The process involves one simple equation and some knowledge of the loads that the beam will carry.
Porch roof column spacing.
For a normal porch roof and porch normal post spacing for your case would probably be to make them same spacing all around more visually aesthetic around 3 1 3 or 5 feet on centers probably much more commoonly the 3 1 3 foot spacing in your area with two of those size on the long side and two around 4 feet wide.
The size and shaping of your posts and columns should complement the architectural style of your house.
If you ve used porch posts to the side of your steps consider substituting newel posts.
Consider making your steps a different width.
Most often alternative materials are chosen because the structure needs additional strength or for style reasons to better complement the home s architectural style or landscape.
Spacing between columns as well as the detail of the column support and the area where the column transitions into the roof known as the entablature need careful and knowledgeable consideration.
In other words the maximum distance it can cover without support from posts.
This porch by dalrymple sallis architecture measures about 7 ft.
An essential part of planning a patio roof or gazebo project is determining the number size and spacing of rafters beams and posts according to the loads they will carry.
Dave s expedient spacing guide here s an easy way to determine both equal spacing and placement between two fixed points such as porch columns.
Patio roof post column options in addition to the ever popular wood posts for outdoor structures can be made from other materials including concrete and steel.
You can be somewhat arbitrary in.
A porch roof could also be trussed or i have seen space frames that don t need columns either because they are attached to the building.
Maximum rafter spans for a patio roof.
For a porch roof the beam needs to be sized according to the maximum snow loads in your area and you must know enough about the porch design to determine how the load will be distributed and over what distance the beam will carry the load.
You can also use this device for many different uses.
For example thick columns in a masonry base are often used on a craftsman porch while a victorian porch may include tightly spaced thin and embellished posts.
However for the normal porch the columns are the posts in a post and beam like construction.
The determining factor of post spacing is the allowable span of your beams.
However if the spacing is too wide the patio cover s beams will bow under the weight of the joists and roof covering materials.
For the other 99 of all porches let s see what can be done to optimize your somewhat uneven porch post spacing.
Purchase an elastic band approximately 1 2 to 1 inch wide by 6 to 8 feet long.
