What Is The Ideal Pergola Height

What is the ideal pergola height?

The ideal pergola height provides head clearance ranging from 7’-4” to 8’-0”. This means the overall height of the pergola will range from 8’-6” to 9’-6”.

This usually translates to a post height of 8’-0” tall, whether it be a wood, fiberglass, vinyl, or aluminum pergola.

These heights are by far the most popular based on our experience. And they allow plenty of head clearance for people moving about the pergola.  

Ceiling Fans

If you want to put a ceiling fan in, first pick out a fan and determine how far down it will extend into the pergola’s living space. Buy taller posts to account for this drop to reduce the possibility of injury from the fan.

Pavers

If you plan to have pavers beneath the pergola, the pavers must be placed next to the post, not under the post. The pavers will rise up above the bottoms of the posts about 3-4 inches. So, add 4 inches to your post height if you plan on installing pavers.

Retractable Canopies

If you plan to hang a retractable fabric canopy on the ceiling of the pergola, the fabric bellows will drop down below the ceiling 6” – 14”. So, buy taller posts to account for this.

There is no right or wrong answer

Having said all this, there is not right or wrong height for a pergola. Some people want shorter posts for a more cozy space. Others want taller posts for a more commercial space.

Still others may want to line up their pergola roof with the roof of a nearby structure, garage, or a shed, for aesthetic reasons or symmetry reasons

The most important consideration is head clearance, and making sure to account for ceiling fans, pavers, canopies, and decks.