Choosing the right pergola is not just about the design.
You will want to get a better read on what type of post is best for a pergola. Otherwise, you will need to settle for an inferior solution that does not last or look the way you want it to.
Keep this in mind when it comes to finding a post that works and is going to withstand time.
The two options you are going to come across will be a 4×4 or 6×6 post for pergolas.
To determine the right post for pergolas, it’s important to measure the covered distance. A smaller pergola (i.e. 4 to 6 feet between posts) can have a 4×4 post. Anything bigger than this will require the 6×6 posts for added stability.
It’s essential to choose the right posts for your pergola or it will fall.
This is a common issue with wonky pergolas that are not installed the right way. It creates a situation where the pergola is not going to last and it will eventually break down.
This article is going to take a look at the variables to account for when choosing between a 4×4 or 6×6 post for pergolas.
Table of Contents
Comparing 4×4 Or 6×6 Post For Pergola
1. Size of the Pergola
One of the core details to think about will be the size of the pergola.
This has to be the main priority.
The size of your pergola is often going to dictate which direction you choose to go in. For example, a pergola that is smaller can handle a specific type of post, while others will need something more robust.
Starting with the 4×4 post, you will only want to use this when the distance between two posts is less than 6 feet.
This means the pergola is going to measure 6 feet by 6 feet or less along the edges. If it is bigger than this, you will need to start looking at a 6×6 post.
The reason you want to think about this is due to how much weight is going to be put on the post. If the post can’t handle it, how are you going to get it to stay still as required?
2. Type of Pergola
You will also want to take the time to think about the type of pergola you are setting up.
For example, if you are taking the time to use a specific type of wood, this might play a role in the type of post you end up using.
A lot of people don’t think about this and that is what holds them back.
You will want to make sure the pergola is going to last a long time and that is dependent on the post you are using.
If it is a heavier wood, you will want to lean on a 6×6 post to make sure it does not fall.
3. Lay of the Land
You will also want to consider the lay of the land.
The reason this matters is to make sure you are not adding posts that are going to be too small when the land is uneven.
This is common and it is something to account for.
Your goal has to be to test the lay of the land and see what is going to work when it comes to setting the posts into place.
4×4 posts tend to do better on flatter lands.
While 6×6 posts are bigger, which makes it a lot easier to make sure they withstand any unevenness in the land.
4. Overall Safety
Have you taken the time to think about the overall safety of the setup?
This is a real issue people don’t think about and it holds them back. You will want to make sure the posts don’t break down as that is going to become much harder to deal with.
If you are using the wrong post for a pergola, it will fall.
This is why you don’t want to set up something which is going to topple over as soon as a bit of wind starts up.
The best option is to go with a thicker post when you are in doubt.
Final Thoughts
These are the details to think about when comparing 4×4 or 6×6 posts for pergolas.
It is recommended to only use a 4×4 post for a pergola when it measures to be less than six feet between two posts. Anything bigger than this should be using a traditional 6×6 post for added durability and overall safety.
Do not take a risk when it comes to the type of post you use for a pergola.
It could easily topple over if you use the wrong type of post and that is the last thing you are going to want to do.
Look into this to make sure things are as safe as they need to be.
