Architect's Drawing: PVC Pergola Specifications, Profiles, Components, Assembly, and Installation

Architect's technical specification and construction guide

By Willie Labuschagne, MD, Value Fencing® Franchise Group · Published 3 February 2025

This drawing pack covers the Value Fencing® PVC pergola system: profiles, components, assembly, engineering notes, SANS 10400 considerations and construction sequence. It is for architects, engineers, project managers, draughtsmen, builders and estate approval committees. Use it with Download JPG or View JPG above.

1. System overview

Locally extruded PVC. Profiles are extruded in South Africa from uPVC specified for African UV exposure.

Reinforced structure. Load-bearing members use aluminium or steel reinforcement sleeves and concrete-filled post cores as required.

Modular configurations:

• Free-standing pergolas
• Wall-mounted pergolas
• Garden arbors
• Patio shade structures
• Carport pergolas
• Custom CNC-cut fixed louvre pergolas
• Slatted, trellis or polycarbonate top coverings

Low maintenance. PVC does not need sanding, varnishing, painting, staining, waterproofing or corrosion protection.

2. Material specifications

uPVC composition

• Virgin unplasticised PVC
• 4× UV-stabilised (African solar load)
• High-impact modifiers
• DuPont TiO₂ whitening / UV protection
• No calcium carbonate fillers (reduces brittleness and chalking)
• ASTM-certified fencing-grade polymer formulation

Colours

• Standard: white
• Custom colours: acrylic roof paint after light sanding

3. Profile specifications (typical)

Structural posts

• 102×102 mm square PVC post
  • Wall thickness: ±4.5–5 mm
  • Reinforcement:
    • 2× Y10 or Y12 rebars (600 mm)
    • Rawl epoxy anchoring
    • Concrete fill: 25–30 MPa
• 127×127 mm heavy-duty post (optional)

Main beams

• 152×51 mm rafters / beam profiles
  • Aluminium sleeve insert for spans
  • Lintel support options for broader spans

Rafter options

• 38×152 mm
• 38×89 mm
• Custom CNC-cut decorative ends

Louvre / slat options

• Fixed CNC-cut louvres (sun-block angle 0–30°)
• 22 mm, 38 mm, 50 mm, 76 mm slats
• Fully slatted shade panels
• Trellis or lattice infill panels

Top cover options

• Open slatted
• Solid slatted shade top
• Fixed-angle louvre top
• Multi-direction CNC-cut louvred screens
• Polycarbonate roof sheeting
• Classic lattice or trellis shading

4. Component breakdown

A. Primary structural components

• Load-bearing PVC posts
• Aluminium-reinforced PVC beams
• Rafters with reinforcing
• Wall plate (if wall-mounted)
• Base connectors (post-footing hardware optional)

B. Secondary components

• CNC-cut decorative rafter tails
• Louvre panels
• Slatted infill sections
• Shade battens
• Polycarbonate mounts (where applicable)

C. Connectors and hardware

• Stainless-steel fasteners
• Aluminium L-brackets
• PVC rail connectors
• Wall-mounting brackets
• Beam-to-post concealed fixing

Hardware is specified as corrosion-resistant for coastal installation.

5. Assembly and installation

Step 1: Site measurement and ground prep

• Verify plumb lines and grade slope
• Establish datum level
• Mark post placements

Step 2: Foundation footing

• Core drill or excavate 300–600 mm
• Anchor 2× Y10 rebars 150 mm into the substrate
• Embed the post using Rawl epoxy
• Fill the post with 25–30 MPa concrete
• Allow adequate curing time

Step 3: Beam installation

• Slide the aluminium sleeve inside the PVC beam
• Fix beams to posts with concealed brackets
• Check level and square

Step 4: Rafter installation

• Space rafters uniformly (typically 500–900 mm)
• Secure with stainless-steel screws
• Add decorative tails if specified

Step 5: Infill and top structure

• Fixed louvre panels
• Slatted shading
• Trellis top
• Polycarbonate cover
• Combinations of the above

Step 6: Finishing

• Cap posts with standard, gothic or New England caps
• Fit edge trims, shade rails or decorative trims

6. Performance and compliance

Wind load and structure. PVC beams with aluminium sleeves provide lateral rigidity and vertical load-bearing as specified in the drawing.

SANS 10400. Pergolas often fall under minor building work, but structural or municipal approval may still be required if:

• Covered area exceeds about 20 m²
• Attached load exceeds the usual thresholds
• Estate guidelines require a formal submission

Confirm with the local authority and HOA. This note is not a substitute for SANS 10400 or a registered professional.

Thermal stability. Profiles are UV-stabilised to limit fading, chalking, brittleness and discolouration.

Moisture, pest and decay. PVC is non-absorbent, does not rot, and is not a food source for termites.

7. Architectural applications

• Patios and entertainment areas
• Courtyards and pool decks
• Walkways and garden paths
• Estate-approved shade structures
• Contemporary louvre pergolas
• Val de Vie-style outdoor living
• Heritage-sensitive structures
• Carports and vehicle shade pergolas

8. Benefits for architects and builders

• Consistent, predictable profiles
• No warping, splitting or shrinkage
• Wide customisation (including CNC louvres)
• Suited to estates and modern developments
• Compatible with 3D BIM modelling
• No routine repainting
• Lightweight with internal reinforcement
• Longer service life than typical timber in outdoor exposure

9. Frequently asked questions

Can the pergola be installed on paving or a slab?
Yes, with core drilling and epoxy anchoring as specified.

Can I specify custom louvre angles?
Yes. CNC machining allows specified sun-control angles.

What is the maximum rafter span?
Typically 2.1–3.0 m, depending on reinforcement. Check the drawing for the span you are specifying.

Can PVC pergolas handle coastal climates?
PVC does not corrode; profiles and hardware are specified as UV-stabilised and corrosion-resistant for coastal use.