Selecting the perfect pergola for your outdoor area involves careful planning and consideration of various dimensions. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enhance your garden or a contractor tasked with creating an inviting outdoor space, understanding pergola dimensions is essential.
Understanding Pergola Dimensions
Our comprehensive pergola footprint diagram provides detailed dimensions for both freestanding and attached pergolas. Sizes range from an 8×8 pergola kit to a spacious 20×20 pergola kit. Our styles include the Big Kahuna, Big Kahuna PLUS, Sombrero, Fedora, and Melbourne, each offering unique measurements to fit your specific needs. If you’re considering a custom size pergola, a Visor pergola kit for over your garage door, or a Brim pergola to accent your patio or garden – contact us and we can provide detailed dimensions for your chosen pergola style.
Key Pergola Measurements
Our pergola footprint diagram and dimensions chart lists the pergola dimensions for freestanding pergolas and attached pergolas in sizes ranging from an 8×8 pergola kit up to a 20×20 pergola kit in these styles: Big Kahuna, Big Kahuna PLUS, Sombrero, Fedora, and Melbourne. These measurements will be crucial when deciding on width, depth, post lengths and the desired height of your pergola.
The dimensions shown on this chart are for our standard pergola kits with measurements shown as Rafter Length (Projection or Depth) x Beam Length (Width). Also shown here are beam clearance dimensions which are important for pergola kit height. This is the measurement you’ll need to consider when choosing your post lengths and desired height of your pergola.
If you’re not sure how to measure your space for a pergola, or are unsure of the size you’ll need, read through our guide on measuring for a pergola and then contact us with any questions you have.
Pergola Height Calculations for Beam Clearance and Overall Height
Your pergola height is an important measurement to ensure you allow enough space underneath the pergola beams for any outdoor furniture or accessories you’d like to add to your space. Your post height and post mounting method are the key factors in determining your pergola height calculations. This chart provides a comparison of our standard post heights and how they affect your beam clearance and overall pergola height for each of our pergola kit styles. We also build custom pergola kits that can include custom post lengths to accommodate unique height requirements.
| Pergola Style |
Overall Height (Approximate) – 8’ posts |
Beam Clearance (Approximate) – 8’ posts |
Overall Height (Approximate) – 10’ posts |
Beam Clearance (Approximate) – 10’ posts |
Overall Height (Approximate) – 12’ posts |
Beam Clearance (Approximate) – 12’ posts |
| Big Kahuna – Max Shade | 8’6” | 7’6” | 10’6” | 9’6” | 12’6” | 11’6” |
| Sombrero – Medium Shade | 8’6” | 7’6” | 10’6” | 9’6” | 12’6” | 11’6” |
| Melbourne – Minimum Shade | 8’4-1/2” | 7’6” | 10’4-1/2” | 9’6” | 12’4-1/2” | 11’6” |
| Fedora – Light Shade | n/a | n/a | 10’2-1/2” | 8’11” | 12’2-1/2” | 10’11” |
| Big Kahuna Timber Frame – Max Shade | 8’7-1/2” | 7’9” | 10’7-1/2” | 9’9” | 12’7-1/2” | 11’9” |
If you’re undecided about the best pergola style for your project or you’d like to view all of our pergola styles, review this simple pergola style comparison chart for more information.
Beam Clearance and Overall Pergola Height
Planning to add a pergola to your outdoor space but unsure how tall it should be? Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, builder, or installer, this reference will help you determine the perfect post height for your pergola so it seamlessly fits into your outdoor space.
The right pergola dimensions, especially in terms of height, ensure not only aesthetic harmony with your surroundings but also functional clearance for an enjoyable outdoor experience. From beam clearance to post height selection, achieving the correct pergola size is essential in creating a structure that complements your landscape.
Calculate Beam Clearance
Beam clearance refers to the space between the top of your pergola posts and any overhead beams or rafters. This clearance is crucial for both the pergola’s structural stability and its visual appearance. Ensure that the beam clearance aligns with your design goals and provides enough overhead space.
The standard beam clearance is typically between 7 to 9 feet. However, if you plan to add features like lighting or a ceiling fan, you might need to adjust this height accordingly.
- Minimum Height: For basic structures, ensure at least a 7-foot clearance.
- Ideal Height: Aim for an 8-foot clearance to comfortably accommodate most accessories and installations.
- Higher Structures: Consider 9 feet or more if you’re adding hanging elements or want a more open feel.
Calculate Overall Pergola Height
Before you break out the measuring tape, take a good look at your outdoor area. Are there nearby trees or structures that your pergola needs to clear? Adequate clearance ensures that your pergola offers an open and unencumbered space while preventing any potential damage from overhead obstacles.
Account for the thickness of the beams, rafters, notches, top slats, and other roofing when calculating the total height. Check our pergola dimensions charts for each of our pergola styles and review the pergola post to post dimensions, beam clearance, and overall pergola height dimensions. Take a step back and visualize the pergola in its intended space. Ensure that the total height allows for both practical use visual appeal. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary measurements, selecting the appropriate post height becomes easier. Posts are typically available in standard lengths, but custom lengths can be provided if required.
Finding the right size pergola for your space can be tricky sometimes, depending on where the pergola will be installed.
For additional guidance on how to measure correctly for your new garden pergola kit, refer to our guide “How to Measure for a Pergola,” along with our Pergola Post Information and pergola FAQs; or enter your question in our Contact Us Form.
Feel free to ask any pergola questions and we can help you find the pergola size and style, discuss wood type selections, roofing, engineering and pergola permits, or other questions about your new outdoor pergola structure.