As per thumb rule and general guidelines, it is recommended that for a 10′ span you will need at least 2″x6″ size of wood beam used for pergola, for a 12 foot span – 2×8 size timber, for a 14, 15 &16 foot span – 2×10 size timber and for 18 to 20 foot span you will need 2×12 size timber.

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 should rafters be on pergola?





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 far can 2×6 pergola rafters span?

A 2×6 can support up to 50 pounds per square foot of weight without sagging with a maximum span of about 12 feet when spanning a distance horizontally, with the 2×6 standing in a vertical position. This number includes both live and dead weight.

Can you use 2×6 for pergola?

To adequately support the lumber overhead as well as give the pergola a sturdy look, you’ll probably need to use 6×6 for the support posts. For a very small pergola with only 4 to 6 feet between posts, 4×4 supports will work.

How big of a 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 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.

How wide are the beams on 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. Go much above that, unsupported, and you’re looking at a reinforced beam.

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.

What is roof load width pergola?

For the pergola beams shown in illustration, the Roof Load Width is the dimension representing half the rafter span plus. any rafter overhang.

What is stronger 4×4 or 2×6?



Unless you are supporting it with columns every 4′, neither is strong enough to help much. A 2×6 has more vertical support than a 4×4. Is that correct? The 2×6 is stronger than the 4×4 when it comes to vertical loads.

Can a pergola have a roof?

Subject to the necessary planning permits, which may be required in your state, a pergola can indeed have a roof. These are relatively easy to put on, and you can choose between fabric or fixed panels, awnings, canopies and louvered designs to cover your pergola.
Mar 4, 2021

How do I know what size beam I need?

To calculate the length of LVL beam required, measure from the center of the support posts at each end of where the beam will be placed. Each manufacturer either provides span charts for their LVL products based upon different construction variables, so check the supplier’s site for a span chart.

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



What size beam to span 20 ft:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, a 4 nailed 2×16 or 4-2×16 or 8×16 size of wood beam can allow to span 20 ft. Thus, for a 20 foot span, you will need atleast 4-2×16 or 8×16 size of wood beam.

How do you calculate beam size?

Calculate the maximum bending moment for the wooden beams. The bending moment is the length of the span times the weight to be supported divided by 8. For a beam spanning a 12-foot room and supporting a weight of 600 lbs., the maximum bending moment would be 12 x 600/8 = 900 foot-pounds.

How do you calculate roof beams?

The load per foot of beam is determined the same way as for headers.
Ridge Beam Example.

live load (snow): 50 psf x 12 ft = 600 pounds per lineal foot
roof dead load: 10 psf x 12 ft = 120 pounds per lineal foot
total load: = 720 pounds per lineal foot

Jun 28, 2022

What size beam do I need for a 14 foot span?



Thus, for a 14 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×12 or 6×12 size of wood beam. For a 14-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.

How big of a beam do I need to span 32 feet?

For 32 foot span, size of reinforced beam, using thumb rule is 12″×24″ or 16-18″ GLULAM or LVL, 2×18 dimensional lumber/wood beam at 16″ apart from centre as floor joists, ISMB 500 or UB 500×180 or W20 can span upto 32 feet that used in residential building.

What size beam do I need to span 24 feet?

What size beam to span 24 ft:- as per general thumb rule and guidelines, a 4 nailed 2×18 or 4-2×18 or 8×18 size of wood beam can allow to span 24 feet. Thus, for a 24 foot span, you will need atleast 4-2×18 or 8×18 size of wood beam.

What size beam do I need to span 30 feet?

As per general thumb rule, for 30 feet span size of steel beam or universal beam or w beam or I beam or UB’s or hot rolled section or Rolled steel joist (RSJ) should be ISMB 450 or UB 450×180 or W18 used for residential building or projects.