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Building Homes or Extensions/laminated beam span for a pergola

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Expert: - 5/5/2011


Question
I have read your other posts about pergolas, but did not find an answer to what I am thinking of doing. The beam span I require is about 18 feet. I am planning on using 6x6 posts on the ends and was thinking of using 2x8x16's staggered, and laminated 3 deep with 1/2' pressure treated plywood sandwiched between the layers. Do you think this will be sufficiant to prevent sag?
Thank you
Dale

Answer
Hi Dale if you glue the pieces together with a good exterior heavy duty liquid nail and make sure you put the crowns up you should be okay.  18 feet is a long span for a 2x8 layered beam but the plywood adds to the rigidity of the assembly.  Sincerely Bruce Johnson  

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

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Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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