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How To Build Your Own Pergola

How To Stain And Seal A Pergola

How to Build a Pergola

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While this step might seem to be out of order, placed here before the actual installation of your pergola posts, it fits in perfectly here. And this is why: Staining a pergola isnt easy when the pergola is already built. Youre suspended on a ladder, up high, trying to reach all four sides of each board, jamming your arm or face into whatever fresh stain youve just done as you move onto the next board. Its possible, but its a pain. Much MUCH easier is this method: stain all lumber prior to building the pergola. Youll need to touch-up at the very end, of course, but not a ton.

Install The Main Beam

At 20 ft. long, the triple 2×10 beam would have been way too heavy to lift onto the posts, so we built the beam in place.

  • Screw a scrap of 2×4 to the back of the column and then glued and nailed the 2x10s together.
  • Pro tip: The outer board needed hangers and blocks to hold the fascia. Attach those before lifting the board into place.

The Weekend Project Plan

This simple pergola is a DIY project that you can complete during the weekend with inexpensive materials. If you want something fancier, you can easily customize it with additional decorative details or paint afterward. There are instructions on how to dig the foundations properly, but you will need help to place the beam pieces correctly so dont start the project alone. You can see that it sits atop a floating deck- which really complements this look.


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What Is A Pergola

A pergola is an outdoor structure composed of four beams. Wikipedia reports that Pergolas were inspired by Italian Renaissance masonry, it may or may not have shade or a roof of some sort. It can be open or closed to protect you from the elements, depending on the layout generally, pergolas have two to four open sides.

Pergolas can be made out of a variety of different materials, most commonly wood, aluminium, and steel. These are large structures that can fit multiple people or cover a wide space as if to define an outdoor living area or act as an extension of your home. They can also be combined with latticework or trellises to create a shaded walkway or pathway.

While similar, pergolas are different from arbours. The Spruce suggests that arbours are small and simple structures that are used to decorate or support vines. They often have curved arches, and can be freestanding or attached to gates/fences as decor.

Gazebos are closely related, but also have some major differences. Patio Productions report that gazebos will always have a closed roof and are round in shape. They provide much more shade and protection compared to pergolas. They also usually have both flooring and a roof.


Pergolas, on the other hand, are square or rectangular in nature. It may have its own floor, or use another surface as its base. Its breezier and more open than a gazebo, since most, if not all, the sides are unobstructed.

Weathered Pergola With Rocky Base By Anna White

Build a Pergola

Having an earthy-themed pergola is always a good choice to make it blend well with the outdoor space surroundings. Its designed in unfinished style with the rocky base which beautifully flows with this backyards look.

The pergola is huge enough to shade a 7-Piece patio dining set supported by the trees around.

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The Attached Wall Shady Pergola Blueprint

For people who lack a large yawn or dont want to bother with complicated constructions, this pergola attached to the house might be just the thing. It has a roof that will provide plenty of shade for your and your plants during the hot summer days.


Again, sketchup.com offers you easy to follow plans how to construct this attached pergola.

Simple Diy Pergola Plans

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.

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.


12×16 Pergola Plans

Build it yourself rectangular 12×16 pergola. This large pergola provides plenty of space for benches and tables.

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A Pergola Attached To The House

An attached pergola looks like an extension of the home itself, similar to how a front or back patio functions. At least one of the sides of the pergola is attached to or shares the same wall, flooring, and/or beams as the home itself.

The pergola provides privacy even outdoors while still allowing ample sunlight and breeze to come through its open sides. You can decorate it with a lounge, a table, and some plants to create a relaxed space to entertain guests.

The Classic Column Build

How To Build A Pergola (EASY!)

This unique style pergola will provide shade to your patio or wood deck. It features classic columns which support a wooden lattice framework that dapples the light.


The columns are not that hard to build as you might think because you are not going to make them they are hollow-core and precast. Despite that, this is a complex pergola project, and it will take a couple of weekends.

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Cost To Build A Pergola

Finding all of the materials you need in order to build a pergola can add up quickly, not to mention the cost of the tools, and also the time spent making each piece. If price is one of the most important factors when it comes to owning a pergola, we have the perfect solution for you. Amish Country Gazebos provides pressure-treated wood, handcrafted legs with elegant designs, as well as all of the hardware you need to assemble your very own pergola. We design ready-to-build pergolas in two sizes, 8 x 10 and 10 x 12.

Install The Eye Screws On The Support Bars

Stretch out the canopy and lay it on a clean surface. You may wish to install the canopy so that the support bars are either above or below the canopy fabric. Installing the bars above the fabric gives the cover a clean look that emphasizes the draping. Installing the bars below the fabric means that the bars will be visible from below. This is a stronger attachment since the support bars, not just staples, are holding up the fabric.

Attach three of the #10 eye screws on top of every support bar. Space the eye screws so that they match the spacing of the three eye screws you previously installed on the pergola. Be sure to drill pilot holes to avoid cracking the wood.


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Diy Rustic Branch Pergola

You dont really even need to go out and spend money buying wood to build your own DIY pergola. You can use branches from trees that are right there in your yard. This lovely DIY pergola has a gorgeous rustic look. I love rustic DIY projects that have a farmhouse look and feel and this is definitely one of those. And, it is so easy to build.

Plans: motherearthnews

The Popular Mechanics Build

Pros and Cons of a Prefab Pergola Kit vs. Building Your Own

Popular Mechanics provide step-by-step instructions for this cedar pergola, even including 3-D animation and what they describe as master-level blueprints.

Discussing the particular appeal of these garden structures, they say that though the open roof doesnt protect from rain and the wind, and not even hot afternoon sun, the fact that it lacks a roof and walls decoratively embellishes an outdoor area rather than detract from it.


It is an exceptionally unique architectural construction that when done right can truly embellish the look and feel of a garden- and this is why they were so popular in Italian Renaissance gardens where they often functioned as covered walkways or grape arbors.

This particular option will fit into an 8 ft.²-though they say you can modify it to take up more or less space. Popular Mechanics walks you through how to install the posts, attach the support beams, add the cross beams, fit the top slats, and cap the posts.

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How To Build A Pergola Frame

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Once your pergola posts are installed , its time to build your elevated pergola frame. This includes a solid perimeter of doubled-up 2x6s, although each 2×6 board is placed individually so the support is multi-directional. The outer frame boards are attached to the wall-mounted frame and/or the pergola posts , while the inner frame boards are attached to the outer frame as well as the inside corners of everything .

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Tools Required To Build The Wooden Pergola

  • Spades and shovels for digging the footing and mixing concrete
  • Tenon saw to cut the timber
  • Circular saw
  • Electric router to cut a groove in the upright posts before they are joined in pairs
  • Mitre box to mitre the ends of four of the beams and to cut the diagonal timber both above and below the railing
  • Chisel to make housings in the diagonal lengths of timber
  • Carpenters square to accurately measure wood to be cut
  • Clamps to hold the uprights lengths of wood together while you glue them in pairs
  • Electric drill with suitable wood bits to make holes for screws and bolts
  • Spanners to tighten the screws and bolts
  • Hammer to secure the nails
  • Paint brush to seal the wood

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The Garden Party Backyard Idea

This patio pergola is a backyard option designed to jazz up your outdoor area. Its perfect for recreational use, though My Outdoor Plans cautions that youll need to judiciously place it, otherwise there could be negative landscaping consequences.

It makes sense to do your homework prior to beginning one of these woodworking projects- there are so many different styles available to choose from that many builders often decide to mix-and-match elements from different design plans.

The materials list helpfully includes all of the different items youll need to assemble this particular pergola, including wooden posts, support beams, carriage bolts, shading elements, screws, slats, braces, and footings. They cautioned that if your home is in a particularly windy area, you might need to embed the posts in concrete or even lock down the entire structure with braces.

The Freestanding Classic Design

Build A DIY Pergola At Home – Garden Structures

This classic freestanding pergola shade offers a sitting area for relaxation and protection against direct sun rays. You can add furniture to transform it into a dining area or a lounge. The builder recommends that you use cedar, pressure-treated lumber, or Sienna Brown treated wood, which is his choice. He also uses Thompsons wood protector products to protect the construction from UV damage and harsh weather conditions.

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The 10 X 10 Freestanding Design

These free pergola plans are for a basic pergola construction, which measures 10 x 10 feet. You can choose between 4×4 or 6×6 posts depending on the size you want or modify the plan according to your taste. Here, both the support beams and the shade elements have decorative ends to add character to your pergola building.

This pergola design shows you how to build a pergola with a swing in details. Unlike other pergola shades, this one has railings on the sides, a floor frame, and flooring. After you have built this simple pergola, you can add the swing bench so that you can have a nap in the afternoon.

Building A Pergola Easy To Follow Steps On How To Build A Pergola

Many good garden centres, and a few online garden stores will have ready made pergola kits available. However if you want a good sturdy framework for plants, hanging baskets, and the like, then you will stand a better chance if you build your own pergola – custom made for your own requirements.

If you are capable of carrying out the work required to erect a ready-made kit, you should be able to build your own pergola with timber from your local timber stockist.

You WILL need basic DIY skills – and also a little help from a friend once you get round to the actual erection of your own timber garden pergola.

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The Partial Shade Blueprint

Rona provides a template for this basic-style weekend project pergola, saying its ideal to shade a walkway, complement a backyard deck, or situate in a garden for the benefit of plants. You can even try hanging flower pots from it.

When it comes to constructing a freestanding pergola, they recommend you contact your local building office to see if you require a permit or not. As well, its recommended that if you are drilling posts, that you connect with local utility companies to ensure you wont be cutting into any important underground connections.

How To Build A Pergola Setting The Posts

Build Your Own Pergola Arbor Pattern DIY 12X16 Shade ...

We will use a 6 x 6 post and we want the height to be 10 feet. So for a post anchored to the concrete you will need a 10 foot 6 x 6 and if you are sinking them in the ground you will need a 12 foot 6 x 6.

If you are sinking them in the ground, dig a hole with your post hole diggers and shovel, 2 feet deep. Set the post in the holes and pour in a bag of Quikrete. Soak it with water. Now take your level and make sure your posts are level. Once they are, brace each one on at least 3 sides with your 2 x 4s by nailing them to the 6 x 6s and staking the 2 x 4s into the ground.

If you are attaching them to the concrete, first set the ones that will go in the ground, into the ground. Next, place your post anchors where they will go and attach them with some Tapcon screws. You will need to pre-drill the hole with a hammer drill and a masonry bit. If you dont have a hammer drill, you can use a regular one, but as you are drilling make sure to make a hammering up and down motion to help the drill bit perform better. Next attach the 6 x 6 to the post anchor. This will depend on the type of post anchor you use, so follow the instructions that come with the anchor. Now level the post and brace it with 2 x 4s.

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The Patio Sketchup Design

This pergola design shows you how to build a pergola on a patio- as if from a kit. If you wish, you can adjust the size and the design to suit your needs. For this patio pergola, you have to set the posts into concrete using a batter board and a string and to space the rafters equally. Another unique thing about this pergola shade is that there are lattice woodworks between the posts.

Cut The Canopy Support Bars

The canopy support bars will be attached to the top of the canopy with staples, and the bars will slide along the wire ropes on eye screws.

With a power miter saw, cut 2×2 boards to the width of the canopy. Generally, plan on one board for about every 18 inches of the canopy’s length, though the exact spacing is up to you. Increasing the number of boards creates a scalloped, ribbed look. Fewer boards produce larger, lower drapes.

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Diy Pergola With Lattice Border From Ryobi Nation

This one is actually a pergola with the built-in swing, but its design is totally inspiring to try. It has the lattice borders on its sides which will enhance the comfort when you enjoy some easy times on your patio.

It also has such a small floating table to provide great convenience in storing some outdoor stuff around.

Pergola Attached To A House Plans

Learn More About How To Build Your Own Backyard Pergola

These are plans for a pergola that will actually be attached to the backside of your house. It is meant to cover a patio space so it can be better enjoyed.

I love these pergolas because they are a classic touch to any home and add a lot of style. Not to mention, pergolas make a space that is often too hot to enjoy a most enjoyable space.

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The Arbor Seat Blueprint

This Pergola arbor seat was built to exist in an apple orchard. The builder designed it for his wife who wanted a meditative space for quiet contemplation outside. The instruction plans walk you through how to create the uprights, the latticed backs, the seat back, the sides, the seat base, and the roof. Prospective builders comment that theyve seen similar looking builds at their elderly relatives homes

The Wooden Bench & Potting Table Plan

Mother Earth News provides instructions for assembling a rustic Pergola that is complemented by a potting table and bench. They describe wanting to create a structure that their plants can clamber up, saying they used grapevine, ash wood, and twisty apple limbs to make this ornamental option.

They were able to find some trash wood to use as well, saying that eastern or western, white or red cedar are good options because they are an elastic and tough type of wood with aromatic resin that naturally repels molds and insects.

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