Pergolas, patio covers and other similar structures often can be purchased as kits or just bought as parts at your local DIY store. In either case, the design and construction is the same, using posts and beams resting on a sound foundation. The ground screw is the perfect solution for installing an outdoor building such as this. As there is enormous variety in the design and manufacture of these structures, the versatility and precision placement of the ground screw is the best choice for such a foundation. Depending on the positioning and frame construction we recommend our post, adapter or beam screw.

If you are building over a lawn it is a good idea to cover this with a landscaping fabric followed by gravel to prevent the grass and weeds from poking up through the slats of the deck! The deck joists need to be anchored into the ground, usually at 2 metre intervals in all directions. This is ideally suited to the versatile ground screw rather than the older, heavier concrete piers or posts.

When the grid of ground screws is in place you can immediately attach the pressure-treated wooden joists creating a frame, preferably with bolts for added strength. It is usually recommended the joists are at least 45 mm x 170 mm in order to have sufficient load bearing strength. It is also advisable to install a very slight slope (2 mm drop per metre) away from the house to improve water drainage. The floor joists are then attached to this wooden framework with sloping screws or joist brackets at approximately 400-600 mm intervals. When the joists are in place, the fun begins with the fixing of the deck boards!

As there is enormous variety in garden buildings, from kits through to self-made designs, ground screws are a versatile and flexible solution for any foundation needs. For example, a simple shed can be built on a deck-like foundation or frame and the number of supports will vary depending on the size of the structure. The beam screws are ideal for this, and can be quickly and easily installed and adjusted for a level frame. Or, if the shed is a kit, then our adapter screw may be a better fit. Other storage buildings, such as bicycle sheds, bin rooms or children’s playhouses benefit enormously from the flexibility of ground screws and their precision adjustment for height and location.

Fences have to take a lot of punishment from wind, rain, moulds, plants and children of course! We offer a range of post ground screws of different sizes and heads for attaching a wide variety of posts shapes. The size of the ground screw depends mainly on the height of the fence, with, for example a 70 mm x 95 mm ground screw easily supporting an 80 cm high fence with a post gap of 1.8 metres. We recommend you select pressure-treated wood, stainless steel screws and other fittings for longevity.