Pergola Beam Span 18'
bemis
16 years ago
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theporchguy
16 years agodeckman22
16 years agoRelated Discussions
How to prevent or slowdown further rotting of pergola/arbor beam?
Comments (6)Having owned a wooden-hulled 32' sailboat for a couple of decades, I know a bit about wood rot. Check marine supply places or maybe hardware stores for a product called "GitRot". It's a structural wood hardener referred to previously. Chop, scrape, dig out as much rot as you can, then apply the GitRot. It will penetrate the wood fibers before it hardens. I really hate Bondo. It is merely cosmetic, hides a multitude of sins - like when a big hunk falls of that 'cherry' used car you just bought off Craigslist - and is a bloody cheap way to 'fix' things - poorly. If you want to go that route, search out the West System of epoxies - also at marine stores. Again, this is something that penetrates wood before hardening. You could use a mix of low-density filler until you get the void back to near nominal dimensions, then finish off with a bit of fiberglass cloth. Fiberglass has to be protected from UV with paint. Cheers...See MoreMax span for a pressure treated 2x12 on a pergola
Comments (2)You should be fine with using 2x12's spanning that distance. I was doing some research on designing a deck and I came across a handy guide at:http://www.richmond.ky.us/Departments/Codes/Forms/Brochures/ Deck%20Construction%20Guide.pdf It lists maximum spans and spacing for various sized lumber. It says a 2x12 can span up to 18'10" if used as a joist and I think your purpose is as good as if using one joist....See MoreJoist spans on Deck
Comments (2)"When I look at this it seems to me that the 12' span between the beams is too long." Well, duh! "Lumber supplier said it should be fine." Yeah, for a roof. I'm sure this guy has plenty of experience. "My question is should I run a 3rd beam down the middle or am I ok as is? I also was thinking of doubling the 2 end joists for more support." Now you're on the right track. 2x8 PT should not span more than about 7'. Double up all the rim joists and run a double joist wherever the decking will butt end to end. I'm not experienced with the composite Azek, but for any wood deck 16" joist spacing well exceeds the load requirements....See MorePergola question
Comments (1)There isn't a bunch of load on the beams, though, weather could sag them eventually. If you are concerned, 6x6 posts mid-span on the beam would make it bullet-proof. I would also highly recommend adding metal flashing to the top of the beam, that way water won't sit and rot (eventually, many years) the beam....See Moretheporchguy
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