To initially layout your pergola, please assume that:
- Pergola Length is the side where your support timbers are located. The support timber is the first layer of the roof where the timbers are notched into the sides of the posts (see drawings below).
- Pergola Width will be the next layer of the roof, where your rafters are located running perpendicular to the support timbers (length). If you have doubts about Length and Width, do not worry - you can always fix it if you enter the order backwards during the drawing phase. We will prepare drawings within 3 business days and email them to you so you can double check and fine tune all the pergola's details.
The Pergola is sized according to the size of the roof. Pergola size is not to be confused with the placement of your posts. Posts are typically recessed back 12 inches from the edge of the roof. For example, if you ordered a 18' L x 12' W Pergola, your Pergola's roof will be 18' x 12' while the outside 4 corners of your posts would be at 16' x 10' apart (and for the more technically minded - the on-center measurement would be 15' 6 1/2" x 9' 6 1/2").
More thecnical details:
Below are two sets of 3 drawings of a 10' x 16' Pergola showing how they can be oriented in either direction (as highlighted by two sets of drawings) at no extra cost.
If you do not see the exact roof Length or Width that you'd like, please choose the next largest length or width standard size offered and then enter the exact size you'd like in the comment section.
As noted above and shown in the drawings below, the outer edges of the posts are normally recessed back 12 inches from the edge of the Roof.
This overhang of 12 inches is what aesthetically seems to be the best proportion to maintain, but, it can be made larger or smaller to meet your needs.
