It would help to see a plan layout showing where the Pergola is desired.

Generally, I would try to put it between the upper and lower sets of windows.

 

Redwood,

I am working on a plan now but I am trying to cover the whole patio area with the pergola.

I am working on a few ideas now, in between the windows being one. I want the structure to be free standing so that leaves me with a beam across the rear between the windows, putting the joists in front of the windows.

Just brainstorming right now.

 

I sure hope you're on the clock at least.

 

Looks like you have door and window heights at 8 ft there. Set it just above that. The upper transoms will be obstructed a little from the outside, but from the inside I doubt you would even see it. Unless you happen to be 8 feet tall.

 

out of curiosity, why free standing?

 

You certainly have your work cut out for you. Freestanding means a lot of posts in front of those windows.

 

Maybe do the rafters with a notch into the beam to help keep the height down. Or you could hang them from the back beam. How about 2 separate pergolas?

 

I have no problem attaching to the house above the door but I just do not see the option the attach anywhere around the bay. On the other side of the bay there is a screen room which also hinders attachment.

This is what I have in mind so far.

 

without seeing your planview dims.... how about a post in each planter at the edge of the patio to pick up your main beam at a 45* to the patio. ledger from slider to screen room and run your joists perpendicular to the face of the bay so you get the 45* "look" instead of cookie cutter???? just my 2$

 

Rough design so far.

 

What software did you use to render this? I'd like to play around with some ideas before I publicly embarrass myself. :laughing:

Rough design so far.

 

Yuck!! Not so much the design of yours, just that it now becomes apparent what the problems are. How about a detached gazebo with a smaller pergola next to it?

 

Yeah, I am having a problem getting everything to work together. It seems like every change I make to help one thing it messes something else up.

The purpose in this pergola is not only design but the added shade is a goal also. This is on a golf course with no natural shade. The more patio I can cover, the better.

 

How expensive can they go? I have some really nice ideas but it might be too expensive.

Andy.

 

Curt,
Have you considered brackets on the wall to catch your beams rather than the posts/columns? I have designed several that way ...although none of them have sold.It frees up the space and done correctly can add to the look.I'm not sure what you are using for material but if it's vinyl and you have any span issues with your beams let me know.We have done some playing around here with different configurations and have come up with good results with fairly long spans.I agree that between those stacked windows has to be your height.

 

Did you consider a fiberglass pergola. They can span up to 22'.

 

Curtis, first thing I am thinking, it should go Up.

Mabey they dont mind so it wont matter but the project as projected seems too low, like forboding, when walking out and being that close to the bottom of the frame. I would feel closed in.

Just a thought. J.

 

Sketchup.

 

make them flush beams and screw tails/corbels on :laughing:

 

:shutup:

 

Zip the Sketchup file and attach it here, or if that does not work, upload it to the 3D Warehouse, and give us the search term that will zero us into it.

Some of us Sketchup junkies may wish to contribute ideas.

And you probably know of Joe Wood, a San Diego guy that works in Sketchup, and designs and builds some really nice deck, trellis, and pergola structures. Go here to see a gallery of his work. http://woodsshop.com/decks.htm

 

I had a few hours to spare so I gave it a shot.
I don't have the measurements so a lot is guess work.
Two beams attached to the house and supported with columns on the other side and a free standing beam because of the screened porch.
All rafters have a tail end (2x8) with a purlin on top (2x2) all 16" o.c.
Hope this will help.
Clemens
www.finedecks.com

 

Two evening shots

 

Clemens, I appreciate the drawing. The actual patio is 24'x25', so I am looking at multiple supports to avoid going too high dollar on the beams.

At first I was looking at going with tails on two sides but I think I will do something similar to what you drew with tails all around. Doing so will allow me to set it away from the house a few feet, completely free standing and I can raise the height without completely obstructing the windows.

UpNorth, thanks for the offer. I think you would hate to work off of my file though. I only have a rudimentary skill level and I think it would be hard for someone proficient to use my drawing.

 

Arbors Direct, Inc.

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