How to Measure Pergola Dimensions

Ready to take the big leap and add a backyard pergola to complete your patio design? First step - you'll want to measure your space so you know the best size pergola for your outdoor living setup. Here are a few steps that'll walk you through how to measure and find the pergola dimensions and size to fit your space. We've outlined how to measure for a pergola attached to a wall or a freestanding pergola. For our pergola kits, standard pergola dimensions range from 8x8 to 20x20. Once you take your measurements, you'll know if a standard size will work, or if you'll need to request a custom pergola size.

Planning Your Pergola Space

One of the first considerations is how much useable space would you like inside the posts (or between the wall and posts), and how much overall roof coverage will you need?

You may need a specific amount of space inside for patio furniture, planter boxes, outdoor kitchen components, or a hot tub; and you may want a specific size roof structure to provide for the most coverage that your space will accommodate.

Look at the space you have and consider how much room you'd like inside the posts and under roof.  For our pine and cedar pergola kits, the overall dimensions of the pergola determine the size of the roof structure.  The inside area is always a bit less. 

Another decision will be how tall you'd like the posts to be that support the roof of the pergola. We offer standard post heights of 8', 10', and 12' and can cut them to custom lengths in between those sizes to accommodate your design. Choosing pergola post height and how to mount the pergola posts is an important step in the process.

What are Standard Pergola Dimensions?

To find the right pergola size for your space, the first step is to measure the area where you plan to install it. While standard pergola dimensions can work for many spaces, they may not be ideal for your specific patio. Custom sizes are always an option, and we offer free custom pergola quotes.

Once you’ve identified the location and available space, take precise measurements to determine what size pergola will best suit your backyard vision.

When comparing pergola styles, pay close attention to how dimensions are listed. Pergola Depot standard pergola kits are measured as Rafter (projection) x Beam (width)—from outside tip to outside tip. Our freestanding kits include a 1'6" overhang past the post on each side. Consider these dimensions as you plan your pergola project, and keep in mind how much space you'd like around the outside of the pergola installation, as well as underneath the pergola roof.

For example, a 13'x19' Freestanding Big Kahuna features 13' rafters and 19' beams. The post-to-post dimensions are 10'x16'. In the attached pergola version, which includes a ledger board to install on the wall side, the overall size remains 13'x19', but the wall-to-post distance is 11'6" (rafter side) and 16' (beam side).

For more guidance, check out our How to Measure for a Pergola guide and Pergola Footprint Diagram, which detail standard dimensions for our wood pergola kits.

Need help choosing the right size? Explore our comparison of pergola styles, or contact us to speak with a pergola specialist. We’ll help you determine the perfect fit for your outdoor retreat.