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how far apart should rafters be on a pergola

by Keira Brown Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

16 to 20 inches apart

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.

How to make pergola rafters?

Pergola - Attaching rafters to beams?

  • Italgrl. I am just planning my pergola. ...
  • Bocolo. It looks like they are bolted from the top. ...
  • vsheetz. ...
  • <* ( ( (>< I framed a couple pergolas, when our framer was behind and we used 6" SDS screws from the top, countersunk and then filled with caulking and ...
  • Termite. ...
  • Clutchcargo. ...
  • DecksEtc. ...
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  • DecksEtc. ...

What size posts do I need for a pergola?

Use a 6x6 post for your pergola. The 6x6 post is the minimum recommended size in order to provide the strength, rigidity and the proportion in the final appearance.

How far apart should the slats be on a pergola?

There are however always limits to the span of the beams. Similarly, you may ask, how far apart should the slats be on a pergola? We usually recommend 18” on center spacing for rafters and slats initially.

How far can 2x6 pergola rafters span?

A 2×6 spaced 16 inches apart can span a maximum distance of 13 feet 5 inches when used as a rafter, 10 feet 9 inches when used as a joist, and 6 feet 11 inches when used as a deck beam to support joists with a 6-foot span.

How far apart should pergola purlins be?

about 3” apartRafters are spaced about 24” apart. Purlins are spaced about 3” apart. Will the unit be attached or freestanding? Attached would allow the pergola to attach to a home or building.

How far can pergola rafters span?

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.

What is the distance between slats on a pergola?

The 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 shade slats are designed to be installed with 8 3/8” spacing between each slat. Shade slats are designed to extend approximately 8 1/4” past the last rafter. Measurement includes the pre-installed pergola ends. Your goal is to ensure that all the shade slats overhang equally to the eye.

How do you install rafters on a pergola?

0:463:59How to Build a Pergola - Rafters and Purlins - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm now screwing down the slats with some three and a half inch construction screws that I got fromMoreI'm now screwing down the slats with some three and a half inch construction screws that I got from Simpson. I got the slats off site hit my shop using a table saw I ripped a two by six cedar.

What angle should a pergola roof be?

We mentioned earlier that flat roofs are almost level. But flat pergolas should slope a little bit to one side so that water slides off instead of collecting on the roof. We call this angle the “pitch” and we recommend at least a 5-degree pitch.

How far can a 2x8 pergola rafter span?

In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet. Based on all factors though, a 2×8 joist span is 7'-1” to 16'-6”, and a rafter 6'-7” and 23'-9”. In this guide, we'll explain what span means in terms of construction, factors that impact the span, and how much weight a 2×8 can support.

How far apart should rafters be on a patio cover?

The extra weight added by the structure may be too much for your eave to hold. Rafter Spacing on Center: Measure from the outside of one rafter to the inside of the next rafter to get your spacing on center; usually rafters are spaced every 16 or 24 inches.

How far can a 2x6 rafter span without support?

a 2×6 rafter can span 14 feet 8 inches, 2×8 rafter can maximum span upto 14 feet 8 inches, 2×10 can span 24′- 8″, 2×12 can span 30′-0″ & 2×14 rafter can span upto 22 feet 6 inches when placed 16 inches apart from centre.

Step 1. Plan Your Space

Choose the location and get an idea for the amount of space you would like to use for your pergola.

Determine Rafter Length (Attached Pergola)

The length of rafters (also referred to as “Depth”), will be calculated by measuring the distance you would like to have from the wall to the outside of the posts (for attached), plus the overhang.

Determine Rafter Length (Freestanding Pergola)

For a freestanding pergola, the difference is that the Rafter is not attached to a wall, so there is overhang on both sides. The length of rafters (also referred to as “Depth”), will be calculated by measuring the distance you would like to have between the outside of the posts, plus the overhang.

Step 3: Determine Beam Length

The length of beams (also referred to as “Width”), will be calculated by measuring your desired outside post to post width plus the overhang. Using a tape measure, pull your second measurement between the points where you’d like the outside edges of each post to land. This is Measurement B. Then, add the overhang on each end to that measurement.

Step 5. Determine Post Height

Once you’ve decided on the size pergola you’re ordering, you’ll choose the height of your posts. We offer posts with standard lengths of 8 feet, 10 feet and 12 feet, and can customize post lengths upon request. When trying to decide the length of pergola posts needed for your wood pergola kit, there are a few things to consider.

Need Help Finding the Correct Size Pergola?

If you need help measuring for your backyard pergola and determining the correct size and style pergola you need, complete our Contact Us Form, send us an email at [email protected], or call us and we’ll get back to you.

How many feet between pergola posts?

For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work.

What is a pergola made of?

Typically built of treated lumber, cedar or redwood, they are fairly simple structures in design, but you should keep some basic building practices in mind to ensure construction of a pergola lasts for years to come.

What is a tail on a pergola?

The tails impart the pergola with its signature elegant design, and can be cut to a curved scalloped profile or a more angular geometric design —or anything in between. The longest edge of the boards should always be positioned at the top, but aside from that rule of thumb, the pattern is completely up to you.

Why do Steve and Blakeney have a pergola?

That was Steve and Blakeney’s reason to add a new pergola to their back yard.

How far apart should posts be for patio covers?

In general, the maximum span for a 4-by-6 beam is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts. If you move up to 4-by-8, you're usually allowed to span up to 10 feet between posts.

How far can a double ply beam span?

Thus, a double 2x12 beam could span 12 feet - with 20' beams, posts at 10' might look the best.

What is the difference between a glass pergola and a wood pergola?

Glass pergolas are typically placed against the house, while wood is designed to be part of the interior decor. Wood slats will wear out after more than one season and are also prone to rotting, whereas wood pergolas are easy to clean and maintain.

Why stack post slats vertically?

Stacking post slats in a vertical arrangement will make the structure look more appealing and add to its overall charm. You may also wish to look at some plans for pergola slats, before you begin construction. This will enable you to determine which direction to build slats.

Can rubber pergolas rot?

Rubber pergolas are very attractive, and are used as patio umbrellas, but are fragile, and will rot if not protected properly. When deciding which direction to build pergola slats, it’s best to start by considering what you want the end result to be.

Can a pergola take over a house?

Your pergola will be your favorite place, but don’t allow it to take over the house, or it will be difficult to maintain. If it’s already taking up too much space, consider an addition, or find another place to display it. Support slats can also be installed, as long as they are fixed so that they do not move or shift.

Is redwood a good choice for a pergola?

Redwood is a good choice because it is durable and not very expensive. Redwood is also very dense, which means that it will stand up to the elements and withstand a lot of wear and tear. The second thing to keep in mind when you are thinking about the length of your Pergola slats is the style of your home.

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