What is the ideal size for a pergola?

If you need space for no more than 6 people, a 12X16 pergola should work for you. However, if you think you’d like to accommodate seating for 12 people, we recommend a spacious 16X20 foot pergola.

How big can a pergola be with 4 posts?

Support Posts For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work. For anything larger, though, the 6×6 stock will not only offer a beefier look and greater carrying capacity, but 6×6 also resists the twisting associated with the more spindly 4x4s.

What is the maximum height for a pergola?

Although most pergola projects are between 8 feet to 10 feet, you can still build a pergola as tall as 4m or 13 feet. However, depending on where you live and your local ordinance, the maximum height of a pergola will vary. It’s best to check with local regulations regarding pergola height in your area.

What size timber should I use for a pergola?

For the uprights you will need at least 75mm x 75mm (3” x 3”) timber, and 100mm x 100mm (4” x 4”) is better if it is to be a sizeable structure. The uprights need to be around 3m (10ft) long, as they will need sinking into the ground by 0.5m (2ft) to give a firm foundation.

How far can a pergola beam span without support?

Although it depends on the species and grade of wood. As per thumb rule, for a pergola beam, 2″×12″ size timber you can span it upto 20 feet, 2×10 can span upto 16 feet, 2×8 can span upto 12 feet, 2×6 can span upto 10 feet and 2×4 can span upto 6 feet.

Do I need permission to build a pergola?

You will need planning permission for your pergola if it’s on the front of your house. You will need planning permission for your pergola if it is in a conservation area or on the side of your house between the house and the boundary wall.

How high can a pergola be without planning permission?

height must be no greater than 2.5m (8′ 2″) Further away from the boundary it can be 3m (9′ 10″). A pitched-roof structure (A-shaped roof) can be up to 4m high (13′)

How far can you span a 2×12 for pergola?

There’s not quite enough information here to give a definitive answer, but for decks, a rule of thumb is when supporting joists that span 12 feet, a double ply beam can span in feet a value equal to its depth in inches. Thus, a double 2×12 beam could span 12 feet – with 20′ beams, posts at 10′ might look the best.

How tall should a pergola be?

– Cut Tops of the Posts. After the concrete in the post holes has set, and the beams and rafters are cut, cut the tops of the posts to an even – Install the Beams. Install the beams. – Measure Rafters. Take time to measure the overhang of each rafter carefully to keep the whole set in alignment.

How to measure a pergola?

Research zoning laws in your area. States and towns have zoning laws that restrict certain kinds of construction.

What size posts do I need for a pergola?

Use a 6×6 post for your pergola. The 6×6 post is the minimum recommended size in order to provide the strength, rigidity and the proportion in the final appearance.

What size should pergola rafters be?

Pergola rafter size:- typically the rafters size used for pergola could be 2×6 (2 inches by 6 inches), 2×8 (2 inches by 8 inches), or 1.5×7.25 (1.5 inches by 7.25 inches). The length of the rafters be as long as you desire the pergola itself to be. The longer the rafters, the more you need.