What size pergola beam do you need for 10′, 12′, 14′, 15′, 16′, 18′ & 20 feet span depends on several factors like load, wood species, design, local building code and construction requirements.
A pergola is constructed to outside of main building as an outdoor garden feature that helps in forming a shaded passageway, walkway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars or column that usually support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which woody vines are trained.
Pergola may be an extension of a building or serve as protection for an open terrace or a link between pavilions. A pergola is a much larger and more open structure. Normally, a pergola does not include integral seating.
They are different from green tunnels, with a green tunnel being a type of road under a canopy of trees. Pergolas are sometimes confused with “arbors,” as the terms are used interchangeably. Generally, an “arbor” is regarded as wooden bench seats with a roof, usually enclosed by lattice panels forming a framework for climbing plants.
Pergola consist of rafters, beams, and posts and can be attached or detached to a house. In this article you know about Pergola beam size for 10′, 12′, 14′, 15′, 16′, 18′ & 20 feet span and also know about how far can you span a 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 2×12 for a pergola.
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Many people ask questions about the pergola beam span. It’s a real frustration when planning an open structure. There seems to be no definitive beam spans for pergolas, it depends on the many factors such as species and grade of wood and spacing, plus local codes and snow loads.
Pergola beam size for 10′, 12′, 14′, 15′, 16′, 18′ & 20 feet span
Many people ask questions about the pergola beam span. It’s a real frustration when planning an open structure. There seems to be no definitive beam spans for pergolas, it depends on the many factors such as species and grade of wood and spacing, plus local codes and snow loads.
In general, the pergola beam size for a 8 to 10-foot span need to be 2×6, while the pergola beam size for a 10 to 13-foot span need to be 2×8. Moreover, the pergola beam size for a 14 to 16-foot span need to be 2×10, while the pergola beam size for a 18 to 20-foot span need to be 2×12.
Pergola beam size for 10′ span
The pergola beam size required for a 10 foot span need to be 2×6 size of lumber, which includes a 6 inch depth and a 2 inch width. It is recommended that for a 10′ (10 foot) span you will need at least 2″x6″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more.
Pergola beam size for 12′ span
For a span of 12 feet, the typical pergola beam size should be 2×8. It is recommended that for a 12′ (12 feet) span you will need at least 2″x8″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more. Thus, for a 12 foot span, 2×8 size of timber used for pergola beam.
Pergola beam size for 13′ span
For a span of 13 feet, the typical pergola beam size should be 2×8. It is recommended that for a 13′ (13 feet) span you will need at least 2″x8″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more. Thus, for a 13 foot span, 2×8 size of timber used for pergola beam.
Pergola beam size for 14′ span
For a span of 14 feet, the typical pergola beam size should be 2×10. It is recommended that for a 14′ (14 feet) span you will need at least 2″x10″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more. Thus, for a 14 foot span, 2×10 size of timber used for pergola beam.
Pergola beam size for 16′ span
For a span of 16 feet, the typical pergola beam size should be 2×10. For a 16′ (16 feet) span you will need at least 2″x10″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more. Thus, for a 16 foot span, 2×10 size of timber used for pergola beam.
Pergola beam size for 15′ span
For a span of 15 feet, the typical pergola beam size should be 2×10. For a 15′ (15 feet) span you will need at least 2″x10″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more. Thus, for a 15 foot span, 2×10 size of timber used for pergola beam.
Pergola beam size for 18′ span
For a span of 18 feet, the typical pergola beam size should be 2×12. It is recommended that for a 18′ (18 feet) span you will need at least 2″x12″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more. Thus, for a 18 foot span, 2×12 size of timber used for pergola beam.
Pergola beam size for 20′ span
In general, for a span of 20 feet, the typical pergola beam size need to 2×12, which includes a 12 inch depth and a 2 inch width. It is recommended that for a 20-foot span you will need at least 2″x12″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more.
How far can you span a 2×4 for a pergola
A typical 2×4 size of beam used for pergola can span maximum distance of 6 feet. As per thumb rule and general guidelines, for a pergola, 2″×4″ size timber you can span it upto 6 feet in length. So Typically, for a pergola beam, 2″ x 4“ timber can span up to 6 feet.
How far can you span a 2×6 for a pergola
A typical 2×6 size of beam used for pergola can span maximum distance of 8-10 feet. For a pergola, 2″×6″ size timber you can span it upto 8 to 10 feet in length. So Typically, for a pergola beam, 2″ x 6“ timber can span up to 8-10 feet.
How far can you span a 2×8 for a pergola
A typical 2×8 size of beam used for pergola can span maximum distance of 12 feet. For a pergola, 2″×8″ size timber you can span it upto 12 feet in length. So Typically, for a pergola beam, 2″ x 8“ timber can span up to 12 feet.
How far can you span a 2×10 for a pergola
A typical 2×10 size of beam used for pergola can span maximum distance of 16 feet. For a pergola, 2″×10″ size timber you can span it upto 16 feet in length. So Typically, for a pergola beam, 2″ x 10“ timber can span up to 16 feet.
How far can you span a 2×12 for a pergola
A typical 2×12 size of beam used for pergola can span maximum distance of 20 feet. For a pergola, 2″×12″ size timber you can span it upto 20 feet in length. So Typically, for a pergola beam, 2″ x 12“ timber can span up to 20 feet.
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Conclusion:-
Typically, for a pergola beam, a 2×12 lumber can span from 18 to 20 feet, while a 2×10 lumber can span from 14 to 16 feet. Moreover, a 2×8 lumber can span from 10 to 12 feet, while a 2×6 lumber can span from 8 to 10 feet. In addition, a 2×4 lumber can span from 5 to 6 feet.