How to replace pergola beams?

[Pasker]

I need to replace the horizontal beams on our side pergola. The vertical posts are metal which curves over to form an arc but the horizontal beams to which the shadecloth is attached are made from wood. This wood needs replacing. Is it best to replace with similar beams or could they be replaced with metal beams.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Pasker. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about replacing beams.

From what you’ve described, there’s nothing that immediately suggests the horizontal beams couldn’t be replaced with metal, but it really depends on the structure and how it’s constructed. If you’d like, you can share some images with us which would help us give a more accurate response and let us see exactly what you’re working with. From what you’ve described so far, it sounds like replacing them with metal could be possible, and once we have a look at the photos, we’ll be able to provide more detailed feedback. Let me know if you need a hand uploading the images.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Noyade · Accepted solution]

G'day @Pasker 

"Is it best to replace with similar beams or could they be replaced with metal beams."

I had a rotten pergola area that I did my best to rejuvenate about 10 years ago. I over engineered the steel vertical posts. That post seen below is 100mm X 100mm steel with the rebate angle 'grinder-ed' off and the three open areas welded closed with steel plate.

I even filed a square for the 'wood' bolt to fit.

But when it came to the horizontal member, I tossed up the idea of steel but eventually went with wood. A H3 200mm X 45mm plank from Bunnings. I just felt it would be easier to connect 'things' to a wooden surface at a later date - if that makes any sense.

Anyway, just a thought.

Looking forward to your photos.

Cheers.

[Pasker]

Thanks. That pretty much confirms my original thoughts to go with wood. The steel uprights are still good and the 4x2 beams have sagged and or broken due to age as well as hanging baskets. It would be easier i assume to fix shade cloth over wooden beams. Thanks again. Cheers