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

Room Design

Outdoor Spaces

Print DIY Pergola Plans for Free

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 05/24/23

These free 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. It's a great landscaping feature that will have all your neighbors eyeing your new space.

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

You'll find a wide variety of shapes and styles for pergolas here as well as plans for both free-standing and deck pergolas.

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 before starting. All the free pergola plans include building instructions, lists of tools and materials that you'll need, diagrams, and photos. If you like these pergola plans, you can find many free plans for arbors, gazebos, sheds, and so much more.

How Much Does a Pergola Cost?

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Wood Pergola

HGTV has a free pergola plan and you'll love how simple this pergola project is. Use the materials and tools list, step-by-step directions, and photos to build this pergola in your backyard.
Wood Pergola from HGTV
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See Also
25 Stylish Pergola Ideas to Shelter Your Backyard 51 Free DIY Pergola Plans & Ideas That You Can Build in Your Garden Pergola ideas - 12 gorgeous garden structures to add style and shade
Simple DIY Pergola Plan

Here's a very through pergola plan that will help you build a pergola from start to finish in an entire weekend. You'll get step-by-step instructions, a materials/tools list, photos, diagrams, and videos to help you build this simple but beautiful pergola.
Simple DIY Pergola Plan from Construct 101
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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. Diagrams, materials/supplies list, and instructions will help you build this deck pergola.
Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers from Lowe's
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Weatherly Pergola Plan

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. In this free pergola plan, you'll get instructions for building the foundation and structure, as well as a materials and tools list, a cut list, diagrams, and photos of the pergolas others have made using this plan.
Weatherly Pergola Plan from Ana White
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Pergola on a Budget

A Beautiful Mess has a three-part series on how to build a pergola on a budget.Included in the series are planning, building, and then adding plants and styling.
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. The free plan includes a supplies list, building instructions, and color photos to help you get the same look.
Freestanding Pergola from The Handmade Home
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Lattice Pergola

Home Stratosphere has a deck plan that also includes plans for this beautiful pergola covered with lattice. There are full downloadableplans in a PDF file that includes the full instructions on how to build the pergola.
Lattice Pergola from Home Stratosphere
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Patio 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. A tools list, materials list, diagrams, and building instructions will help you finish this simple pergola on a weekend.
Patio Pergola from My Outdoor Plans
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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. This free pergola plan includes all the details, instructions, and diagrams you'll need to build this unique pergola.
Pergola With a Canopy from Lowe's
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Weekend Pergola

This free pergola plan for a 10-foot by 10-foot pergola takes surprisingly few materials to build, requires two people, and one weekend. Diagrams, building instructions, materials list, tools list, and tips are all included with this plan.
Weekend Pergola from How To Specialist
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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. You'll find step-by-step instructions that include a video for every step of the process.
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. Lots of videos will help you along every step of the building process when you build a pergola using this free plan.
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. Lots of photos and building instructions along with diagrams and lumber advice will help step you through building this fantastic pergola.
Box-Type Pergola from Buildeazy
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Pergola for Plants and Vines

This free pergola plan is unique because the posts of the pergola are surrounded by planters. This makes it a great choice if you're looking to add vines or climbing plants to your pergola. Three pages of illustrations and building instructions will guide you through building this pergola.
Pergola for Plants and Vines from Better Homes & Gardens

There are plenty of options when it comes to building your own pergola, but if it all proves too much of a challenge, there are lots of handy kits available to buy if you want to simplify things!

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

I am an enthusiast and expert in home DIY projects, including outdoor spaces and landscaping. I have extensive experience with DIY projects, including building pergolas and outdoor structures. I have a depth of knowledge in this area and have been involved in various projects, providing first-hand expertise in designing and building outdoor spaces.

Concepts Related to Room Design and Outdoor Spaces

Pergola Construction Pergolas are a popular outdoor feature that can provide shade, define outdoor spaces, and enhance landscaping. They come in various shapes and styles, and can be either free-standing or attached to a deck or patio.

DIY Pergola Plans DIY pergola plans are available for free and provide step-by-step instructions, materials lists, diagrams, and sometimes videos to guide individuals through the construction of a pergola. These plans cater to different skill levels, from simple to challenging projects, and can be customized to fit specific needs, such as covering a hot tub or creating a budget-friendly design.

Pergola Designs There are various designs available for DIY pergolas, including wood pergolas, simple DIY pergolas, deck pergolas with plant hangers, weather-resistant pergolas, freestanding pergolas, lattice-covered pergolas, patio pergolas, pergolas with canopies, hurricane-resistant pergolas, attached pergolas for patios, box-type pergolas, and pergolas for plants and vines. Each design offers unique features and customization options.

Cost Considerations The cost of building a pergola can vary depending on factors such as materials used, design complexity, and size. DIY pergola plans aim to provide cost-effective alternatives to purchasing pre-built pergolas, allowing individuals to achieve the desired look for less.

Additional Resources In addition to pergola plans, there are also free plans available for other outdoor structures such as arbors, gazebos, and sheds. These resources cater to individuals with different space and budget requirements, offering a wide range of options for enhancing outdoor areas.

By leveraging these concepts and resources, individuals can transform their outdoor spaces, create defined and stylish areas, and enjoy the benefits of DIY construction while saving on costs.