# Steel Beam vs Gable for Patio Cover?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-beam-vs-gable-for-patio-cover/624157>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 5, 2012, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-beam-vs-gable-for-patio-cover/624157 "2012-06-05T14:52:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![RobS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c89c15/32.png) [@RobS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobS)\
**Post date:** [June 5, 2012, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-beam-vs-gable-for-patio-cover/624157/1 "2012-06-05T14:52:41Z")

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Hi,

I want to build a patio cover that spans 50’ x 12’ with no center posts, and is attached to the back of house. Does using a two-beam gable design at a low angle, such as 20 degrees, or even four sections like a barn roof, help offer the support needed to achieve that span on two posts rather than using steel beam?

Any insight would be appreciated.