side panels, fabric covers, or lighting to personalize your pergola.
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No special skills are required, but basic DIY knowledge and experience with tools such as a saw, drill, and level are recommended. The kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, and most people can build a pergola with just a few simple tools.
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Depending on the size and complexity of the design, most people can complete the pergola in 1-2 days. If you're working with a helper, it can be even quicker. Make sure to allow time for any optional finishing touches, such as painting or staining the wood.
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Item descriptiThe size of your Toja Grid pergola depends on your space and how you plan to use it. For smaller yards or patios, a 10x10 ft pergola might be ideal. Larger yards can accommodate bigger pergolas, such as 12x16 ft or larger. Measure your space carefully to ensure the pergola fits comfortably.
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Yes, securing the pergola is essential for stability and safety. Toja Grid pergola kits include anchor brackets, but you'll need to secure them to a solid foundation such as concrete, gravel, or wood deck. If your ground is soft or uneven, consider using post anchors for additional stability.
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To maintain your Toja Grid pergola, regularly check for signs of wear, especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions. Clean the metal brackets and wooden beams annually to remove dirt or debris. If the wood starts to show signs of aging, consider sanding and re-staining to preserve its look.
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Yes, many people add outdoor curtains, fabric panels, or retractable awnings to their Toja Grid pergola to provide shade and privacy. You can install hooks or rails on the frame to easily attach fabric or other decorative features.
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Yes, Toja Grid pergolas are built to withstand various weather conditions. The galvanized steel brackets offer excellent rust resistance, and using pressure-treated wood or cedar will further improve the structure's durability. For extreme climates, additional reinforcement may be needed.
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Yes, Toja Grid pergola kits are made from durable, long-lasting materials, which means you won’t need to replace your structure frequently. Additionally, they use eco-friendly options like sustainably sourced wood, and their galvanized steel brackets are recyclable.
