Replies

1. 
   ProBozo | Mar 31, 2004 09:43pm | #1

   i would go with stout knee bracing in the upper corners at the posts in each direction, and not connect to the house -- designed right, it will look "right" and wind/etc won't be a problem.

1. 
   elofland | Mar 31, 2004 10:21pm | #2

   Ok, I claim ignorance about the "stout knee bracing". I did a brief google search and came up with very little. Got any resources a layman could follow :)

   Thanks in advance!

   Eric

1. 
   ProBozo | Apr 01, 2004 12:58am | #3

   think about a brace at 45 degrees, about two feet down and out from the top of each corner -- the strongest structural shape is a triangle -- think triangles for strength, i.e. the design of roof trusses

   <<< mental image transmitted by ESP to you >>>>

2. 
   RobKress | Apr 01, 2004 02:38am | #4

   I would also not attach to the house.  You are really just asking for trouble (water leaks) down the line by putting a ledger on when it is not necessary.  Just build your pergola well and enjoy.

   Rob Kress

1. 
   elofland | Apr 01, 2004 04:48pm | #6

   Here's the rub, there is a small overhang over our back door (just a bit wider than the door and maybe 4 feet out). If I don't attach to the house, I'll have 6 posts on the house side (which gets really expensive for 4x4 redwood). I've attached a simple picture to visually explain.

   I'm open to any ideas, this is all new to me.

   Thanks for your responses so far!!

   Eric

1. 
   ckeli | Apr 01, 2004 06:32pm | #7

   are you able to build over the "shed roof" over the door?  what exactally does this extention over your door look like and how is it supported....does it have posts holding it up or brackets...more info would be great

1. 
   elofland | Apr 01, 2004 07:16pm | #8

   I think I'd better take a picture and some measurements. I'll do that tonight!

   Thanks everyone!

   Eric

1. 
   Piffin | Apr 02, 2004 05:50am | #11

   If that slab size is 20' thenyou'll want three or four posts on the exterior side of it anyways, and if that shed roof interrupts it, then it will interrupt a ledger anyway. I don't totally agree with the others about not attaching but they have a point. I'd like to see what we're talking about before getting too detailed though 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   elofland | Apr 02, 2004 05:56pm | #12

   Ok, after some late afternoon photography (and photoshop) followed by some late evening measuring, here's what we're working with. I've attached a small picture, click here for the medium size or here for the ultra huge.

   Measurements:

   Slab is 10' x 20'

   Soffit is 51" wide, bottom is 7'6" from the ground and 5" tall (95" from the ground) at the shortest point and at the tallest point (connected to house) is 17" (107" from the ground).

   Pergola dimensions:

   12' deep (if connected to house)

   22'6" wide

   ??? height

   I hope this is clear, please let me know if not

   Eric

3. 
   BillHartmann | Apr 02, 2004 06:18pm | #13

   I would try some delicate surgery or baring that a sawzall and sledge and get rid of the small roof.

   Now you might want some rain protection over that back door. But you may not depending on the local weather patterns.

   But if you do I would integrate one into the pergola.

   I am thinking something like a gable end roof that is about 6-8 wide and extends to the edge of the patio.

   Then there would be two wings of pergola on each side.

3. 
   calvin | Apr 01, 2004 05:49am | #5

   Wookie,  Here's a link to Lawrence Winterburn.  He was a former poster here that has set up a business building and selling plans for garden structures, pergolas etc.  He has helped me in the past with answers to questions re. frame, form or function.  Go to the site, email lawrence or even call, I think there's an 800 number.  Check out what he has to offer.  Tell him I suggested you call.  If he doesn't shoot you first, he may give you a hand.

   http://www.winterburngroup.on.ca/

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

1. 
   pino | Apr 01, 2004 07:36pm | #9

   Just prowling around and visited the link you provided. What a gold mine! I am in the midst of designing a large pergola and trellis and this site will save me the trouble.

   the plans are incredibly reasonable in price.

   Thanks.

1. 
   calvin | Apr 02, 2004 03:29am | #10

   Glad I could help.  Lawrence is a good guy.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time