Help covered patio build!

[mrtbig]

I want to build a 20x18 covered patio and getting confused with different answers.

i want to use 6 posts and span the 18’ ends.
can I use 6x6 posts, beams and ridge support?
Do I need a ridge beam or can I use like a 2x8 ridge board with 2x6 rafters?
I don’t want to span the middle 18’ posts, just the ends, is this possible with ridge board?
Is 6x6 good for the spans and posts?
Hopefully you can help!

*Edit-7/23/2021
ok, if I simplify this and put in 4 more posts on 18’ span with 10ft max span between 2 new ones and 4ft between corner posts.
can I use 6x6x10 beams on end and not the middle one? Or if I need a center span can I use (2) 2x12x18 in center?
can I use 2x6 rafters?
as far as ridge can I just use a ridge board 2x8 spanning the 20’? Or will it need center support or do I need ridge beam?

 

[wssix99]

It depends on what your local code requires for the loading strength of the roof.

The posts are the least of your worries. (If they become a limiting factor, you can always go to steel and get thinner.) With an 18' span and the load of a 400 sq foot roof, the question is what kind of beam do you need.

... If you were in my area, you'd be required to have a beam like something you'd find on a railroad bridge. lol

 

[Wheelingit]

Comply with your local codes and there will be no problem now and in the future.

 

[Bretny]

6x6 are basicly only good for vertical applications. They look big and strong but bend easily when horizontal and arnt really rated for that.

The rest of the Info you want...we need more Info on how the roof is going to look. But generaly 2x6 for a gabel roof that's 20' wide is going to be to small.

 

[mrtbig]

6x6 are basicly only good for vertical applications. They look big and strong but bend easily when horizontal and arnt really rated for that.

The rest of the Info you want...we need more Info on how the roof is going to look. But generaly 2x6 for a gabel roof that's 20' wide is going to be to small.

Can anyone give me a 20x18 plan, how much cost?
The roof will be shingled at either 5/12 or 6/12 pitch and open v will be on 18’ end.

 

[tros]

We did 6x6 post every 8 feet and 2x12s for the trusses and to hold up the floor above .Our deck is 12x 24 with patio down stairs on roof on the upper .

 

[Git]

Don't know where you are located, but you really need to consult with a local engineer. You can't overlook the possibility of the structure collapsing and severely injuring/killing someone.

I have a 20 x 20 free standing covered patio in S Cal that has a concrete tile roof to match my house. It uses 4 metal posts, and the footings are 3' x 3', about 5' deep and the hole is filled with concrete and rebar cage. (The metal plate on the end is to prevent uplift). The main beams are 19' 6 x 12's. Wasn't cheap, but I sleep well at night thinking my family was under it that day

 

[nadogail]

If there is a local carport or patio cover builder in your area, you can ask them for a proposal and after getting their answers tell them you have to reconsider the project because of the cost.
After getting their proposal you can then make a decision about what your options are.

 

[yeldogt]

The OP needs to understand what is needed in his area. In all of my locations what he wants to do would require a permit ... that permit would require a drawing. In most cases with that span .... it's going to need a stamp.

Someone building a shed with standard 12' spans can get away with not having a stamp as the span is common ... most code officials are fine with passing them

 

[brownbagg]

google finch beam

 

[Stuart in MN]

Flitch beam.

 

[quickfarms]

Don't know where you are located, but you really need to consult with a local engineer. You can't overlook the possibility of the structure collapsing and severely injuring/killing someone.

I have a 20 x 20 free standing covered patio in S Cal that has a concrete tile roof to match my house. It uses 4 metal posts, and the footings are 3' x 3', about 5' deep and the hole is filled with concrete and rebar cage. (The metal plate on the end is to prevent uplift). The main beams are 19' 6 x 12's. Wasn't cheap, but I sleep well at night thinking my family was under it that day

That concrete tile roof weights a lot more than a shingle roof and that is why it has to be built that way

30 years ago we did lots of structural upgrades to houses when the owners wanted to replace a wood shake or asphalt shingle roof with concrete.

 

[jkuro]

Flitch Plate.

 

[brownbagg]

i did a flitch plate on my patio, and spanning 22 feet with 2x8's

 

[Git]

That concrete tile roof weights a lot more than a shingle roof and that is why it has to be built that way

30 years ago we did lots of structural upgrades to houses when the owners wanted to replace a wood shake or asphalt shingle roof with concrete.

The point I was trying to make is the OP really needs to have something 'engineered' based on his local conditions and desires. 'I read it on the internet' is not going to fly for him...

 

[Bretny]

Can anyone give me a 20x18 plan, how much cost?
The roof will be shingled at either 5/12 or 6/12 pitch and open v will be on 18’ end.

Sorry I cant. I have my own projects to work on.
Your at the limit for it being 18' wide with normal lumber and that alone makes this a "consult a local pro" kind of thing.

 

[sreeb]

The OP needs to understand what is needed in his area. In all of my locations what he wants to do would require a permit ... that permit would require a drawing. In most cases with that span .... it's going to need a stamp.

Someone building a shed with standard 12' spans can get away with not having a stamp as the span is common ... most code officials are fine with passing them

In San Diego county and city you don't need a permit if unless it exceeds 300 sqft of roof area so you might think about a slightly smaller cover.

If you are in a wildfire area, there are extra requirements. This is probably true everywhere in socal.

Both have good information on structural requirements on line.

 

[yeldogt]

In San Diego county and city you don't need a permit if unless it exceeds 300 sqft of roof area so you might think about a slightly smaller cover.

If you are in a wildfire area, there are extra requirements. This is probably true everywhere in socal.

Both have good information on structural requirements on line.

Codes are a real wild card ..... often they are so different you wonder where the logic. I'm normally in the 120sf range of ground cover .. what a 10x12 shed would sit on. standard height. Anything over that needs a permit. At many places I have had to build it's anything visible from a public way.