Do you offer larger sizes than what you have listed?
Absolutely! We specialize in custom-designed, professionally built outdoor structures. Whether you need a larger size or a unique shape to maximize your space, we've got you covered. Every structure, whether it's a pergola, pavilion, or a combination of both, is carefully designed and built to suit your site, style, and functional needs.
We also offer a wide range of options and upgrades, ensuring you get exactly what you want—right down to the last detail.
Can a pergola or pavilion be attached to my house?
In most cases, pergolas can be attached to your house. Your Big Timber representative will be able to determine if this is an option.
Pavilions cannot be attached to your house. However, our Big Timber representative and Design Team have plenty of experience creating solutions! We can offer options to incorporate the function/style of an attached structure without actually attaching the pavilion to your house.
Will my structures show signs of aging over time?
The aging of an outdoor wooden structure is a natural and gradual process influenced by environmental conditions. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, sealing, or repainting, can help slow this aging and preserve the structure's appearance and integrity.
Materials
What is the wood material in the base price?
Douglas Fir
When you buy quality things, you're going to have them for a long time. Douglas Fir provides the raw strength, proven toughness, dimensional stability, and stain-holding power that embody our structures.
Why choose Western Red Cedar?
For centuries, builders and artisans have valued Western Red Cedar for its beauty and durability. It's perfectly suited for outdoor use and is naturally resistant to insects, decay and moisture.
Western Red Cedar is like the 'little black dress" of construction materials – amazingly adaptable to any design style. It's at home in contemporary, modern, and traditional designs, and the style can accommodate everything from refined sleek to ruggedly rustic.
What makes cedar the green choice?
You can feel good about choosing Western Red Cedar for your home, your family, and your environment. Wood is the world's only renewable building material and forest regeneration helps us all breathe easier. Harvesting wood is less intrusive and requires only a fraction of the energy used to produce materials such as aluminum and steel.
The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA) offers a wealth of information regarding characteristics, sustainability, and the versatility Western Red Cedar.
For more information, visit www.realcedar.com.
Can I have my outdoor structure stained?
Yes! With our professionally applied pre-stain option, you can choose from three standard colors: Natural Cedar, Red, or Brown. This will allow for more complete coverage of each component for maximum protection while also streamlining installation, minimizing on-site disruption.
We recommend the beautiful protection of our professional-grade Wood Defender stain by Standard Paints, Inc. However, unfinished Western Red Cedar will weather to a rustic, silver-gray patina if you choose to forgo the stain option.
Note: All Big Timber Costco Next structures include professionally applied pre-stain.
Prior to Purchase
Do I need a building permit?
Before completing your purchase, be sure to contact your local building code authority and homeowners association to confirm any local requirements. Permits may be required in your area. If your municipality requires additional inspections, engineered drawings, or other documentation, those costs will be added to your purchase and must be paid in full prior to installation.
Big Timber products are designed to meet the minimum code requirements of the current editions of the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC). However, some local codes may require modifications to meet specific conditions such as higher wind speeds, soil composition, or snow loads. If required, these modifications may result in additional fees.
What type of foundation do I need?
Big Timber structures are only designed to be installed on an existing concrete foundation or footers suitable to support your structure. Please contact Big Timber for minimum slab requirements prior to installation.
Do I have to take measurements?
Yes, we'll ask for the approximate size you'd like so we can give you a price estimate.
The size of a structure, both pergolas and pavilions, is represented by the dimensions of the canopy. Typically, but not always, our structures have a 12″ overhang on all four sides. The footprint is usually 24″ smaller. For example, a 10′ x 16′ pergola has a post footprint of 8′ x 14′.
Site must be level within 6" prior to installation.
When digging postholes, Big Timber will schedule a utility line locate service to mark standard underground utilities.
Customer is responsible for locating and marking all other underground obstructions such as, but not limited to sprinkler lines, sewer lines, or homeowner installed power, gas or water lines.
Excavation, tree trimming, and removal of old structures are the responsibility of the customer.
Big Timber is NOT responsible for Home Owners' Association approvals.
Typical pergola, pavilion, & patio pavilion installation includes cedar posts cemented 24" – 42" in ground. If rock is encountered during excavation, an additional charge ($109.99 per hour in most cases) may apply.
If installing structure on an existing concrete slab, concrete anchor kit option must be purchased prior to installation. Please contact Big Timber for minimum slab requirements prior to installation. (Standard Pergola Model and / or Pavilions may require additional options.)
If electrical power is not available within 100' of installation site, a fee of $75 will be required for generator rental.
Price quotations are valid for thirty (30) days from date of written proposal.
What questions do I ask my building department?
Is there a certain size/sq footage where a building permit is required?
What is your zoning and allowed building for your location?
Is an engineer-stamped plan set required to pull a permit?
Is there a limit to the number of structures you can add to property?
What is the max lot coverage for all structures?
Any roof height limitations?
What is the required distance between structures on your property?
What are your setbacks (distance off the property line to the new structure)?
Any special easements (utility, cable, access roads, open space, corner lot) that affect where your structure can go?
Installation
How long does it take to get an outdoor structure installed?
Generally, you can expect installation to be completed within 10-14 business days once your order is confirmed. Of course, this is subject to seasonality, permitting, and HOA approval, if required.
Actual on-site installation for a median sized structure can be completed in one or two days. Your installer will arrive with your structure pre-cut and pre-stained (if chosen), minimizing disruption to your day and your landscape. Larger and/or more complex designs will require additional days, yet still provide minimal disruption.
Do I need to be present for installation?
Yes, we request the purchasing customer be present at the start and the completion of the installation.
Upon completion, you will be asked to complete a satisfaction survey. We are an award-winning Preferred Service Provider and work diligently to earn our stellar satisfaction rating. Our installers will be happy to address any questions or concerns right on the spot, leaving you to the business of enjoying your outdoor living space immediately!