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Build your own pergola with these simple to follow DIY pergola plans. Plans include step-by-step illustrations, shopping list, and cutting list.
Building a pergola is a great project if you want to add a focal point to your backyard. Add lattice and grow some climbing plants or vines to form your special retreat.
Pergola End Rafter Tails | Rafter Tail Designs
Here are several designs for cutting the ends on the rafter ends of the pergola.
DIY 8×8 Pergola
DIY small simple to build 8 feet by 8 feet pergola.
Great focal point for any small area.
10×10 Pergola Plans
This DIY pergola measures 10 ft. x 10 ft. This pergola is not so big and not so small, can be the perfect fit for your area.
10×12 Pergola Plans
Rectangular design DIY pergola measure 10 ft. x 12 ft.
12×12 Pergola Plans
DIY pergola measures 12 ft. x 12 ft. Plans include drawings, measurements, and PDF.
12×16 Pergola Plans
Build it yourself rectangular 12×16 pergola. This large pergola provides plenty of space for benches and tables.
DIY 10×10 Pergola
DIY Pergola Plans – Material List
Shopping List
Shopping List
4 – 6×6 – 12′
11 – 2×6 – 12′
4 – 2×6 – 10′
11 – 2×2 – 12′
3 1/2″ deck screws
Cutting List
Cutting List
4 – 6×6 -12′
11 – 2×6 – 12′
8 – 2×6 – 4′ 4 3/4″
11 – 2×2 – 12′
DIY Pergola Plans – Overview
The pergola measures 10’x10′ on the bottom and 12’x12′ on the top.
DIY Pergola Plans – Assembly
Measure a 10’x10′ area making sure it is squared by measuring diagonally in both directions.
Use 12′ long 6×6 poles (A) with 2′ in the ground with concrete as shown in illustration above. If you are using anchors on the poles use 10′ 6×6 poles.
Use a level to make sure all the poles are leveled.
Once the poles are set make sure all the poles are the same height, you can use a string level for this. Cut poles if needed to get them level.
The top edges on the pole can be cut for a nicer appearance, illustration above shows the edges cut at a 45 degree.
Use four 12′ long 2×6’s for the support beams (B), cut the ends as shown on illustration above.
Install the support beams (B) as shown on illustration above, use clamps to hold the support beams in place, secure with 3 1/2″ deck screws.
Use seven 12′ long 2×6’s for the crossbeams (C), cut the ends as shown on illustration above.
Lay the crossbeams (C) in place and mark were the 3″ notch will go. Secure the crossbeams using 3 1/2″ deck screws.
Use eleven 12′ long 2×2’s for the slats. The ends can be cut for a nicer appearance, illustration above shows end cut at 45 degree. Use 3 1/2″ deck screws to secure the slats.
Cut eight 2×6’s to 4′ 4 3/4″ for the brace (E), cut as shown on illustration above.
Install the brace (E) to the pergola using 3 1/2″ deck screws as shown on illustration above.
Just finished a major “Clean up” of my back yard and while several complimentary remarks were welcome after many weeks of hard graft {work} something was still missing to give it the Wow factor…not any more…those Pergola plans will finish the Job just nicely…while on the subject…I have a Timber Gate leading onto a side Road from the back yard but would love to replace it with a “Covered Arch” type Gate {the kind you would often see leading up the path to a Country Church}…Hopefully you might consider including plans for that at a future Date….Many Thanks
Just finished the build. Looks good.
One problem we had: the BOM and Cut List show four braces, the plan shows eight required. Ran about 20 feet short on 2 x 6.
Thanks John
Cut list and shopping list has been updated.
The “Step by Step” instructions still read – Cut four 2×6’s to 4′ 4 3/4″ for the brace (E), cut as shown on illustration above.
8 pieces are required.
Fixed it, thanks.
Jake, what would I need to add to make it 22′ long? Without adding another post?
I bought one which stood up to rain but a late snowstorm brought it down. Son said we will build one mom. Ok son. This is for you.
Thank you for the plans.
Can we build a 12 x 16 pergola with the post sitting on top of concrete post that you can buy at the hardware store and not dig a post hole. It is like I want to build a free standing floating pergola with not much rafter but putting canvas canopy cover on top of the structure.
I’m using this plan as a base the one I’m making in my garden. The back will be joining on to an existing garden fence spread across 3 4×4 posts set in heavy concrete (about 10′ length)
My question is, would it be ok to have 2 4×4 posts at the front? Was thinking about the weight of the 2×6 beams on them more than anything.
where do I find the instructions on joining two oasis 12×10 pergola model number 1606517 together to make a 24 x 20 pergola?
I am not able to Download PDF plan can any one help me here.
Just finished it. Great weekend project. I topped the 6 x 6s with copper caps for a finishing touch.
I plan to build this pergola later this year. The plans look straightforward.
Do you have a plan with a gabled roof?
Can this plan be used on top of a wood deck with some sort of bracing instead of being set in concrete?
I would like to know if this pergola will support swings or hammocks?
Wondering if there is a specific spacing between rafters, and also spacing of support post. I am going 15 wide but 17 deep attached to house. wondering if 17 foot span will require a center post or just span the whole distance to the end?
How can I build a freestanding pergola 30 ft long with 4 posts and 5 foot wide with 2 posts
Can you please send me plans for a 6×10 pergola