What size post should I use for a patio cover?

What size post should I use for a patio cover?

Common Post Spacing The smallest beams for patio covers are typically 4-by-6. In general, the maximum span for a 4-by-6 beam is 6 feet between 4-by-4 posts. If you move up to 4-by-8, you’re usually allowed to span up to 10 feet between posts. A 4-by-10 can usually span up to 12 feet between posts.

How deep do footings need to be for a patio cover?

Dig a hole roughly 24 inches in diameter. If you’re using a smaller tube form, dig the hole twice the diameter of the form. Dig the hole to a depth 6 inches below the desired position of the form’s bottom. For example, if your footing depth requirement is 12 inches, dig the hole 18 inches deep.

What kind of wood should I use for a patio cover?

Popular woods like Redwood and Cedar offer some degree of natural resistance to bugs and rot and will last for many years without breaking down. Doug fir is another great option offering a cheaper, stronger, cover – but lacking some of that natural resistance to bugs and other pests.

Do I need 4×4 or 6×6 posts?

Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.

How far apart can 8X8 posts be?

20 to 25 feet is a serious span – an 8X8 won’t even come close. From contributor P: Figure an inch per foot of span. 20′ would require 20″, 25′ would require 25″.

Do you need footers for patio cover?

Patio roofs and gazebos are typically supported by a foundation—either a concrete slab (in some cases, an existing patio) or a series of footings and piers. The foundation distributes the structure’s weight and anchors it against settling, erosion, and wind lift.

Does a covered patio need a footing?

A concrete patio does not require concrete footings. Footings are usually used as a structural component to support the building’s loads and distribute them to the ground. Since a patio is relatively light and does not have a structure on top, you do not need to excavate and have footings built to support it.

Should I use treated lumber for patio cover?

Pressure-treated pine, the most affordable option, is rot and insect resistant. However, a preservative will need to be applied after construction to slow the process of weathering. Pressure-treated pine can be stained nearly any color you like. Another type of wood that can be used to build a patio cover is cedar.

What kind of wood do you use for a pergola roof?

Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar (WRC) and Redwood are both naturally stunning woods and often lumped together.