I was in my local lumber store getting estimates for wood that I would use for a Pergola I want to build. They suggested that I do the same as the fellow in one of the recent FHB that build a free standing car port. The fellow used steel for structural members and covered the steel with nice wood. I sent a note to the author of the article several weeks ago, but has not responded.
I want to use 3×3 or 4×4 steel for the verticals and a thin flitch plates to join the verticals horizontally. Cover everything in wood. I am planning a roof of 2×2 spaced and vines to shade the under side. The estimates size of the patio is 15 x 20 feet. The height of the Pergola is 8 feet.
What I am looking for is the thickness of the 4×4 or 3×3 steel vertical members. The thickness and width of the steel flitch plates. The footing depth to set the verticals in concrete. We don’t have snow.
Any suggestions are help full. I am a competent welder. Thanks
Replies
what part of the country do you live in? and what does you local building department ask for footings?
Heintz45
I live in Norhtern California. No snow, low earth quake danger. 18 inch deep footing.