How much weight can a 6×6 wood post support?

The load capacity of a 3-foot #2 grade 4×4 is 17,426 pounds, and a similar 6×6 is 20,834 pounds or 16% better. However, an 8-foot 4×4 supports 6468-pounds and 2339-pounds at 14-feet, while a 6×6 is 18032 and 10550-pounds respectively – or 64% and 78% more load capacity.

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 post should I use for a pergola?

A standard pergola will most often use 6 x 6 inch posts for support. A very small pergola may use 4 x 4 inch posts as long as it has less than 4 to 6 feet between posts. As a general rule of thumb the depth of hole you use for your posts should be approximately 1/4 of the height of your post.

How far can a pergola beam 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.

How much load can a 6×6 support?

A 6×6 with 12′ span can support 2000 lbs. if you assume a conservative 1400psi bending stress. If you do a good job bonding the two members together, your double 6×6 can support more than 4,000 lbs.

How strong is a 6×6?





If you assume a conservative 1400psi allowable bending stress, a single 6×6 with 12′ span can support about 2000 lbs. So your double 6×6 can support at least 4000 lbs (possibly more if you do a good job bonding the two members together so that there’s no slip between the faces).

Can a 6×6 span 20 feet?

A 6×6 softwood beam may be able to span 20′ with limited loads.

What is the longest 6×6 you can buy?

Product Specifications

Size & Dimension 6-inch x 6-inch
Length 22-ft
Size & Dimension .15
Wood Treatment Treated
Wood Specie Yellow Pine

How far apart can 6×6 posts be?

The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.

What is the maximum distance between pergola posts?



Pergolas are generally light structures so posts can be positioned up to 3m apart.

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.

Can you use 6×6 as beam?

No. 6-by lumber hasn’t been used for beams since the 60s or so (and it doesn’t fit in your wall anyway). An engineer would specify something between a doubled 2×10 and a doubled 1-3/4″ LVL (engineered lumber) beam, up to 12″ nominal height, depending on the roof system.

Is a 6×6 or 3 2×6 stronger?



(3) 2×6 laminated together will make a stronger product in that you will have less warping and twisting than a single post, as well as not nearly the issue of the wood drying out and splitting. the load capabilities will be roughly the same for a like sized solid post or laminated.

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.