Building a Large Pergola

CCE1876 · 04-28-2009, 09:31 AM

I was given some plans for a pergola/patio cover that I would like reviewed and some recommendations and/or comments. I live in the central coast region of California. The weather is usually mild and without snow. Where I live winds are about 10-20 mph, but can get up to 40-45 mph occasionally.

The area I want to cover with the pergola is 23’x20’. I plan to cover the pergola with a clear plastic of some kind to allow for its use if it rains.

I plan to start with cement 2 feet down and use Simpson products to secure the 6”x6” posts to the cement.

On the 20’sides I plan to use 3, 6x6 posts spaced 8.5’. On the 23’ sides I plan to use 4, 6x6 posts spaced 6.6” apart. There will not be any post and beam in the center.

The rest of the plan calls for 6x8 beams secured to the top of the posts around the perimeter. Next, the joist (I believe is the proper name) is 2x8 and will 24” on-center spanning 17’ between the beams. I will use knee braces from the post to the beam.

Does this design appear to be correct and strong enough to be safe? My concern is the 2x8s spanning 17 feet as there will be no post or beams in the center of the pergola.

Finally, as I plan to have a local lumberyard deliver the wood I need is there anything about the wood I should look out for?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Ron6519 · 04-28-2009, 03:19 PM

The 2x8's will sag into the opening at that length. You would need 2x12 or lvl's. If you halve the span with an intermediate support you can use 2x'8s.
Ron

04-28-2009, 09:31 AM	#1
CCE1876 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1	Building a Large Pergola I was given some plans for a pergola/patio cover that I would like reviewed and some recommendations and/or comments. I live in the central coast region of California. The weather is usually mild and without snow. Where I live winds are about 10-20 mph, but can get up to 40-45 mph occasionally. The area I want to cover with the pergola is 23’x20’. I plan to cover the pergola with a clear plastic of some kind to allow for its use if it rains. I plan to start with cement 2 feet down and use Simpson products to secure the 6”x6” posts to the cement. On the 20’sides I plan to use 3, 6x6 posts spaced 8.5’. On the 23’ sides I plan to use 4, 6x6 posts spaced 6.6” apart. There will not be any post and beam in the center. The rest of the plan calls for 6x8 beams secured to the top of the posts around the perimeter. Next, the joist (I believe is the proper name) is 2x8 and will 24” on-center spanning 17’ between the beams. I will use knee braces from the post to the beam. Does this design appear to be correct and strong enough to be safe? My concern is the 2x8s spanning 17 feet as there will be no post or beams in the center of the pergola. Finally, as I plan to have a local lumberyard deliver the wood I need is there anything about the wood I should look out for? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

04-28-2009, 03:19 PM	#2
Ron6519 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 9,519	Building a Large Pergola The 2x8's will sag into the opening at that length. You would need 2x12 or lvl's. If you halve the span with an intermediate support you can use 2x'8s. Ron

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Building a Large Pergola