Knowledge Builders

how tall can my pergola be

by Theresia Rutherford Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Height – The highest point of your patio cover cannot be more than 12 feet from the ground. To ensure easy access under the patio, you must allow a 6-foot-8-inch clearance between the ground and the lowest part of the cover.Jun 13, 2019

What size pergola do I Need?

What are standard pergola sizes?

  • Small to Medium Sized Decks: Around 12X16 feet.
  • Large Decks: Around 16X24 feet.
  • Backyard Free Standing Pergola: 12X16 or 16X20.
  • Small Patio: Around 12X12 feet.

How large can a pergola be?

Pergolas come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Commonly pergolas can run anywhere from 8 feet by 8 feet, to 20 feet by 20 feet. That gives a large range of options, especially since they do not even need to be squares if that is not the desired aesthetic.

What size should pergola rafters be?

Pergola rafter size :- typically the rafters size used for pergola could be 2×6 (2 inches by 6 inches), 2×8 (2 inches by 8 inches), or 1.5×7.25 (1.5 inches by 7.25 inches). The length of the rafters be as long as you desire the pergola itself to be. The longer the rafters, the more you need.

What size lumber for Pergola?

Pergola beam size for 18′ span:-As per thumb rule and general guidelines, it is recommended that for a 18′ (18 feet) span you will need at least 2″x12″ size of wood beam used for pergola made of treated or hardwood timber or more. Thus, for a 18 foot span, 2×12 size of timber used for pergola beam.

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How tall is too tall for a pergola?

If you want one for larger gatherings, the maximum height of the pergola is eight feet and two inches. If it is being put farther away from the property line, the height can increase to nine feet and 10 inches. If you decide to go for a pitched roof, the maximum height can be 13 feet.

How tall can you make a pergola?

8 to 12 feetThe height of a standard pergola generally ranges from 8 to 12 feet, but this can change depending on a variety of factors. Whether attaching a pergola to existing architecture or building it as a stand-alone structure, it's a good idea to get the pergola height– and other dimensions– correct.

Do I need planning permission for a pergola?

Any sort of veranda, balcony or raised platform will need planning permission. This is primarily for your own safety! It will need to be built according to building regulations.

Do I need a permit for a pergola in Florida?

However, if you have thought about building a pergola for your home, you will need a permit before you start building one on your Florida property.

How long can a pergola beam be?

Although it depends on the species and grade of wood. As per thumb rule, for a pergola beam, 2″×12″ size timber you can span it upto 20 feet, 2×10 can span upto 16 feet, 2×8 can span upto 12 feet, 2×6 can span upto 10 feet and 2×4 can span upto 6 feet.

How far apart can pergola posts be?

Spacing the rafters 16 to 20 inches apart is common. The most important rule in spacing is to keep the distance consistent between all the rafters. Install the front and rear rafters first, fastening them to the face of the support posts above the girder.

Can I put a roof on my pergola?

A roof can easily be added to almost all styles of pergolas. There are many prebuilt and building plan pergola styles that already come with roofs added to them or you can simply add a roof to your existing pergola. In addition to DIY options, construction companies can be hired to roof your pergola for you.

Does pergola increase home value?

Here's what we tell our customers: yes, a pergola will add market value to any house. Since outdoor living has become more popular than ever, the value of properties with a pergola or a comfortable outdoor space has been on the rise. A safe gauge for a deck or backyard improvement is about 50% — 80% for your ROI.

Can a pergola have a solid roof?

If pergola owners want more protection from the elements, they may consider installing a pergola with a solid roof. Pergolas with a roof are often referred to as pavilions. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed roof that generally completely covers the pergola.

Is a pergola a permanent structure?

As pergolas are usually permanent structures, permits will be needed to cover any necessary work. If you hire a contractor, they will most likely handle permit approval for your outdoor living or dining space, whether residential or commercial.

How far should a pergola be from the house?

Factors To Consider When Selecting the Right Pergola Height8′ – Minimum heightRecommended for small structures, preferably attached to the house. A lower ceiling feels right-sized for intimate gatherings.12′ – High heightA larger roof is more in scale with a larger structure.2 more rows•Sep 8, 2022

Do I need a permit to pour a concrete slab in Florida?

All concrete flat work (slab), whether considered structural or non-structural (to include pavers), requires a permit and inspections. Work performed one foot or less from an existing structure will be required to be termite treated.

Do you need planning permission for a wooden gazebo?

If the gazebo is temporary (up for less than 28 days), than generally planning consent is not needed. For permanent structures, a rule of thumb is that the structure is less than 2.5m in height, and less than 2 metres from the property boundary, then planning permission is not needed.

Can you build a pergola next to a fence?

Yes you should be fine to do that as long as you are not blocking any natural sunlight into the neighbours garden you are well within your rights to do this.

Do I need planning permission for a pergola Ireland?

Landscape professionals will also analyse your proposed site and do any necessary prep work; check you don't need Planning Permission (most pergolas don't, but some, eg in a conservation area, do); mark off water, gas and power lines, and coordinate workers.

How high should a patio cover be?

Additional Regulations When no required openings exist in the common wall, the minimum required height for the patio cover is 6'-8”. See California Building Code Section 1205.2, Exception. 2.

How high should a pergola be?from dreamoutdoorliving.com

The best height will also depend highly on the eaves of your house. It you choose to cover your pergola with plants or vines, then you may want your pergola lower than the eaves of your home. The reason behind this is because the tendrils of the vines might reach and get under the shingles of your roof. The leaves then can cover your gutters or it could even end up reaching the inside of the soffit of your house.

WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU ALREADY BUILT A TALL PERGOLA?from dreamoutdoorliving.com

If you have already built a tall pergola and experiencing zoning issues or an upset neighbor. If your pergola is more or less a straightforward structure then fixing the problem can just take a few hours to lower it.

What is the second question to consider when building a pergola?from dreamoutdoorliving.com

AREA TO BUILD. The second question to consider is where will your pergola be used. A taller pergola might add additional weight, so you will also have to add the load-bearing of your pergola posts.

Can you remove a pergola if it is illegally built?from dreamoutdoorliving.com

Your local council has the authority to make you remove your pergola if it does not follow guidelines, restrictions or if it’s illegally built.

Can you build a pergola with post style posts?from dreamoutdoorliving.com

When we build pergolas or gazebos, we sometimes are able to get around local ordinances with the use of post-style posts. These are easy to adjust or move so you can cut the height down to something acceptable in your area.

How tall is a pergola?

How Tall Is A Standard Pergola? The standard pergola height is 8 to 12 feet. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. For example, if you want an 8-foot head clearance, the beams will take it up to 9 feet at least, and then the rafters will total 10-feet easy.

How to ensure height of pergola?

The best way to ensure an optimal elevation when pergola height planning is to partner with an experienced contractor and pergola manufacturer. Choose someone with the necessary experience and expertise in installing these structures in your area, and you’ll have a structure that’ll last and look good for ages.

Why is it important to have a pergola?

All in all, it is vital to get the pergola height right because if it’s too high, it won’t be able to offer optimal protection from the sun or rain. But if it’s too low, you might compromise air ventilation and brightness within the structure.

What is a pergola?

A pergola is just like an arbor, but with a partially open top, breaking up the sunlight and shade filtering underneath it. When setting up a pergola in your home, make sure it blends effortlessly with the surroundings. A vital factor to consider here is the height of your pergola.

Do pergolas need a higher roof?

This provides enough room for a person to stand up comfortably. While a lower ceiling would be preferable for small pergolas and intimate gatherings, a larger pergola usually demands a higher roof and ceiling post.

How Tall Should a Pergola Be?

A standard pergola is between 8 and 12 feet tall. The height you choose depends on how wide the pergola is. A wider pergola should have a tall roof, so it won't look short and squatty. The right height offers the most protection from the elements while maintaining proper air circulation.

How to Choose the Height of a Pergola

You need to know when to choose an 8-foot pergola, 10-foot pergola, or a 12-foot pergola.

Why is the Height of a Pergola Important?

The height of a pergola is important because it provides shelter, shade, and an enclosed outdoor space for entertaining. A pergola that is too short can leave you feeling cramped and limited on entertaining space, while a pergola that is too tall can create under utilized space.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Height of Your Pergola

HOA regulations, location, and size are just a few of the factors you need to consider when choosing how tall your pergola should be.

Why You Need a Pergola

We’ve talked about how a pergola provides a sheltered space for entertaining and gathering, but there’s another reason you may need a pergola.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you know how tall a pergola should be so you know which size pergola you should choose. Take a look at some of the pergolas on our website to find the perfect pergola for you!

How high should a pergola be?

On average, the maximum height of a pergola with a shaped roof should be no greater than 4m high or 13′ . However, depending on where you live and your local ordinance, the maximum height might be lower. It’s best to check your local laws first if your neighbour’s pergola is within the allowable limit.

What to do if your neighbour's pergola is illegally built?

So if your neighbour’s pergola is causing you worries or you know it is illegally built, you may contact your local council and get them to pull it down.

Is it legal to put a pergola on a house?

In conclusion, if you are in doubt or not sure whether a neighbor’s pergola or other structure such as a wall, fence, or pergola is legal, instead of putting your house up for sale and moving across the street, you can seek the assistance of an experienced real estate lawyer or local council who will advise you on your situation and help navigate through these matters.

How tall should a pergola be?

It’s a matter of choice, but you probably don’t want to make the pergola too tall. For the Big Kahuna and Sombrero, 8 or 10-foot posts suit most situations unless you’re installing your posts more than 2′ in the ground. For the Fedora, we recommend 10′ posts on a slab or footer and 12′ posts (or longer) if going in the ground. Smaller kits generally look better with a shorter post. But, keep in mind things like ceiling fans or other accessories, head room for tall people, standing up in a hot tub or dancing on tables!

How thick should a pergola post be?

The Big Kahuna, The Sombrero, The Fedora pergola kits and The Brim pergola kits all have 6″ posts.

How to measure rafters for a pergola?

The length of rafters (also referred to as “Depth”), will be calculated by measuring the distance you would like to have between the outside of the posts, plus the overhang. Using a tape measure, pull your first measurement from the spot where you would like the outside edge of one set of posts, to the spot where you would like the outside edge of the other set of posts to land. This is Measurement A. Then, add the overhang to that measurement. The freestanding Big Kahuna has a 1’6″ overhang past the outside edge of the post on each side for a total overhang of 3′. To calculate your Rafter Length for a freestanding pergola, it is Measurement A + 3′. Take note of this measurement, as this will be the first number in the size pergola you choose.

How high should a roof post be?

The height to the bottom of the beam (low point of the roof structure) is: Big Kahuna and Sombrero: 7 inches less than the length of the post that is above ground level, for example it would be 7 feet 5 inches for an 8-foot post (7’6″ if using post mounting hardware) or 9 feet 5 inches for a 10-foot post (9’6″ if using post mounting hardware); Fedora: 14 inches less than the length of the post that is above ground level, for example it would be 8’10” for a 10′ post (8’11” if using post mounting hardware).

How big should a pergola be for a deck?

The vast majority of decks fall into this category. For these types of spaces we recommend an attached pergola that’s close to 12X16 feet. This pergola size can provide the shade and style you want without making the rest of the deck look tiny in comparison or encroaching out into the yard.

What is a large pergola?

Larger decks often include more luxury features like outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and built-in seating. Larger pergolas accommodate larger decks for both practical and stylistic reasons. Practically speaking, you’ll want to use your large deck for entertaining — you need an equally large pergola to keep your guests cool and sun-shaded. Stylistically, your dream deck is an extension of your home — you want it to look impressive. If you opt for an undersized pergola, it will stand out from the rest of your outdoor space. However, a striking and proportional vinyl pergola can be a fitting cap for your outdoor space.

How many people can sit under a free standing pergola?

If you need space for no more than 6 people, a 12X16 pergola should work for you. However, if you think you’d like to accommodate seating for 12 people, we recommend a spacious 16X20 foot pergola.

Why are pergola dimensions important?

Why Pergola Sizes and Dimensions are Important for Planning. Almost any outdoor living space can be enhanced by the addition of a stunning vinyl pergola. Making sure that pergola is a good fit for the space is important, though. If your pergola is undersized for your needs, you’ll have trouble arranging your furniture in the pergola’s shade.

Can you use a pergola as an outdoor living space?

If you prefer a free standing pergola, it can transform an empty yard into an eye-catching outdoor living space. Essentially, we say that whatever kind of pergola you choose will improve the look and usability of your outdoor space. Making sure you’re looking at the right size pergola is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner ...

Can a small patio be used as a pergola?

Patios can vary in size nearly as much as decks — and the pergolas that best accompany them vary as well. Since small patios are a popular choice for pergolas, we’ll profile small patios in our pergola size guide. We often recommend opting for a modest sized pergola that provides the premium useful space that you and your family will appreciate ...

What is the ideal height for a pergola?

For your pergola, if you use the classic Golden Mean ratio, the ideal height would be 9Â 8.8"!

How far away from the house is the pergola?

It is the height that I am concerned about. The pergola will be 2' away from the house.

Is 8" a good height?

Thanks for the clarification about the height. I think that additional 8" is a good thing. It is preferable to get all the height you can...you want it to feel airy and light, and that means having ample head clearance.

Is 8' tall enough for a pergola?

Trust me, it's not too tall. In fact 8' is a bit shorter than I like to have in a pergola. Once you get the overhead pieces installed, it will feel very closed in if you lower it any more.

Can you cover a pergola with vines?

If you plan on covering your pergola with vines, you will want to have it lower than the eaves. The reason for this is the tendrils of the vines might try to get under the shingles on your roof, the leaves will cover your rain gutters, or you could end up with vines infiltrating the soffit of the house.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Making A Pergola Taller?

There are a few benefits to making a pergola taller. First, it can provide more shade and protection from the sun. If you live in an area with hot summers, this can be a great way to keep your outdoor space cooler.

What Are Some Of The Drawbacks Of Making A Pergola Taller?

There are a few things to consider before making your pergola taller. First, taller pergolas will require more material, which will likely increase the overall cost. Second, taller pergolas will also require more time and effort to build. And finally, taller pergolas may be more susceptible to wind damage.

How Do You Make A Pergola Taller?

There are a few different ways to make a pergola taller. The most common and straightforward method is to simply add more height to the existing posts. This can be done by either extending the posts themselves or by adding taller post extensions on top of the existing posts.

Can You Make A Pergola Taller Without Making It Wider?

The answer to this question is yes – you can make a pergola taller without making it wider. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on your specific needs and goals.

What Is The Best Way To Make A Pergola Taller?

There are a few different ways that you can make your pergola taller. One option is to simply buy taller posts. This is probably the easiest option, but it can also be the most expensive.

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1.How Tall Can A Pergola Be? And The Ideal Height

Url:https://dreamoutdoorliving.com/how-tall-can-a-pergola-be/

22 hours ago  · Although most pergola projects are between 8 feet to 10 feet, you can still build a pergola as tall as 4m or 13 feet. However, depending on where you live and your local …

2.Pergola Plans: What Height Should A Pergola Be?

Url:https://pergolaguide.com/what-pergola-height/

1 hours ago  · The height of a pergola depends on the height of the surrounding buildings. The height of a pergola is measured from the ground level to the top of the main rafter. The …

3.A Quick Guide to Getting the Pergola Height Right

Url:https://azenco-outdoor.com/guide-pergola-height/

25 hours ago A standard pergola is between 8 and 12 feet tall. The height you choose depends on how wide the pergola is. A wider pergola should have a tall roof, so it won't look short and squatty. The right …

4.How Tall Should a Pergola Be? Here's What You Need to …

Url:https://thecharmingbenchcompany.com/blogs/news/how-tall-should-a-pergola-be

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5.How High Can My Neighbours Pergola Be? – Dream …

Url:https://dreamoutdoorliving.com/how-high-can-my-neighbours-pergola-be/

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Url:https://pergoladepot.com/resources/tips/how-to-measure-pergola/

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