🏗️ Redwood Pergola Extension

A multi-span beam roof structure replacing an old metal pavilion. 14' × 12' projection, 1:12 pitch, tinted/gray corrugated polycarbonate roof with 2-panel overlap, hidden roll-up shades, and exposed black decorative hardware throughout.

Scope. Three 4×4 posts carry a pair of 2×8 sandwich beams across a 14-foot span. Nine 2×6 rafters slope 1:12 (12" drop over 12' run) from a new LSSJ26 hanger line on the existing 4×12 beam down to the new double-2×8 beam. The roof is tinted/gray corrugated polycarbonate (2 panels per bay, overlapped 12" for water shedding); two 6-foot wand-operated roller shades tuck into the 3.5" pocket between the front and back sandwich beams.

Project Documents

📐 Renderings

Plan, front, and side elevations — drawn to scale. Knee braces are an optional retrofit (the 3-post structure is stiff enough without them); they can be added later as decorative 2×6 gussets if you want to match the existing pavilion's look.

Plan · Front · Side

🧾 Shopping List

Lumber, structural hardware, fasteners, and accessories. With quantity, size, and an open price field you'll fill in once you have vendor quotes.

Lumber · Hardware · Fasteners

📐 Cut Sheet

Plumb-cut angles for the rafter-to-4×12 connection, bird's-mouth geometry, decorative tail templates, and a complete per-piece cut list.

Angles · Templates · Cut list

🪜 Framing Plan

Step-by-step build sequence with safety procedures for the two highest-risk connections: anchoring to existing concrete and attaching to the existing 4×12 beam.

Sequence · Safety · QA

🪵 Carpentry 101

What "tongue at 12, blade at 1" actually means, how a Speed Square works, what plumb/level/square is, rafter anatomy, Simpson connectors, anchor types, wood movement, code & permitting, and a full tool glossary.

Glossary · Techniques · Code

Key Dimensions (Centerline Reference)

DimensionValueNotes
Outer post center-to-center (width)168 in. (14'-0")Two 4×4 posts at 0" and 168"; middle post dead-center at 84"
Projection (face of 4×12 → new post CL)144 in. (12'-0")Horizontal run; rafter length along slope ≈ 144.5"
Post height96 in. (8'-0")Stock length; will be trimmed to suit hanger/sandwich stack-up
Existing 4×12 underside108 in. AFFFloor to bottom of 4×12 — high reference for slope geometry
Roof pitch1:121" drop per 12" of run = 4.76° slope; 12" total drop over the 144" run
Beam overhang (each end)12 in.16' boards on 14' c-c span → 1' tail past each outer post
Rafter overhang (front tail, along slope)24 in. (2')16' stock cut to 14'-0½" finished; ~23½" waste per board. The 2' rafter tail is exposed wood past the polycarbonate panels (classic pergola look).
Rafter spacing21 in. o.c.9 rafters over 168" c-c outer. 2 panels per bay (78" upper + 79" lower, 12" overlap) cover with 1.5" bearing each side.
Shade opening (inside-to-inside, ×2)80.5 in.Two symmetrical openings; 72" roller shades with 4.25" inset each side
Sandwich beam thickness6.5 in.1.5" + 3.5" (post) + 1.5"; 3.5" pocket between 2×8 inside faces for shade bundle

Hardware at a Glance

ConnectionHardwareQuantity
Post → concreteSimpson APVB44 Avant post base + ⅝" concrete anchors (4 SDWS22312DBB + 4 STN22 per base)3
Beam → post (sandwich)Simpson Outdoor Accents SDWS 5-½" screw + STN22 hex washer12 screws (2/side × 3 posts × 2 sides)
Rafter → existing 4×12 (high)Simpson LSSJ26 field-slopeable joist hanger (bent on-site to 1:12)9
Rafter → new 2×8 beam (low)Simpson H2.5A hurricane tie (uplift)9
pergola.aidalee.com · Plans, cut sheet, and shopping list for TK's redwood pergola extension