I need some advice on building a free standing patio cover. I built a 16' x 16' free standing deck. I've got 3-4x6 on the end that I left random. I'm going to put 4-4x6 against the home. I am going on each side of the patio door and the edge of the deck. I planned on notching the tops for 2x6's, using these as the ledger boards. I also planned on using 2x6x16 for the rafters 16" on center using joist hangers at the house and screwing them into the header at the other end. I then will attach 1x4's to the top and use metal sheeting to finish it off. I live in the south, so we really don't see a lot of snow. I was wanting to see if this was the right way to build this patio cover.

 

Welcome to the forums.

I'm not the pro in this forum but I have a question.... will you need plans and a permit ?

 

I do not need either. I do know that I cannot attach the deck cover to the home.

 

How close are you to the coast? Hold down protection can be a big issue to keep the roof from blowing away.

I'm confused about your three 4x6 left random. Where do they fit in with everything else? Are thise 4x6 vertical posts? Will you be using them to support one end of the roof while the other end is supported by four 4x6 you plan to install next to the house?

Use joist hangers at both ends to attach the rafters instead of just screwing them into the header. You are right at the limit for 2x6 joists if using #2 lumber. You won't have much margin for the once every 5 year wet, heavy snow.

 

I'm about 2-3hrs from the coast. The 4x6 on the end are vertical and are going to be cut off. I am using #2 pt lumber. I will also use the joist hangers at both ends. Do you think if I change the ledger and the rafter boards to 2x8x16 that it would handle the span better?

 

This is the deck that i am working on.

 

I guess the main question is will the 2x6x16 handle the 16' span or do I need to go to a 2x8x16 for the ledger and rafter boards?

 

Look up "rafter span table" you'll see many tables for what lumber can span. 2x6 can do the 16' span but it's right on the edge. Working in your favor is just doing a light weight tin roof and not a fully decked and shingled roof. Still 16' is a long way for a 2x6 especially if you have a relatively flat pitch.

 

I was thinking of having 4" of fall which is about 1/4" per foot. I think the 2x8x16 would give me more support. Then I'll add the 1" furring strips and the metal.

 

Yea, 2x8 would certainly give you some extra margin especially with your flat roof. 1/4" per foot is the slope you'd put on a level patio so your roof will be basically flat. Water will move to the low side but it will look flat and it will be flat enough that leaves and debris will usually not wash off on their own.

 

I'm going to stay with the 2x6's. I can make it to where it spans 14'-11" after checking it a little closer. Thanks for all the help.