Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (2024)

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Stacy Fisher

Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.

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Updated on 07/16/24

These free DIY pergola plans will help you build that much-needed structure in your backyard to give you shade, cover your hot tub, or simply define an outdoor space into something special. There are plans available for a wide variety of pergola styles: You can choose between materials like wood or aluminum, having an attached or freestanding pergola, or one with louvered or static slats. Canopies are also available to lay atop this landscaping feature to give you extra sun or weather protection.

Building a pergola can be a simple to challenging building project depending on what plan you pick, so make sure you know your skill level. But there are items like pergola brackets that can make attaching these structures to a deck much easier.

All the free pergola plans include building instructions, lists of tools and materials that you'll need, diagrams, and photos to make the process go smoothly.

Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (2)

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Free-standing Wood Pergola

Building Strong has a free pergola plan—and you'll love how simple this pergola project is. The structure's 10 x 8 footprint is suitable for smaller-sized yards. And the simple wood material and classic silhouette will work with any landscaping style.
10 x 8 Free-standing Pergola from Building Strong
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Simple DIY Wood Pergola Plan

See Also
How To Build A Steel Pergola – Storables How To Build a Metal Pergola - Today's Homeowner Pergola DIY With Material List + Lumbar, Tools and Hardware – Porch Light Reading 20 DIY Pergolas With Free Plans That You Can Make This Weekend

Here's a very through pergola plan that will help you build a pergola from start to finish in an entire weekend. This small and simple wood pergola is freestanding, and perfect for covering a small seating area in your yard. Aesthetically, this pergola offers a rustic-traditional look.
Simple DIY Pergola Plan from Construct 101
03 of 14
Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers

Here's a free pergola plan to build a pergola that goes over an existing deck. The design includes cables and exposed bolts for a modern twist that can double as plant hangers. This unique wooden pergola looks sleek and modern, but gets a touch of extra botanical interest from the frosted glass panels decorated with leaf patterns.
Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers from Lowe's
04 of 14
Wood Pergola With Stone Legs

This free pergola plan by Ana White is modeled from the expensive Pottery Barn Weatherly Pergola, which means you can get the same look for a lot less if you build it yourself. This freestanding wooden pergola feels traditional and elevated, with its stone lower posts that complement the stone patio it is set on in this photo.
Weatherly Pergola Plan from Ana White
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05 of 14
Pergola on a Budget

A Beautiful Mess has a three-part series on how to build a pergola on a budget.This petite wooden pergola is freestanding and just begging to be strung with fairy lights and hanging plants. It also boasts a unique walled nook that is perfect for tucking a pair of chairs into.
Pergola on a Budget from A Beautiful Mess
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Freestanding Pergola

This DIY pergola plan fromThe Handmade Home is for a freestanding pergola that you can build right next to your house or further away in your yard. It has a classic look to it and is large enough to accommodate an outdoor dining table or four-chair seating area.
Freestanding Pergola from The Handmade Home
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Lattice Deck Pergola

Home Stratosphere has a deck plan that also includes plans for this beautiful pergola covered with lattice. Interspersing lattice panels in the roof instead of traditional pergola slats makes this plan feel fresh and unique. Plus, it adds a kiss of quaint, cottage style.
Lattice Pergola from Home Stratosphere
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Beginner-Friendly Wood Pergola

My Outdoor Plans has a free pergola plan that will build a basic 12-foot by 12-foot pergola perfect for the beginner builder. As an added bonus, it only requires basic tools that you probably already have. This simple, freestanding, wooden pergola design is easy to execute and can probably be finished in a weekend.
Patio Pergola from My Outdoor Plans
See Also
How to Build a Pergola
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09 of 14
Pergola With a Canopy

Who says pergolas can't be covered? This free pergola plan from Lowe's includes a canopy made out of weather-resistant fabric to keep you cool and shady all summer long. The extra detailing at the base of each post makes this canopy pergola feel ultra luxe and traditional.
Pergola With a Canopy from Lowe's
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Bracket 4x4 Pergola

This free pergola plan makes use of 4x4 brackets to make assembly easy. This also allows the design to span a large swath of the deck, appearing as a double pergola, which is great if you have two distinct seating areas you would like to cover. The. thin 4x4 posts and roof slats ensure it is not too visually intrusive as well.
Modern Toja Grid Pergola from Pretty Real
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Hurricane-Resistant Pergola

Ron Hazelton has a free pergola plan for a free-standing structure that you can put anywhere in your yard. The stour silhouette of this free-standing wooden pergola helps it withstand strong winds. Extra-deep-set posts provide even more stability.
Hurricane-Resistant Pergola from Ron Hazelton
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Attached Pergola for a Patio

Here's another free pergola plan from Ron Hazelton, this one is designed to go over an existing patio and attach to the side of your roof. This classic pergola looks free-standing, but easily attached to your home. It is sized to over a medium-sized patio area.
Attached Pergola for a Patio from Ron Hazelton
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Box-Type Pergola

If you're looking for a quick and easy pergola project, this free plan for a box-type pergola is just for you. This style of pergola is quite easy to build and gets its name from the box-shaped spaces between the slats (instead of vertical openings or rectangles). This particular design feels stately, anchored by traditional columns.
Box-Type Pergola from Buildeazy
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Paneled Louvered Pergola

This free pergola plan is unique because it features a louvered roof, which is uncommon for a free pergola plan. The roof is divided into four sections, with the slats able to move in different ways. Just picture sitting under the pergola with a good book, sliding the slats closed over your head to keep the sun out of your eyes, but leaving the ones above your legs open to get some warmth. Perfect.
Louvered Pergola plan from Flex Fence

FAQ

Is it cheaper to buy or build a pergola?

Overall, it is cheaper to build or DIY a pergola from a kit than to pay a professional. Your overall cost for materials will likely fall under $3,000, which is much cheaper than using a pro builder.
Do you need permission to build a pergola?

Whether you need a permit to build a pergola or not depends on the style of the structure as well as the unique rules and regulations of your state.
Are pergola kits worth it?

Pergola kits are a great way to save money and get easy access to materials. They are also easy to assemble and quick to put together. Though, if you are looking for something more custom, they might not be the best choice for you.
What is the best type of lumber to use for a pergola?

Durable, weather-resistant wood like cedar and redwood are the best choices for a pergola.

Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (2024)

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