8x12 Pergola Kits

8x12 Refers to the Size of the Pergola's Roof

All of the pergolas featured on this page have an 8' x 12' pergola roof covered by shade purlins, not including the end caps on traditional-style pergolas (which extend 9 inches beyond  the ends of the 8' beams and the 12' rafters, unless you opt for flat end caps). So for all of the 8-foot by 12-foot pergolas on this page, the beams and shade purlins are all 8 feet long (as they run the 8-foot width of the pergola), and the rafters are 12' long (as they run the 12-foot depth of the pergola), not including end caps.

Post Placement for 8x12 Pergolas

The posts (i.e. columns) of a traditional 8' x 12' pergola can be placed anywhere from 0" to 36" in from the outside edges of the beams and rafters (not including the 9" end caps), as shown in this diagram. Most customers choose to place the posts 12 inches in from the ends of the beams/rafters as shown in this CAD drawing, which puts the outside edges of the posts 6 feet apart width-wise and 10 feet apart depth-wise. But again, you can position the posts anywhere from 0 to 36 inches in from the ends of the beams/rafters to create your desired overhangs. It's also worth noting that the overhang can be different on one side than it is on the other sides, if needed or desired.

For modern-style 8x12 pergolas (which never have overhangs), the posts are always in the corners. So for modern pergolas, the outside edges of the posts will be 8 feet apart width-wise and 12 feet apart depth-wise.

All Parts Can Be Trimmed Down to Your Desired Length

To make our pergolas as affordable as possible, we only manufacture the beams, rafters, purlin holders and shade purlins in 2-foot increments. But one or both of the width/depth dimensions of your deck, patio or other outdoor space may be slightly shorter than 8 feet by 12 feet. Using a basic circular saw or miter saw, you can cut any of the pieces down to the exact length required. Thus, the 8x12 pergolas on this page can easily be turned into 7.625-foot by 11.75-foot pergolas (or whatever specific dimensions you need).

Reminder: Width & Depth Are Not Interchangeable

Please be careful when ordering your pergola. An 8x12 pergola is not the same as a 12x8 pergola.

The attached 8x12 pergolas on this page will attach to your home on the 8' side and come 12' out from the wall. For free-standing 8 x 12 pergolas, the shade purlins (which create shade underneath the pergola) must run the 8-foot width of the pergola. So to maximize the pergola's shade, you will want to orient the pergola such that the evening sunlight comes from the 8-foot width side. If your evening sunlight will come from the 12-foot side, you'll want one of these 12x8 pergolas instead.