How far can a pergola span between posts?

Spacing the rafters 16 to 20 inches apart is common. The most important rule in spacing is to keep the distance consistent between all the rafters. Install the front and rear rafters first, fastening them to the face of the support posts above the girder.

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.

How far can 2×6 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 do you install pergola rafters?

Install the Rafters

  1. Lay the rafters perpendicular across the crossbeams.
  2. The rafters on the edges sit on the posts. …
  3. Make sure the overhangs are even on each end of the rafters.
  4. Fasten the rafters in place by driving two 5-inch galvanized screws into the crossbeams at 45-degree angles.

What is the best height for a pergola?





8-10′

The minimum height of a pergola should be no lower than 7’6” to provide enough head room, though most projects call for a range of 8-10′ in height. A lower ceiling feels right-sized for intimate gatherings, while a larger roof is more in scale with a larger structure.

How far can a 2×8 span on a pergola?

The IRC 2018 does not specify a maximum span for pergola beams. Because of this, it is best to go by the standard rule and multiply the depth by 1.5. This would give you 12 feet. You may be able to get away with another 1 to 2 feet depending on the species and grade of the wood but should avoid going past that.

What size beam do I need for an 18 foot span?

Thus, for a 18 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×16 or 6×16 size of wood beam. For a 18-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 16 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×16) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

How much weight can a pergola hold?



The amount of weight a pergola can hold will vary depending on the quality of the wood and frame design, but it’s typically safe to say that a pergola can handle at least 300lbs. Of course, you will need strong chains and attachments that will support that weight as well.

What size should pergola rafters be?

Typically the rafters could be 2 inches by 6 inches, 2 inches by 8 inches, or 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.

Should you notch pergola rafters?

Mark on the board where the four support beams are located on your cross beam. You will need to notch out this area so that the board fits over the support beams.

Which direction should pergola slats run?



For optimal morning and afternoon shade coverage, it’s best to ensure a traditional pergola’s beams orient north and south, with an angle toward the east.

What is the longest span for a pergola?

There seems to be no definitive beam spans for pergolas, unfortunately. Generally speaking, though, it is recommended that for a 12′ span you will need at least 2″ x 8″ treated or hardwood timber or more.

How big of a beam do I need to span 20 feet?

For a 20-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 16 inches in depth and 8″ in width (4-2×16) used for residential building or projects.

How far can a 2×12 span without support?

A 2×12 (2-by-12) floor joists can span up to 23 feet 3 inches, 2×10 (2-by-10) up to 19 feet 1 inches, 2×8 (2-by-8) up to 15 feet & 2×6 (2-by-6) up to 11 feet 4 inches at 16″ spaced by using southern yellow pine graded as #1 when live load of 30 lbs/ft^2 & dead load of 10 lbs/ ft^2.

How far can a 2×8 span without support?



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.

What size beam do I need to span 16 feet?

For a 16 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×14 or 6×14 size of wood beam. Thus, a 3 nailed 2×14 or 3-2×14 or 6×14 wood beam can allow to span 16 feet. For a 16-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 14 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×14) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

What is the maximum span for 2×8 joist?

Max. Live Load 30 lbs/ft2 (1436 N/m2)

Maximum Span (ft – in)
Nominal Size (inches) Joist Spacing Center to Center (inches) Lumber Grade
2 x 8 12 15′ – 10″
16 14′ – 5″
24 12′ – 4″

What size beam do I need to span 15 feet?

Thus, for a 15 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×12 or 6×12 size of wood beam. For a 15-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 12 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×12) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

Can a 6×6 span 14 feet?



What is this? A #2 S-P 6×6 will span between 7′-0” and 8′-6” for joist spans of 6-feet, and 4′-2” to 4′-11” with joist spans of 18-feet depending on loads.

How big of a LVL beam do I need to span 14 feet?

What size lvl beam for a 14 foot span:- as per general thumb rule, for a 14 foot span, size of LVL beam or GLULAM should be 7 to 8 inches deep and 3 inches wide, thus you need something like a 7-8″ GLULAM or LVL to span upto 14 feet and can use simple 2×10 dimensional lumber at 16″ apart from centre as floor joists …