Pergola Roof Spans

Hello,

I am building a pergola over a deck that is 6m x 5.6m. The main problem I have is that the middle beam has to cover an extra 1.2m on top of the 6m length so I can attach it to the main facia on the house. I am not sure what the minimum size of either timber or metal is that I can use to cover that length. I do not want to put a support post in the middle of the deck, so I need to be able to span the 7.2m. There will only be a lightweight bamboo matting that will serve as a roof or covering to filter the sun on top of 100mm x 35mm battens. Down each side there will be posts so the beams I use on the side, length will not be an issue, just the middle section. I suppose metal will be cheaper than timber.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Jos

If you go to this page and go down to the bottom and download the spanning tables you will find a solution here. You may need to put some rafters in. If you want some help let me know.

http://www.bluescopesteel.com.au/go/...t-firmlok-beam

Thanks Bazza, just getting it all together now to put into council as a owner builder project, thanks for the help.

Jason

Just a thought - what about a clad pozi-beam??

Thanks for the info, back on track with my project after being laid up for a while with an injury. Will　post results in the future.

Cheers every one.