12x8 Pergolas

12x8 Refers to the Inside Dimensions of the Roof Opening

When we say a pergola's dimensions are 12x8, we are referring to the size of the roof opening (inside-edge to inside-edge). All of the kits featured on this page are meant to have a 12' wide x 8' deep roof opening. The overall outside-edge to outside-edge dimensions of the pergola will be:

• 12' 7.3" wide x 8' 7.3" deep (if you choose a kit for 4x4 posts) OR
• 12' 11.3" wide x 8' 11.3" deep (if you choose a kit for 6x6 posts)

With all of this being said, you can easily change the overall size of your pergola by trimming the wood posts that you plan to use for the roof beams. For example, if you wanted the true outside-edge to outside-edge dimensions of a free-standing pergola to be exactly 12' x 8', you would simply need to purchase two 12-foot and two 8-foot wood posts and then cut off 7.3 inches (for 4x4 wood posts) or 11.3 inches (for 6x6 wood posts) from each one. Important Note: Our shade canopies are specifically designed to fit roof openings that are exactly 12' x 8'. If you're purchasing a kit with a shade canopy, you cannot trim down the roof beam posts.

Reminder: Width & Depth Are Not Always Interchangeable

12' x 8' pergolas are different from 8' x 12' pergolas. The wall-mounted pergolas on this page will attach to your home on the 12' width side and come 8' out from the house wall. For free-standing pergolas with a slatted roof, the roof rafters will be mounted to the 8' beams and run the 12-foot width of the pergola (providing more shade when the afternoon/evening sunlight comes from the 12-foot width side). If your afternoon/evening sunlight will come from the 8-foot side, you'll want an 8x12 pergola instead.