Wondering how to measure for your pergola? Look no further - by following these simple steps, you'll have the pergola dimensions you'll need in no time.

• Step One: Planning your Space. Choose the location and style of pergola (whether freestanding or attached). Take into consideration the roof style you'd like, how much shelter you're looking for it to provide and if you need certain amounts of space for components such as a hot tub.
• Step Two: Knowing Rafter Length. The length of rafters (also referred to as “Depth”), will be calculated by measuring the distance you would like to have from either the wall (attached pergolas) or the outside of the posts (freestanding pergolas). Using a tape measure, pull your first measurement from either the wall (attached) or the spot where you would like the outside edge of one set of posts, to the spot where you would like the outside edge of the other set of posts to land.
• Step Three: Determining Beam Length. The length of beams (also known as "width"). Using a tape measure, pull your second measurement between the points where you’d like the outside edges of each post to land.
• Step Four: Calculating Overall Dimensions. These will equate to your Rafter length and your Beam length. Therefore, your overall dimensions will be "tip-to-tip, rafter x beam".
• Step Five: Determining Post Height. Now that the size of your pergola is calculated, it's time to decide on the post height. The post height you're looking for can depend on a few different factors, such as the height you'd like it to be from the ground and how you're going to install the posts.

Knowing where you want to put your gazebo and, most importantly, where you have the space for one, is important in the buying process. When planning out your space, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• What elements are around your space? Are there trees, driveways or walls in the way? Considering this can help determine what structure of pergola is right for your garden. Remember to watch out for any obstructions!
• Which direction does your garden face? This will determine the best configuration for placing your pergola, ensuring you get maximum light or shade, depending on your needs.
• How are you installing your pergola? Will it be in the ground, on concrete, or on decking? Knowing this can help determine the height measurements of your pergola.

Keeping these elements in mind are important for figuring out the best placement for your pergola.

Pergola Post Spacing Explained

At Ruby, our high-quality pergolas are measured externally from post to post. If you have a pergola with an overhanging roof, this will put additional length and width onto the pergola post distance measurement. With this in mind, make sure to measure your pergola post spacing according to the plan of any extra length and width added on with an overhang.

Installation Location and Surroundings

Another thing to keep in mind is how you're going to install your pergola. If you are installing your pergola into holes in the ground, this is going to take some height off of your pergola. But, not to worry - we have a solution. If you want to maintain the extra height of your pergola, we offer extended post height products that will keep your pergola the height you want it to be.

If you're installing your pergola adjacent to your house, there are few things to keep in mind:

• If it's going by your doors, be sure to note the height from the top of your doors, the width of the doors you plan to cover and the space between the door and any wall beside it.
• For freestanding pergolas, that may go on patios, be sure to measure the length, width and if there's anything above it (such as tree branches) to be aware of.

If you need any bespoke sizes or advice we have you covered! Feel free to reach out to us with any enquiries.

At Ruby, we offer completely bespoke sized pergolas, perfectly suited to your needs. But, a standard size may also be the perfect fit for you! What's the difference? Let's explore standard pergola sizes in comparison to bespoke.

Our standard pergola dimensions range from 1.8m to 8.4m in length and 1.8m to 4.2m in width. These standard measurements are perfectly suited for a range of different garden sizes, and the recommendation for size choice will depend on the space you have available, as well as its surroundings.

Bespoke sized pergolas are incredibly useful if you have a larger garden, a smaller garden, or want a specific size of pergola to fit in a certain space. Maybe you want to fit your pergola into a corner, or perhaps some of the standard sizes are a bit smaller than you'd like? Not to worry, our bespoke sizes have you covered. Build your pergola exactly how you've dreamt of.