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Building Homes or Extensions/Patio Cover

Expert: Dave Johnson - 3/17/2009

Question

Hi,

I'm building a 16'x16', 10-12 pitched roof patio cover attached to the gable end of my garage. I would like to use 4x6 rafters 4' OC with 2x6 tongue and groove for my roof sheathing. My question is what size ridge beam, and wall beams do I need to span the 15' between posts? And what size posts should I be using?

Thanks in adavance.

Answer
Hi Ben,
First, the ridge carries little or no weight, its just to help keep your rafters in line, so... a 2"x8" will be fine. Or, if you want to keep the "post and beam look" you could use a 4"x8".

If you're going to use only 1 post on each corner you'll need 6"x6" posts and 6"x10" beams on the walls. Make sure you attach them securely to the garage! Consider a large hanger or burying them into the garage wall.

I would also consider another post at half-distance.
Best of luck!
Dave

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