How to build pergola footings?

[dogbural]

Hi,

I would like to install the pergola using the pergola kits, like this

Double Wall Mounted Pergola Kit with Shade Sail for 90x90 Timber Posts – Modaprax

To do that, I need 3 x concrete footings. I am thinking to remove grass and make footings.

1. How big/deep would you recommend?

2. Do I need to put gravel first and concrete?

3. Do you recommend rebar?

4. How to make sure 3 footings are level with each other so that the pergola is also level?

Please share your knowledge/experience

Thanks

[dogbural]

Thanks @JacobZ 

Do you think i can use the same holes that i made for the 1st trial? The holes will be bigger now. Or i need to rotate the post to 90deg? What do you recommend?

[EricL]

Hello @dogbural 

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the post with the nut and bolt installed? How loose is the installation of the post? If it is too loose, it would be better to drill new post holes. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @dogbural 

I have just read through the thread So I think I am up to speed.

A photo would be good for sure and we would be able to give a better suggestion on what the next step is.

A couple of in between questions tho.

-Are you planning on leaving a gap below the post and above the stirrup? (It helps prolong the life of the post as it stops it sitting in water)

-Have you drawn up a sketch of what you are doing? I find a sketch helps overall to picture how things will look and also smaller sketches of "points" such as what you are working on atm. 

-Do you have some extra bits of timber (longish, maybe 1.8m) to use as temporay supports once you bolt the post in place?

Looking at that last pic that you posted, you may need to use a chisel and take off 5mm or 10mm to get the post to fit. Not sure where you are up to so will wait for confirmation

Dave