A pergola can help to create a comfortable and relaxing space where your family can entertain and enjoy natural fresh air and charming landscapes.
Among critical factors that contribute to a pergola’s quality, like materials, size, and design, the pergola’ height should be carefully planned.
So what is the height of the pergola? How to decide pergola height?
In this post, I will discuss the suitable pergola’s height and instruct you on finding the best pergola dimension for your usage needs.
Keep reading to discover more!
Table of Contents
What Is The Height Of The Pergola?
Standard pergolas are between 8 and 12 feet tall, depending on their designs and dimensions. The wider the pergola, the taller it should be to achieve an appealing and harmonious appearance.
Choosing a suitable pergola height is essential to help it endures environmental factors and ensure a beautiful look. When choosing a pergola height, you must also consider the other components like beams or rafters.
For example, you choose an 8-feet tall pergola. After construction, the pergola can be up to 10 feet tall with the addition of its beams and rafters’ height.
There are two common types of pergolas: Attached and free-standing. Since the attached pergolas are built into a construction, they must share the same height with that construction.
You can freely customize a free-standing pergola’s height and dimension as long as it meets safety requirements and delivers a beautiful appearance.
However, the standard pergola height should not extend too far from the 8-12 feet standard. If a pergola is too tall, it cannot shelter you effectively from environmental factors.
On the other hand, a low pergola doesn’t deliver sufficient air circulation, brightness, and space, thus making it uncomfortable for the owners.
Standard Height (8 Feet, 10 Feet, 12 Feet)
Most pergolas come in three standard heights: 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet, to make it easier for the builders and owners to choose from. However, adding the height of the pergola’s beam and rafter can extend much higher (13-15 feet).
The pergola’s post height will decide how much space is available for usage. Ideally, the pergola post should not be higher than 2,5 meters. Meanwhile, the suitable height for rafters is 2 by 6 inches or 2 by 8 inches.
The rafter length is not limited, but it should not block the neighbor’s views. In addition, the rafter should not be too high or too short for your post to achieve a harmonious look.
Location
As mentioned above, an attached pergola must share the same height as the wall or construction it attaches to. Meanwhile, a free-standing pergola in your backyard can come in your desired weight.
However, the pergola should not be much taller than the surrounding fences and constructions. Free-standing pergolas must also follow the planning permission and have less than 2,5 meters in height.
Size
There is no limit for pergola size, and you can customize it to best suit your preferences, usage purpose, and the house’ available space. For standard housing constructions, my recommendation is 16×16 or 20×20 pergolas.
Surrounding Architecture
The pergola design and alignment will decide its aesthetic look and utility in the long run. Always ensure that your pergola is aligned with the surrounding constructions and objects like walls, fences, and your houses.
Additions
While the maximum height of pergolas is 2,5 meters, they should not be lower than 7 feet. This minimum height is not compulsory, but it ensures you’ll get sufficient space and comfort.
A too-low pergola doesn’t provide sufficient airflow and natural sunlight. It also makes you feel obstructed and uncomfortable in the usage process.
How To Choose A Pergola Dimension?
When planning on a pergola’s height and dimension, always consider the available space in your garden. The pergola should neither be too close nor too far from the fences and other constructions in the yard.
If it’s too far, your pergola will look isolated and lead to an empty garden. For a larger garden, increase the pergola’s size to achieve a harmonious look.
Then, think about what furniture you want to put under the pergola. If you just need a small chair, table, and window to watch natural landscapes, the pergola doesn’t need to be so large.
Meanwhile, a larger space is required if you want to put a fan, TV, or long picnic tables in your pergola. Consider what purposes you want to use the pergola for to decide easier.
FAQs
What Is The Maximum Height For A Pergola?
The maximum height for standard free-standing pergolas should not be higher than 12 feet. However, you can increase the construction height when planning on a much larger pergola.
How High Can You Build A Pergola Without Planning Permission?
According to the planning permission, the pergola’s maximum height must not exceed 2,5 meters. You can still build a higher pergola when it comes to very large conditions.
However, your construction must meet safety requirements and ensure a harmonious appearance.
Can A Pergola Be Higher Than A Fence?
Yes, you can definitely construct a pergola that’s higher than the surrounding fence. However, your pergola should not obstruct the view and natural sunlight into the neighbor gardens and properties.
Is There A Height Restriction On Pergola Placement?
There’s planning permission on the pergola that limits this construction’s height to 2,5 meter. For standard households, this height is sufficient to get you a beautiful and comfortable space.
Final Thoughts
The ideal height for standard freestanding pergolas is between 8 and 12 feet.
If you construct an attached pergola, it must share the same height as the construction.
However, the 8-12 feet range is not compulsory. The pergola’s height should correlate with its dimension and the surrounding space. If you want to build a large pergola, don’t hesitate to increase its height.
I hope the provided answer on the pergola’s height can help you in your planning process. Thank you for reading!
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