Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (2025)

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Print DIY Pergola Plans for Free

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Stacy Fisher

Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (1)

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.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

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.

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How Much Does a Pergola Cost?

  • 01 of 14

    Wood Pergola

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (3)

    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

  • 02 of 14

    Simple DIY Pergola Plan

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (4)

    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

  • 03 of 14

    Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (5)

    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

  • 04 of 14

    Weatherly Pergola Plan

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (6)

    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

    Continue to 5 of 14 below

  • 05 of 14

    Pergola on a Budget

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (7)

    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

  • 06 of 14

    Freestanding Pergola

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (8)

    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

  • 07 of 14

    Lattice Pergola

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (9)

    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

  • 08 of 14

    Patio Pergola

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (10)

    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

    Continue to 9 of 14 below

  • 09 of 14

    Pergola With a Canopy

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (11)

    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

  • 10 of 14

    Weekend Pergola

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (12)

    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

  • 11 of 14

    Hurricane-Resistant Pergola

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (13)

    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

  • 12 of 14

    Attached Pergola for a Patio

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (14)

    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

    Continue to 13 of 14 below

  • 13 of 14

    Box-Type Pergola

    Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (15)

    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

  • 14 of 14

    Pergola for Plants and Vines

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

    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!

The 8 Best Pergola Kits of 2024
Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (2025)

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to build a pergola? ›

The most affordable pergola materials include vinyl, aluminum and pine. However, your pergola may look nicer, require less maintenance or fetch a higher ROI if you go with more expensive materials, such as cedar, redwood, teak or fiberglass.

How much does a 10x10 pergola cost? ›

Adding additional options to your pergolas, like a privacy wall and a lattice roof, will increase the price slightly. That being said, a high-end 10×10 pergola will cost you between $3,000 to $5,000.

How much does it cost to build a 10X12 pergola? ›

Take a look at these average costs of pergolas made with pressure-treated lumber and shop now: 10X12 pressure-treated wood pergola: around $1,700. 10X16 pressure-treated wood pergola: around $2,000. 16X32 pressure-treated wood pergola: around $5,000.

Should pergola posts be set in concrete? ›

Typically when you dig a hole for a pier, the pergolas will need to be supported by that piece of concrete. You need to make sure you go below the frost line for your area. You don't want the ground to heave and destroy your structure.

How much does a 12x12 pergola cost? ›

Cost to build a pergola
Pergola sizeKit installedCustom build
12'x12'$1,450 – $5,750$4,300 – $9,350
12'x14'$1,700 – $2,700$5,000 – $10,900
12'x20'$2,400 – $9,600$7,200 – $15,600
14'x18'$2,500 – $10,000$7,500 – $16,400
7 more rows
Nov 28, 2023

What is better than a pergola? ›

A gazebo or pergola is the perfect addition to your garden if you want to increase shade and create an outdoor lounging area. The main difference between a gazebo and a pergola is that gazebos provide more protection from the rain and require more space, whereas pergolas come in more flexible sizes.

What wood is best for a pergola? ›

Cedar is our number one choice for pergola lumber because we believe it's the ultimate outdoor building material. It's beautiful, takes stain and finishes well, and is dimensionally stable — so it won't twist and warp like other types of lumber. It's also light, making it easier to work with.

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one? ›

The reason that it's cheaper to build a pergola rather than paying for installation is two-fold. Firstly, by taking the DIY approach, you don't pay for the labor time to build your pergola. That alone can easily save you hundreds if not over a thousand dollars!

What size pergola for a 10x12 patio? ›

Small Decks and Patios

If you have a small deck or patio that you want to add a pergola to, you can choose a 10 x 10, 10 x 12, or a 10 x 14 pergola. The largest pergola you should choose for a small patio or deck is a 12 x 12.

How much should I pay to have a pergola built? ›

The average cost to build a pergola ranges between $2,144 and $6,358 , and square footage is one of the biggest factors that affects how much you'll pay. Building a pergola costs anywhere from $30 to $60 per square foot, including materials and installation.

How much does a basic pergola cost? ›

Expect to pay $2,100 to $6,000 for a professionally installed pergola. The average cost of a pergola is $4,000, but they can cost as little as $1,050 and as much as $11,000. The total cost depends on several factors, including size, material, and features.

Is a 10x10 pergola too small? ›

10×10 Pergola

This pergola is the right size if you are looking to cover a small sitting area with 2 outdoor chairs. A 10×10 pergola also works well as a grill canopy or as the centerpiece of a backyard garden.

Should I bury pergola posts? ›

The correct depth can be determined by checking with your local building code department or online resource. In warmer climates you may be able to use 10′ posts, which would be buried 2′ in the ground, and colder climates will most likely use 12′ posts which would be buried 3-4′ in the ground.

Do all pergolas need to be anchored? ›

Even though a pergola is heavy and difficult to move once assembled, it has to be anchored securely to the ground for a number of reasons. Primary among them is safety.

How deep should post holes be for a pergola? ›

Use more line pegs to indicate the centre of holes to be dug for the upright posts. The holes should then be dug at least 450mm deep by 300mm square for an average size pergola. Hiring a post-hole digger might save you a lot of hard work here. Place a brick or gravel in the bottom of each hole.

How much does it cost to build a 10x20 pergola? ›

Cost to Build a Pergola by Square Foot
Pergola DimensionsAverage Cost
12x12$4,300–$8,600
12x18$6,500–$13,000
10x14$4,200–$8,400
10x20$6,000–$12,000
3 more rows
Feb 12, 2024

What is cheaper a pergola or a gazebo? ›

On average, people usually spend $7,800 on a backyard Gazebo and about $4,400 on a Pergola. This is not always the price point where things will start. However, this should give you a basic starting point when considering the cost of the project of an outdoor project of this magnitude.

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