10' x 12' 4 post gazebo, roof header size?

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bigbub - 05 Jun 2006 17:15 GMT

I tried to reply to a post from last month regarding a 4 post gazebo,
but it was to old, so I started a new one.

I am building a 10' by 12' 4 post (6x6s) gazebo with a regular hip roof
that will be shingled. I have a question about how big the header
should be for the roof, and also the size of the rafters. It is in
Ohio, so it will get some snow. Floor to header height will be about 7
feet. The 6x6s are on top of concrete.

I was going to notch out the top of the 6x6's and bolt 2x?s to it. But
in the post I was reading, I noticed the poster's builder used 4x6s on
top of the 6x6s (but with no notches, used a Simpson tie of some sort).
Would a 2x8, or 2x10 be big enough, or is it the 1 1/2 thinkness
that's the problem, and do I need to go to the 4x6. I will be using
corner braces, probably 4x6 or 4x4, I want the added strength, and I
kind of like the look it gives you.

Also, any suggestions for rafter size?

I don't mind the added cost, I just want to do it correctly. Anyone
that answers, thanks.

Jeremie

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Needing Advice - 05 Jun 2006 21:44 GMT

You need to check your local building code to find out what size
headers you need. You will definatly want to use a doubled up 2*
instead of a single 2*.

I would use (2) 2X12's doubled up for each header and 2X6 rafters.

> I tried to reply to a post from last month regarding a 4 post gazebo,
> but it was to old, so I started a new one.
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> Jeremie

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bigbub - 06 Jun 2006 15:53 GMT

Wow, doubled up 2x12's. I guess better safe then sorry. Should I just
notch out the top of the 6x6 and set them on top. That would only
leave a 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 peice left to bolt them too, I am really trying
to avoid Simpson ties, because I do not like the look. I am guessing
that bolting the, what would be a 4x12, to the side of the 6x6 isn't as
strong as placing on top of the 6x6. Thanks for the response.

JC

> You need to check your local building code to find out what size
> headers you need. You will definatly want to use a doubled up 2*
> instead of a single 2*.
>
> I would use (2) 2X12's doubled up for each header and 2X6 rafters.

Reply to this Message

Sal's Dad - 07 Jun 2006 16:00 GMT

Double 2x12's will be WAY overbuilt, and ugly.

You are (rightly) concerned with appearance, so build what looks right; it
will probably be plenty strong (you sound thoughtful and conservative).
Draw it all out, to scale; sometimes a small structure can look nice with
massive framing, sometimes a very light appearance is in order. If you are
in a jurisdiction which requires a permit, run your plan past the inspector,
and let him (her??) know you would welcome any suggestions.

You want timber bracing, so consider 4x4 posts and braces, with 4x6 headers
(4x4 will work fine here too, but I am too lazy to do the calculations for
you) for a neat look. In any event, take a look at some books on timber
framing and joinery, for an attractive sturdy structure.

Have fun!

Sal's Dad

> Wow, doubled up 2x12's. I guess better safe then sorry. Should I just
> notch out the top of the 6x6 and set them on top. That would only
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>>
>> I would use (2) 2X12's doubled up for each header and 2X6 rafters.

Reply to this Message

bigbub - 07 Jun 2006 19:00 GMT

I want it to be sturdy and last, but I was wondering if the doubled
2x12's were over kill. The post I was referring to earlier is named
"How to limit sideways movement? 4 post gazebo" and the person had
these pictures in his post...

http://www.firedrum.com/my_project.html

His is a 12x12 gazebo similar to mine, but he paid someone to build it,
and it looks like they only used a 4x6 as the rafter header with 2x6
rafters. 4x6 might be a little week, but I was hoping doubled 2x8's
would do the trick along with the 4x6 corner bracing I will be using.

Is there an easy way to figure out the load on a regular hip 12 x 10
roof? Isn't that the main thing to consider when deciding on the
header size?

JC

> Double 2x12's will be WAY overbuilt, and ugly.
>
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> >>
> >> I would use (2) 2X12's doubled up for each header and 2X6 rafters.

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bigbub - 07 Jun 2006 19:34 GMT

Not to add to the mess with more questions, but what would be a good
roof pitch for this gazebo like structure. We do get some snow, but I
also get a good amount of wind in the back, it's like we are in some
wind tunnel sometimes. I noticed alot of gazebos are at 5/12. I was
thinking somewhere between 4/12 and 6/12. Just want to make sure there
is enough room inside for a ceiling fan, without hitting my head on it.

Jeremie

> I want it to be sturdy and last, but I was wondering if the doubled
> 2x12's were over kill. The post I was referring to earlier is named
[quoted text clipped - 46 lines]
> > >>
> > >> I would use (2) 2X12's doubled up for each header and 2X6 rafters.

Reply to this Message

Needing Advice - 07 Jun 2006 19:55 GMT

I reccomended the 2*12's because the width of the lumber is usually
near the max length of a header, at least in home construction.

You could also go to Lowes or Home Depot or any bookstore and browse
their deck library for ideas.

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Sal's Dad - 08 Jun 2006 07:07 GMT

This is such a little structure - rafter spans of 5' or less - TOTAL roof
load of maybe 120SF x (10 lbs structure + figure 40 lbs snow) = 6,000 lbs,
and that's after a blizzard - bet nobody will be hanging out in the gazebo
when there's 2' of snow on the roof! -

Southern Pine's rafter table http://www.southernpine.com/pdf/table21.pdf
says 2x6 rafters should be good for 9' or more, depending on spacing. I
would dig up a table for 2x4's, bet they'd be fine.

As to the beams, you have 6,000 lbs distributed over 36 LF of beam, or 167
lbs/LF. according to http://www.raisedfloorliving.com/spantables.shtml a
4x6 should be OK for 220 lbs/LF with 8' spans (measure your spans between
diagonal bracing). Again, your beams will only deflect under a MAJOR snow
load.

Roof pitch? Anything you like! it really doesn't matter, just make sure
your shingles are compatible (over 4/12, no problem)

Good Luck!
Sal's Dad

>I reccomended the 2*12's because the width of the lumber is usually
> near the max length of a header, at least in home construction.
>
> You could also go to Lowes or Home Depot or any bookstore and browse
> their deck library for ideas.

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bigbub - 29 Jun 2006 16:19 GMT

Thanks, I went with doubled up 2x8 for the roof headers and everything
seems to be good. I used 2x6 for the rafters. Everything seems nice
and sturdy and I haven't even added the corner bracing yet.

I got one more question that hopefully I can get answered. I used
standard un-treated pine for everything that was visable inside the
roof. So the wood is outside, but doesn't get any direct contact with
the weather. What should I use to seal it. I think I would like to
stain it. Do I just pick a stain of choice and then also a sealer. I
have seen MANY complaints on the groups about thompsons. Anyone have
one they suggest?

Thanks again,
Jeremie

> This is such a little structure - rafter spans of 5' or less - TOTAL roof
> load of maybe 120SF x (10 lbs structure + figure 40 lbs snow) = 6,000 lbs,
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> > You could also go to Lowes or Home Depot or any bookstore and browse
> > their deck library for ideas.

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Homeowner Forum / Construction / June 2006

10' x 12' 4 post gazebo, roof header size?