Hello everyone... I am new to the forum. I have a question regarding building an arbor. I would like to span a 12' wide pool. The pool may also have an 8" coping (it's not yet built), so my question is this: Can I span this pool with an arbor ...the distance between the columns may be up to 14' if I take the coping into account ....is it possible or too much?? ((the main beam of the arbor would need to span the pool)) Thanks in advance! ~Andrew
Yes you can. It'll chust need a hefty enough timber. Peeps like Phil will hopefully be along to advise on actual sizes. (He is good for something... )
There are other solutions too, of course, like adding low-angle struts going from the undersides of the main beams to the sides of the uprights. That wouldn't be needed with a large enough timber size, but it's there as an alternative - you might like the look.
Thanks for the reply.... ....I was thinking 6x6 for the columns and 2x10 for the beam ...doubled if necessary. ....and also adding hurricane straps or L brackets for added strength. Do you think in in the right neighborhood with that?
Gulam beams might be option, they are lightweight,very strong, naturally firproof,available from around 42mm x 225mm to 140mm x 630mm & up 15 mtrs or so in length, if not too expensive, you wouldn't need to double up 2x10's .Can be obtained cut to length. http://www.metsawood.com/global/Products/glulam/Pages/Glulam.aspx http://www.ajlaminatedbeams.co.uk/ http://www.lamisellbeams.com/glulam-sizes.htm
You can see from above photo, how small the beams can be, & the width of the open span that can be covered, dependant on beam sizes. A 14' span is easy for gulam, could also use Gulam for the columns, they would outlast a treated post.
Damn - I was going to milk that missing 'l' for all it was worth... 14' span? 10 x 2 would be very happy across that - surely? What will it ultimately hold up, tho' - chust some climbing plants, or are you intending to 'roof' it in any way?
Much better than two 10x2 joists doubled up,which would look rather industrial,& nothing graceful about the structure, & rather over engineered. Whereas Glulam canopy, looks classy, you can having flowing lines, it's becomes a focal point in a garden.
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