Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a mobile home with a porch deck but no roof. I want to put a free standing roof over the deck. The roof size will be 12 feet by 20 feet. I want to tie in the roof supports to the porch deck. I was thinking of using 4x6 inch posts. The front of the deck at the trailer is 11 to 12 feet high and I want to slope it to around 10 feet. How many 4x6 posts would I need to use. I was thinking of 3 on each side or maybe 4 on each side. 3 would work better to clear the door to the mobile home. or I could put 3 by the home and 4 on the other end. I am using 2x8s across the front and back and using 2x6s for the rafters. And the roof is going to be the suntuff heavy gauge corrugated roof panels. ... Thank you ... John

ANSWER: Hi John, post spacing is dependent on your beam size.  If you are using double 2x8 beams to support your rafters then your posts can be up to eight feet apart..I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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QUESTION: And if I would be using a single 2x8 what would you suggest ... The way I have it figured if I use 3 of the 4x6s I would have a span of 6 feet on both sides of the center 4x6 with a 4 foot overhang on the end 4x6 posts. That would mean 4 feet on both ends and 6 feet both sides of center. For a 20 foot long roof.  or would 6 feet be to far for a single 2x8? ... John

Answer
Hi again John, six feet with a single 2x8 would probably be okay.  How do you plan on attaching the 2x8 to the posts? And how do you plaon on connecting the 2x6 to the 2x8? I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com