Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t want any top stringers, and on the spacing of the top boards, I’d like them to be 12″ or even wider apart. [Florida customer inquiring about a large pergola that will require a local permit.]

The different levels of a pergola roof are important structural elements.

The top stringers—what we call roof slats—are important structural elements. They are notched into each rafter below to make the super-strong “web” design of our pergola roofs. Without any of the 2×2 roof slats, I think you’ll have difficulty getting the permits approved unless we make some other structural adjustments. For example, you’ll have to place metal ties at each juncture between the rafters and the roof support timbers.

The roof support timbers are precisely that—they are the horizontal 2×6’s that are notched into each side of the posts and they hold the rafters that sit atop and perpendicular to them. Each rafter is notched into the roof support timbers below it, but to really strengthen the pergola roof to resist high storm winds in Florida, I’d recommend keeping at least some of the 2×2 roof slats above them.

If you’d like to have 12″ on center rafters, we can design the structural details in a couple ways. For example, if you don’t mind some “stringers” (roof slats), we can place them either 24″ or 36″ on center to just serve as extra strengthening without creating too busy of a structure. Or, if you really do not want any roof slats in the design, we can then place metal “l” brackets atop the roof support timbers between each rafter that tie to each side of each rafter. It will barely be visible from below and should be fine for the county permit also.

I’d like to have a couple custom attached Pergolas built and installed. Can you help me with permitting if necessary? I need it to pass Florida’s code regulations. Can you provide whatever plans, drawings or specifications that I could take to the county to pull permits, or do I need to hire a architect? Is there anything you can provide as a drawing sample?

We can send detailed drawings and basic structural calculations, but you’ll best be served by taking them to a local architect to adjust to local requirements to pull the permits. Each local government’s building department approaches pergolas in a different manner. Some are easier than others and it is not practical to attempt to navigate the local rules from California. The smaller pergolas (under 120 square feet) usually do not require permits, but a large pergola likely will.

Sample Custom Attached Pergola Drawing

Once we’ve figured out what we are building—the dimensions, wood grade, finish option, and features—we’ll send a detailed invoice for your approval.

Since you want to attach the pergolas to your house, we’ll need some photos of the install areas to make sure every issue is considered ahead of time. Nothing fancy—just a couple digital photos from different angles so we’ll understand what you are doing and can make the drawings taking what is already in place into account.

After a deposit has been placed on the order, the first thing we’ll do is prepare a set of auto cad drawings and specific structural calculations for the roof and posts of each structure (3 business days). You can then review the drawings and make any necessary adjustments. We’ll turnaround the final drawings back to you within a couple business days to then take to your architect to fine tune for presentation to the local building department.

Although we normally make our own structural metal connectors for the pergolas, if you’re pulling permits for your pergola it is often best to use “off the shelf” connectors from the hardware store (like Simpson Ties, for example).