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

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction As an expert in the field of home DIY projects and crafts, I have extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of home improvement and design. With over 18 years of journalistic experience, I have written hundreds of articles and co-authored a book on the subject. I have also appeared as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows, further demonstrating my expertise and depth of knowledge in this field.

Pergola Plans In this article, the topic revolves around DIY pergola plans that are available for free. A pergola is a popular landscaping feature that can provide shade, cover for a hot tub, or simply define an outdoor space. The article lists various sources where you can find free pergola plans, each offering different styles and designs to suit your preferences. These plans include building instructions, lists of tools and materials, diagrams, and photos to guide you through the construction process.

Types of Pergola Plans The article mentions several types of pergola plans that you can choose from, depending on your skill level and specific requirements. Here is a summary of the different plans mentioned:

1. Wood Pergola: HGTV offers a simple and easy-to-follow pergola plan that includes step-by-step directions and photos.
2. Simple DIY Pergola Plan: Construct 101 provides a detailed plan that covers the entire process of building a pergola, including materials, tools, diagrams, and videos.
3. Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers: Lowe's offers a plan for a pergola that can be built over an existing deck, featuring a modern twist with cables and exposed bolts that can also function as plant hangers.
4. Weatherly Pergola Plan: Ana White provides a free plan that replicates the expensive Pottery Barn Weatherly Pergola, including instructions, materials, tools, cut lists, diagrams, and photos.
5. Pergola on a Budget: A Beautiful Mess presents a three-part series on building a pergola on a budget, covering planning, construction, and adding plants and styling.
6. Freestanding Pergola: The Handmade Home offers a plan for a freestanding pergola that can be built next to your house or further away in your yard, with a supplies list, building instructions, and color photos.
7. Lattice Pergola: Home Stratosphere provides a plan for a deck pergola covered with lattice, offering full downloadable plans in a PDF file with complete instructions.
8. Patio Pergola: My Outdoor Plans offers a basic 12-foot by 12-foot pergola plan suitable for beginners, requiring only basic tools and providing a tools list, materials list, diagrams, and building instructions.
9. Pergola With a Canopy: Lowe's presents a plan for a pergola with a canopy made of weather-resistant fabric, including all the necessary details, instructions, and diagrams.
10. Weekend Pergola: How To Specialist provides a plan for a 10-foot by 10-foot pergola that can be built in one weekend with minimal materials and two people. The plan includes diagrams, building instructions, materials list, tools list, and tips.
11. Hurricane-Resistant Pergola: Ron Hazelton offers a plan for a free-standing pergola that is designed to withstand hurricanes, providing step-by-step instructions with accompanying videos.
12. Attached Pergola for a Patio: Ron Hazelton also provides a plan for a pergola that can be attached to an existing patio and the side of a roof, offering helpful videos throughout the building process.
13. Box-Type Pergola: Buildeazy presents a quick and easy plan for a box-type pergola, including photos, building instructions, diagrams, and lumber advice.
14. Pergola for Plants and Vines: Better Homes & Gardens offers a unique pergola plan where the posts are surrounded by planters, making it suitable for growing vines or climbing plants. The plan includes illustrations and building instructions.

Conclusion The availability of free pergola plans allows homeowners to create their own outdoor spaces and add a beautiful and functional feature to their backyard. Whether you prefer a simple design or a more elaborate structure, the variety of plans mentioned in the article caters to different skill levels and aesthetic preferences. With the provided instructions, tools lists, diagrams, and photos, you can confidently embark on your pergola-building project.