Pergola Roof Rafter Spacing

When pergola rafters are on 2 foot centers 16 inch purlin spacing looks good.

Pergola roof rafter spacing.

The most important rule in spacing is to keep the distance consistent between all the rafters. With a good design and a well thought out plan a homeowner can create a classic and relaxing outdoor setting that they will enjoy using for years to come. 10 1 6 1 6 13 rafter length of 13 feet. But they do tend to space rafters in one of several industry standard increments typically either 12 16 or 24 inches apart.

Spacing of the rafters will vary according to your visual preference and the size of the pergola. When rafters are on 3 foot centers i typically space the purlins 19 inches. So can six tall pergola posts really be anywhere between one and five feet apart. Posts will be 6 x6 and will be notched to accept a sandwich beam of two 2 x s.

The key thing to remember when it comes to determining pergola rafter spacing is that you cannot go more than 16 inches from center to center between rafters. The average pergola structure is usually between four and eight feet tall and eight feet and taller. Spacing the rafters 16 to 20 inches apart is common. Across the beams the rafters will be 2 x6 s on 8 centers which should be sufficient given their 4 6 spans.

Install the front and rear rafters first fastening them to the face of the support posts above the girder. Maximum rafter spans for a patio roof in areas with mild climates patio roofs are generally designed for loads of 30 psf pounds per square foot. An essential part of planning a patio roof or gazebo project is determining the number size and spacing of rafters beams and posts according to the loads they will carry. So the rafter spacing should be 15 inches and 29 32 of an inch for absolutely even spacing.

Take note of this measurement as this will be the first number in the size pergola you choose. Patio roof maximum beam rafter spans beamsmeasuring pergola dimensions learn the standardwhat is max distance between posts using 2x12x20 foot beams for apergola beam span calculator. In our example showing a 13 x19 big kahuna freestanding pergola this calculation would be. To calculate your rafter length for a freestanding pergola it is measurement a 3.

Builders aren t bound by standard rafter spacing measurements.