Our Standard Pergola Design
Posts (or columns)
6×6 lumber is standard, but we also offer 4×4, 4×6 and 8×8 options that are available depending on the application. Painted steel posts can also be used in place of wood.
Post Attachment
If the posts are attached to an existing concrete slab they will be mounted with heavy duty 1/2″ inch concrete anchors and a Simpson brand commercial grade mounting bracket. Then we will wrap the bottom of the post with trim pieces so that the metal bracket doesn’t show. Alternatively, if the posts are going in the ground they will be set in a hole that is filled with concrete similar to the way a fence post would be set. There is no additional charge for the mounting brackets or for setting posts in the ground – this is included with any pergola install.
Rafters
Rafters are typically 2×6 or 2×8 lumber and spaced at 12” apart. The rafters run opposite from the beams and typically have a one foot overhang on each side . The rafters on a pergola are responsible for a large portion of the shade and the majority of the visual bulk of the pergola. Because of the angle of the sun at most times of the day, its actually the vertical height of the rafter (8 inches in a 2×8) that will help determine the amount of shade that you get from your pergola.
Top Slats
Top slats are 2×2 or 2×4 lumber depending on wood type. Pressure treated pine will come with 2×4 top slats and rough cedar will come with 2×2 slats. The layout and spacing of the top slats will most determine the amount of shade that the pergola will produce. Adding more or larger top slats will produce more shade. Our standard spacing is 12″ between top slats and this will give a moderate amount of shade from your pergola. If you want maximum shade we offer an upgrade that will move the top slats spacing closer together to 6″, 4″ or even 2″ for maximum shade. Contact us for options and pricing on custom options.
Wood/Steel Pergolas
We can build any of our pergolas with a combination of steel and wood. Typically a combo pergola like this will have posts and sometimes main beams that are metal and the rest of the top of the pergola will be wood. Steel posts will give a more modern look and come in many different sizes and shapes including square, round and I-beam to match almost any look you’re going for. Wood/steel combo pergolas will have custom pricing. Contact us for a custom quote.