How far can a 2×8, 2×6, 2×10, 2×4 & 2×12 lumber for pergola Rafter span depends on various factors, including the type of wood used, the spacing of the rafters, and the local building codes. In general, here are some guidelines for typical wood types and spacings:
1. 2×8: If you’re using #2 grade lumber, which is common for construction, and spacing the rafters at 24 inches on center, you can span up to approximately 14 feet.
2. 2×6: With the same conditions as above, you can span up to around 11 feet.
3. 2×10: Using #2 grade lumber with 24-inch spacing, you can span up to about 16 feet.
4. 2×4: For smaller 2×4 rafters with 24-inch spacing, you can span up to roughly 7 feet.
5. 2×12: With 2×12 rafters and 24-inch spacing, you can span up to approximately 20 feet.
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 we know about how far can a 2×8 pergola Rafter span?, how far can a 2×6 pergola Rafter span?, how far can a 2×10 pergola Rafter span?, how far can a 2×4 pergola Rafter span?, how far can a 2×12 pergola Rafter span?.
The most common size of rafter used for pergola are 2×8, 2×6, 2×10, 2×4 & 2×12. The industry standard for roof rafter spacing used for pergola is 12” (300mm), 16” (400mm), 19.2” (500mm) and 24” (600mm) on-center, typically though, rafters are spaced 16” or 24” on-center.
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How far can a 2×8, 2×6, 2×10, 2×4 & 2×12 pergola Rafter 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.
Typically, a 2×12 size of timber or wood rafter used for pergola can span upto 24′ 5″ when spaced at 16″ apart on O.C. A 2×10 can span upto 21′ 1″ at 16″ apart. A 2×8 can span upto 17′ 3″. A 2×6 can span upto 13′ 8″ at 16″ on OC.
Typically, for pergola rafter, a 2×12 lumber can span from 20 to 28 feet, while a 2×10 lumber can span from 17 to 24 feet. Moreover, a 2×8 lumber can span from 14 to 20 feet, while a 2×6 lumber can span from 11 to 14 feet. In addition, a 2×4 lumber can span from 8 to 10 feet.
Pergola rafter spacing
Pergola rafter spacing is 16 to 20 inches apart is most common. In general, roof rafter spacing used for pergola is either 12” (300mm), 16” (400mm), 19.2” (500mm) and 24” (600mm) apart from center, typically though, rafters are spaced 16” or 24” on-center. The spacing of the rafter for pergola will vary according to your visual preference and the size of the pergola.
How far can a 2×8 pergola Rafter span?
Typically for pergola rafter, a 2×8 lumber can allow to span maximum distance of 17 feet 3 inches when spaced 16″ apart on O.C, 19 feet 11 inches at 12″ OC, and 14 feet 1 inch at 24″ OC.
How far can a 2×6 pergola Rafter span?
Typically, for pergola rafter, a 2×6 lumber can allow to span maximum distance of 13 feet 8 inches when spaced 16″ apart on O.C, 15 feet 9 inches at 12″ OC, and 11 feet 2 inches at 24″ OC.
How far can a 2×10 pergola Rafter span?
Typically for pergola rafter, a 2×10 lumber can allow to span maximum distance of 21 feet 1 inch when spaced 16″ apart on O.C, 24 feet 4 inches at 12″ OC, and 17 feet 3 inches at 24″ OC.
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How far can a 2×12 pergola Rafter span?
Typically, for pergola rafter, a 2×12 lumber can allow to span maximum distance of 24 feet 5 inches at 16″ O.C, 28 feet 3 inches at 12″ OC, and 20 feet 0 inches at 24″ OC with light load for pergola application.
Conclusion:
A 2×8 pergola Rafter can allow to span maximum distance of 17 feet 3 inches when spaced 16″ apart on O.C, 19 feet 11 inches at 12″ OC, and 14 feet 1 inch at 24″ OC.