Recent content by mbrittb00

After giving this some thought, I planning to do it as a free standing using 6"x6" posts. Since it isn't attached to a structure, then stability is something I'm going to have to sure up. My thought was to put angle braces in the each of the corners (both directions for a total of 8) from...

So not only would I need to drill all the way through the brick but hope that I found a stud on the back side to mount the ledger to? :( If that's true then free standing may be the way to go. FWIW, I did some calculations and using PT Pine wood the hole thing (w/o posts) would weight...

It's standard 4"x4"x8" brick, not the thin façade brick they use sometimes.

OC in an abbreviation for "On Center" correct. Also, the rafters would be running in the 15' direction with their spacing in the 10' direction. Still confused on this. How do you crown up a 2"x8"? What specifically are you talking about crowing up?

I would likely be attaching the ledger into brick.

While I'm not necessarily interested in starting a lengthy discussion, would you mind giving what are considered the main advantages of a freestanding as opposed to attached to the house. I may be looking in the wrong place, but the only dimensions I can find for cedar are 1x sizes. I know I...

The 8 rafters will be at 14" OC. I know what crowing is, but not sure I understand it in this context. Thanks

I was planning to use 2"x6" for the rafters and main beams (10' direction), so I'd be a little afraid that 2"x10" for the end beams would stand out a bit. If I added angle braces for the end beams reducing the unsupported span from 13' to 9' (or 8') do you think I could get away with using...

Thanks. "regular lumber yard" : Would this be something like 84 Lumber, or do need to find a more local / less national place. Also, what about the size of the boards 2"x6" or 2"x8". I'm a little concerned by the 13' span on the front end beam without a support in the middle. Should I...

We are wanting to build a pergola over our existing patio. The construction is simple enough for us to do the work ourselves. However I have some questions about the size and type of wood to use. The following website shows the general design idea...