Spacing for the pergola top

(Sk. Canada)

I have lost a cherry tree that gave me a dapple shade in my shade garden. We are looking to build a pergola in the area to make up for the loss. Plants are mainly hostas and astilbe, etc.I want a simple structure, ladder like ends (2'width) 2x4 stringers across and then 4 foot 2x2 across that to provide the shade top, how wide apart should the 2x2's be to provide dapple shade?

Glad to hear from you! A typical spacing for the joists (top members) of a pergola is 16" o.c.

You are considering a very narrow structure (2') that might not always put the shade where you want it.

2" x 2" joists may also get broken easily. Consider using 2" x 6" support beams and 2" x 4" joists with 2" x 2" slats attached to the top of the joists every 12". This will be a much sturdier structure that will provide the shade you want.


Thanks so much for contacting me.

Nancy