Timber beam advice for carport project..

**djhaslett** · 21st March 2010, 08:53 PM

Hi all timber gurus,

I need some advice. I'm wanting to construct a simple under-cover entertaining area with open sides and a gable roof. The under-roof area will be approx. 6m x 5m. Due to space constraints I wish to use only 4 posts if I can. I'd also like to place the 4 posts such that there is a 800-1000mm overhang at each end.

The footings I'm planning will be galvanised stirrups concreted into the ground, and the posts secured with large coach bolts. The roof structure will be colorbond supported by roof trusses made off site (pitch yet to be determined). My questions are:

1. What size posts would be recommended? I'm intending the height to be quite high - around 3500mm (for aesthetic reasons reference the surrounding buildings)
2. What type of timber beams would be recommended? Can I get them in 6m lengths?

Appreciate any advice anyone could offer.

Cheers,
Darren, Melbourne.

**artme** · 22nd March 2010, 12:56 AM

Darren you would be best to get Engineering advice on this.
I assume the structure has to meet Council standards - actuall now Australian Standards - so there will be engineering specifications to consider.

**djhaslett** · 22nd March 2010, 05:57 AM

Thanks Artme. I was thinking of doing this, but trying to avoid red tape if I can.
The structure will actually be replacing an old shed which I've recently demolished, so as far as I know it won't need any approvals as it will be deemed as replacing an existing structure.

But you're right. I should really consult an engineer. Thanks for your reply.

Regards, Darren.

**dai sensei** · 22nd March 2010, 12:38 PM

Unless you are replacing the structure with EXACTLY the same structure, you WILL need structural certification.

You can achieve what you are asking with timber. I have a similar one here but with 6 columns built from mainly 150x50 oregon (doubles for columns) and a similar pergola 4mx4m with 100x35 for smaller members. The pergola currently only has shade cloth on top, but has been designed for sheeting.

**Exador** · 22nd March 2010, 06:48 PM

I've just supplied the timber for a 20m x 6m "pergola" of very similar style. It's all in ironbark except the roof battens. The posts are 150x150, the header boards are 200x75 and the rafters are 150x75. It's all capped off with 125x50 battens in ironbark, bluegum and tallow wood. His only specification was that he "doesn't want any of that crap spotted gum".

It's all being held together with fixing brackets custom-made out of about 6mm plate.

Came to just on 6 cubes all up of clear boards. Apparently he likes the chunky look.

**djhaslett** · 22nd March 2010, 11:27 PM

Thankyou for all your replies. I think I'll take the safe route and consult an engineer. I'm happy to pay for professional advice, but I'll admit ideally I want simple answers and no red tape.

At the end of the day I want to know the structure won't "take off" and clonk someone on the head in another storm like we had recently. If it does, then it'll be nice to know I can blame the guy who designed it!

Cheers all. It's nice to know I can get some advice when I need it.

Darren.

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