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Hello,
I would appreciate advice on how to construct the safest and strongest timber pergola, with laser light roof, to the brick wall of my house please. Can you advise me on the timber type and dimensions for a 10m x 3m pergola?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could suggest the best type and dimensions for the following:
timber for beams and spacing
timber for rafters and spacing
recommended nails for hangers
screws to fix roofing
bolts and relevant plugs to attach face beam to brick
hangers
rafters from
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @handyman007. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a pergola.
I’d strongly recommend seeking professional assistance to ensure your structure is both safe and compliant with building codes. Also, touch base with your council as you could need planning permission.
Attaching a pergola to a brick wall, particularly if it's a single-brick construction, can present challenges. A single-brick wall won't provide sufficient strength to safely support the weight of the pergola. In these cases, it's necessary to install brackets that connect to the house's internal structural timber frame, as this is where the load-bearing strength lies.
An engineer or building professional would be the best person to draw up plans for this. They'll be able to advise on the appropriate timber dimensions, spacing, and fixing methods based on your specific situation, including the load requirements and the type of wall you have. They'll also ensure that the connection to your house is secure and capable of bearing the weight of the structure.
In terms of the materials, timber beams for a pergola of this size are typically 190 x 45mm treated pine or similar, with rafter spacing depending on the span and load. Screws, bolts, and relevant plugs would need to be selected based on the engineer's specifications, ensuring they're rated for both structural support and exterior use. By having plans professionally drafted, you'll be able to confidently proceed with the construction, knowing it's safe and durable.
Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to build a pergola.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
