Is a Custom-Sized Pergola Kit Right for Your Backyard?

When thinking about the size pergola, follow these steps:

Step 1. Plan Your Space.

Will your pergola be attached to your house (or other structure) or will it be standing alone on an existing or to-be-built patio? How much space would you like to have available under your pergola?

Once you have an idea of the location & amount of space you plan to use, now you can take measurements to determine the actual size kit that you will be ordering.

Step 2. Determine Pergola Depth.

The length of rafters (also referred to as “Depth”), will be calculated by measuring the distance you’d like to have between the outside of the posts, plus the overhang (for freestanding pergolas); OR the distance you’d like to have from the wall to the outside of the posts, plus the overhang (for attached pergolas).

Step 3. Determine Pergola Width.

The length of beams (also referred to as “Width”), will be calculated by measuring your desired outside post to post width plus the overhang. Using a tape measure, pull your second measurement between the points where you’d like the outside edges of each post to land. The length of beams (also referred to as “Width”), will be calculated by measuring your desired outside post to post width plus the overhang. Using a tape measure, pull your second measurement between the points where you’d like the outside edges of each post to land. Then, add the 1’6″ overhang on each end to that measurement.

Step 4. Calculate your Overall (Tip to Tip) Dimensions.

Calculate your Overall (Tip to Tip) Dimensions. This is the Size pergola you’ll choose.
Your overall dimensions equate to your Rafter Length (depth or projection) x your Beam Length (width). This will be the Size you choose as it’s listed on our website.

Step 5. Determine Post Height.

The post height you will choose depends on desired height above the ground and how you’ll be installing your posts. How much space do you want between the bottom of the beam (low point of the roof structure) and top of ground/patio? Are you installing either buried in a concrete footer, or installed on top of a concrete footer or existing concrete slab? If installing buried in a concrete footer, then you’ll need to add the length of the post below the ground to the desired height of the posts.

Step 6. Determine Shade Coverage.

After you determine the size, you can decide how much shade coverage you’d like. Our full-size pergolas range from maximum shade coverage (Big Kahuna Pergola Kit) to light shade coverage (Melbourne Pergola Kit).