What size header to attach for lattice patio cover to stucco wall?

Slammed01

Hello all,

I've been browsing the forums for awhile now and signed up .
Im planning on building a 10x20 lattice patio cover and having it attached to my stucco 2 story house. My grandfather suggested 2x6 ledger with 2x6 rafter beams as thats what his is made out of (and is 10 years old!). I also have a paver patio, do I remove pavers to pour concrete for the 4x4 posts?

Any details are greatly appreciated with wood size and bolts etc to use

I'm in the bay area, Ca....warm summers, rainy winter with med wind at time, no snow.

Greatly appreciated!

joecaption

Got a picture, web site of one that looks like the one you want to build, or a drawing so we can picture what your trying to build?
Last thing I would want to do is try and attach this to the side of the house since you have stucco, make it free standing.
I know I would not be using 4 X 4's, when there that tall they tend to curl and twist and there's no way to cut into the sides of them to attach the outside rim.
And 2X6's sounds light for those spans, but no way to know without more info on how you plan to build.

Slammed01

I'm going for this style:

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...electedIndex=0

House was built in 1996, I know its more stable if its connected to the house.

What are the pros/cons to connecting to the house vs freestanding?

joecaption

Very real chance of water damage to the walls.

Slammed01

Yes, so I hear. Isn't it much more stable connecting to stucco? If flashed/sealed there wouldn't be a issue.

GBrackins

your ledger needs to be at least the same depth at the plumb cut ends of your rafters. I'd move the pavers to dig your hole so you can place your concrete. just be aware 4x4 do tend to twist, 6x6 would give you the ability to notch the top of the column to attach your beam

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Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

Slammed01

Yes, I decided on a 16x12 cover and 6x6s.

Slammed01

Simspon lags the best way to attach the ledger?

GBrackins

you can use lags into the existing wall studs, or possible something like Simpson's SDS structural wood screws. Lags are pretty much accepted everywhere, sometimes I have to provide documentation to building officials to show the screws are equal or will provide the required loads. Just may sure they are installed into the wall studs and not merely through the sheathing.

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Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

Slammed01

Most def into the studs above the doorway/windows.

GBrackins

good luck!

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Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

Slammed01

Thank you, I like to exceed not meet lol. I just want to to last, I believe in do it once and do it right.

Speaking of that, is Alumawood really worth atleast 2x the price over wood? Since I know it can't be painted without voiding thr warranty.

GBrackins

beats me, never heard of it ..... sorry

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Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"