A beautiful wooden pergola can increase your house’s aesthetic appearance and give you a comfortable outdoor spot. However, you cannot put a random pergola size and material into your yard.
The pergola beam size, lumber size, and tail design have to be planned carefully before installing the construction. So should I use 2×6 or 2×8 for the pergola?
In this post, I will help you pick the correct pergola size and shape, so it perfectly fits your garden structure. Keep reading to find out!
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Why Pergola Sizes And Dimensions Are Important For Planning?
Pergolas come in various sizes and shapes, depending on the available space and the owner’s preference. Many homeowners often put a too-large pergola into their small garden and vice versa, thus ruining the space’s aesthetic look.
In addition, improper size and dimension planning will cause tremendous inconvenience in the long run. For example, a big pergola will consume too much space and make it inconvenient for homeowners to work in their gardens.
Besides planning a suitable pergola size that suits your garden’s space, you should think about its interior space. Think about what furniture you are going to put inside and what the pergola is mainly used for.
If you just need a relaxing space to enjoy an early cup of coffee, then a large pergola is unnecessary. On the other hand, small pergolas cannot accommodate parties and outdoor BBQs with your friends and family members.
Therefore, it’s always critical to take into account the pergola’s sizes and dimensions before carrying out the construction.
Should I Use 2×6 Or 2×8 For Pergola?
For upper framing properties, 2×8 or more is recommended.
To choose between a 2×6 and 2×8 lumber size for pergolas, you have to consider their visual property and the allowable span of the pergola’s size.
A pergola consists of critical components like posts, beams, and rafters, which decide its dimension and overall structure. You have to consider the pergola size when choosing between 2×6 and 2×8 rafters.
Pergola Beam And Lumber Size
According to the general guidelines and construction rules, the wood beam needs to be at least 2×6 to suit a pergola with a 10 feet span. You can use a 2×6 timber of natural or treated hardwood for constructing the pergola beam.
Meanwhile, a minimum of 2×8 in beam size is required for pergolas with a 12 feet span. The beam can be made of hardwood or treated wood, but timber smaller than 2×8 in size won’t be strong enough to support the beam.
You can also apply a 2×8 beam size for a 13 feet span. However, the timber should be more extensive when the feet span increases gradually.
Rafter Size
Similar to the beam and lumber size, the size of pergola rafters needs to be considered based on the construction’s overall size. Rafters commonly come in 2×8 or 2×6, depending on the Pergola’s size and homeowners’ preferences.
Typically, the rafters are constructed on the opposite of the pergola beams and spaced in the center. Since these components contribute mainly to the shade of the Pergola, you should place the rafters close to each other.
My recommendation for the rafter size is 2×8, which can cover the sunlight from many angles at different times of the day. The rafter’s vertical height will determine how much shade the pergolas can provide.
Tail Design
Pergola constructions typically have a tail made of horizontal boards mixed with decorative patterns. This part adds a more aesthetic look and beauty to the pergola’s elegant design.
You can cut and curve the tail to a scalloped profile or give it a more geometrical look. The pattern can be flexibly made to suit your preference, but the boards’ longest edges should be placed at the top.
How Far Can You Span A 2×8 For A Pergola?
As mentioned above, you can span a 2×8 (inches) timber for up to 12 feet long. If you use high-quality and durable wood that provides firmer support, the pergola can be extended more.
How Far Can You Span A 2×6 For A Pergola?
Meanwhile, a 2×6 (inches) timber size is not strong enough for extensive pergola length. It can only support small pergolas with a maximum of 10 feet in length.
How To Find The Right Size For Your Pergola?
Planning the right size for a pergola can optimize your comfort in the long run and make it easier to shop for pergola kits. Here are four critical factors to consider when choosing the pergola’s size.
Small To Medium-Sized Decks: 12×16 Feet
If your house has a small to medium-sized deck, a 12×16 feet pergola would be the ideal option. It can bring you a comfortable space that accommodates many entertainment and parties.
However, this small-sized pergola won’t compromise your limited space and ruin the house’s aesthetic look.
Large Decks: 16×24 Feet
If you want to include more luxuries in the deck, such as a kitchen, seating, or a fire pit, choose a 16×24 feet pergola. With this large size, you can easily throw fun parties with your friends or do sporting activities there.
In addition, the extensive pergola will make your house look more impressive and improve its overall value.
Backyard Free-Standing Pergola: 12×16 Or 16×20
How about a free-standing pergola located in your backyard? This space serves as a comfortable outdoor spot for taking in fresh air or enjoying an early coffee.
Therefore, the pergola size doesn’t need to be so extensive. You can consider the pergola’s size based on the number of people you want it to accommodate.
A 12×16 pergola is the most suitable for parties under six people. If you want the pergola to accommodate more than 12 people, go for at least 16×20 feet in size.
Small Patio: Around 12×12 Feet
A modest size pergola (around 12×12 feet) is my recommendation for a small patio. This space is not large, but it brings more comfort and coziness to your house.
5 Steps To Find A Perfect Size For Your Pergola
Here is a sum up of the five steps you need to do when choosing a pergola’s size.
- Step 1: Determine what types of furniture you want to put in the pergola.
- Step 2: Construct a visual estimate on the ground where you’re going to build the pergola based on your planned dimensions.
- Step 3: Put the furniture in your plan on the space and examine the overall look.
- Step 4: If you are content with the current position and dimension of the pergola, mark it on the ground.
- Step 5: Move on to decide the pergola’s height after marking your desired pergola dimension.
FAQs
How Long Can A Pergola Rafter Be?
The pergola rafter’s length commonly ranges between 2 inches and 6 inches.
There is no limit for the rafter length, but it should fit the pergola size. Some standard options are 1.5 into 7.25 inches or 1.5 into 7.25 inches.
You can also span the pergola’s length according to its timber size. For example, a 2″×12″ timber can extend up to 20 feet, 2×10 to 16 feet, 2×6 to 10 feet, and 2×4 to 6 feet.
What Size Is Lumber Used To Build A Pergola?
Most pergola builders prefer the 2×8 lumber size for their constructions, especially small pergolas that support upper framing members.
You have to build larger cross-members and gliders for pergolas with 2×6 posts.
Choose the lumber size according to the pergola’s length. 2×6 is not extensive enough to support 12-foot span pergolas. Thus it will sag in the long run.
What Is The Best Lumber To Use For A Pergola?
Wooden materials are one of the best choices for pergola lumber due to their high durability and vintage aesthetic look. Among the wood types, Redwood and Western Red Cedar are prevalent.
These two materials are completely natural, and they can be lumped together in many pergola constructions.
Can You Use 2×6 For Pergola?
Yes, you can. 2×6 is a prevalent rafter size for small pergola constructions.
However, you have to use larger cross-members and gliders to support the pergola’s visual properties.
Without strong enough support, the pergola’s top structure will become anemic and undersized. Not to mention the risk of it sagging down over time.
What Is The Best Wood To Use To Build A Pergola?
The pressure-treated woods like Western Red Rough Sawn Tight Knot Cedar or Southern Yellow Pine are excellent picks for your pergola. These two materials are very durable and weather-enduring, which can last for many years.
In addition, they look very natural and pleasing to the eyes, suitable for old gardens with a vintage appearance.
Final Thoughts
In summary, you have to consider the allowable span and visual properties of pergolas when choosing between 2×6 and 2×8. For small pergolas with upper framing members, at least 2 x 8 in lumber size is recommended.
If your pergola has a medium size with at least a 12-foot span, a 2×6 will look very weak. In addition, it’s not strong enough to support the pergola’s structure and will gradually weaken in the long run.
If you are not adept at planning the pergola’s size and dimension, it would be best to consult professional builders. I hope that the provided information and guides can help you choose the best pergola size. Thank you for reading!
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