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How to construct a metal pergola?

I have been searching for information/formulas concerning the construction of a metal pergola without much luck. Yes, there is plenty on YouTube without any details or measurements which makes it as useful as a cold 🙁 In essence, consider using a rectangular 100 x 50 x 2 coloured colourbond standing vertically 2100 being 2300 off the house 7500 long the eve face with shade cloth on top. The thing I need to establish is the number of posts. How many posts are required? Spacing between studs along the face of the house. The three dimensions for the hole for the post as contemplated bolting the post onto the concrete base rather than a post permanently in the ground. Any information or links will be appreciated 🙂

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Comments

EricL

Hello @CybernautWA

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about constructing a metal pergola.

I can only suggest topics when doing your search on the net. For example, the term "metal span tables" or "steel span tables" will open up a whole avenue of technical resources. However, I recommend visiting your local council first and looking up the rules and regulations of building a metal pergola next to your home. The measurements you've indicated means that the floor area of the pergola is more than 10 meters, and I suspect this will require a permit.

I understand your desire to do this as a D.I.Y project, but if it requires a permit, odds are you'll need to engage the services of a draftsperson. They will be familiar with the steel materials you want to use and the rules and regulations of the council. Plus, the plan they make will be to code and should pass council inspection.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @CybernautWA

I have to agree with all @EricL comments. This is definitely a permit project that will require technical drawings taking in all aspects of the build to gain approval. Then depending on the build requirements you will be able to establish what if anything is within your skillset.

my recommendation would be to enlist the services of a local draftsperson to advise.

Nailbag

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/44293#Comment_44293

Good Evening @CybernautWA

Now this is a harder one. I am like you and dont have a lot of knowledge of metalwork, timber stuff I am a lot more familure with 🙂

I do like @EricL's suggestion about looking up differant terminology, and yeah it will open up a huge new page of information.

Id go another route first before trying to construct a large pergolla like you are suggesting. Id think of something smaller but still with spans so you can have a go and learn as you go. You will get an understanding of the strength of steel, of folded steel and colourbond posts. This you can apply to designing the gazebo you want as a final spot.

So how about in the area you are thinking of building the gazebo, design and build a steel framed windbreak/privacy screen? It will give you a bunch of information about spans and saging. It wont cost a huge amount compared to the gazebo and is useful at the same time.

I would def suggestion visiting your locoal council website or drop in to have a chat. I know my councils front desk area was really helpful when I dropped in to ask some questions. It would give you a set of limitations that you can work through at the very least.

Dave

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