A post is a vertical timber or steel member that serves as a load-bearing element in a pergola, carport, canopy or veranda. The post transfers the weight of the roof or structure down to the foundation. It is the timber equivalent of a column in concrete construction.
Post vs. column vs. stud
| Term | Material | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Post | Timber (or steel) | Pergola, carport, canopy |
| Column | Concrete, steel | Buildings, structural frame |
| Stud | Timber | Timber-frame walls |
Dimensions
| Application | Size (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Pergola | 100 x 100 mm or 120 x 120 mm |
| Canopy (up to 4 m) | 120 x 120 mm |
| Carport | 120 x 120 mm or 150 x 150 mm |
| Veranda | 120 x 120 mm to 150 x 150 mm |
Fixing
Posts never stand directly on the ground or in concrete:
- On a post bracket — The standard method: post bracket on a concrete pier, post in the bracket
- On a concrete slab — Via an adjustable post bracket or anchor plate
- To a wall — For a lean-to canopy via a steel shoe connector
Timber species
- Douglas fir — Most commonly used, attractive as exposed timber
- Pressure-treated softwood — Cheaper, less attractive
- Larch — Comparable to Douglas fir
Related terms
- Column
- Post bracket
- Pergola beam
- Purlins
- Overhang