What materials for building a pergola?

[ElvisGazz]

I’m about to build a pathway pergola similar to the picture attached and was thinking 100x100 treated pine posts 

with 140x 45 treated pine for the wall mounting plate and rafters? Does this sound ok size for the rafters?

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ElvisGazz. It's fantasticto have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a pergola.

You're within the right ballpark. However, what determines the size of timber you can use is their span. Check out this helpful guide on How to understand deck span tables. 

So, if you can let us know how far out the rafters will span, we'll be able to answer your question. Anything under 1800mm should be fine. 140 x 45mm would typically be suitable for the mounting plate. Remember it needs to be fixed through any cladding into the structural members of the house.

100 x 100 posts would be suitable, and the number you require will be determined by the length of the structure and the size of the beam.

Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to build a pergola.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[ElvisGazz]

Hi Mitchell 

thanks for your reply it’s very helpful 

Looks like I’m ok with the rafter size as it’s only 1100mm wide span and 8.5 long as it’s going along my garage over the pathway as per the photo 

thanks for your help 

 

[MitchellMc]

Keep us updated, @ElvisGazz, and reach out if you need further assistance.

Mitchell