Since pergolas and pavilions have no base, they need to be attached to either a concrete foundation or continuous post footings that anchor the structure.

Can I build a pergola without footings?

A pergola doesn’t need footings or concrete to support itself, but its posts will need to be buried into the ground or anchored with heavy-duty concrete anchor bolts to prevent them from toppling over in high winds.

How deep should footings be for a pergola?

Dig holes in the locations for the pergola’s posts, making each hole at least 12 inches in diameter and the depth of one-third the height of one post. If, for example, each post is 12 feet tall, then make each hole 4 feet deep.