6 Free Pergola Plans (Plus: Pavilions, Patios and Arbors) - Building Strong (2024)

Free pergola plans by Simpson Strong-Tie will help beautify your backyard while providing your family and guests with shade to relax in.

These pergola designs were developed by Simpson Strong-Tie engineers, so you can be confident that not only will they look great but they’ll be safe, strong structures. We’ve set out to create a diverse selection of architectural styles to make it easier for you to find the structure that best enhances your outdoor space.

If you’re looking for something other than a pergola, we’ve also developed free designs for an arbor, a party pavilion and a patio cover.

We’re constantly adding more free plans to our website. So if you don’t find what you need here, be sure to visit our DIY plans site.

In case you’d like to try your hand at designing a pergola, we have a solution for that, too! In early 2020, we released our free Pergola Planner Software™. Pergola Planner complements our popular free Deck Planner Software providing homeowners with the opportunity to design the backyard of their dreams. Learn more at the end of this article.

Free Pergola Plans

10 x 8 Freestanding Pergola Plan

This simple but stylish pergola provides ample shade for even a medium-sized backyard.

10 x 10 Backyard Pergola Plan

You’ll reap big recreational benefits from this smaller wood pergola built with Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware. It offers a respite from the sun while furnishing the perfect place to read, eat or lounge.

10 x 12 Pergola Without Knee Bracing

This sturdy 10 x 12 pergola is a great addition to almost any outdoor living space. It’s built with Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors and fasteners, including Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware and the MPBZ moment post base. The innovative design of the post base greatly reduces the need for knee bracing.

17 x 25 Meadow Premier Pergola

The classic! When we introduced our Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware, it was with this pergola, sturdy enough to withstand earthquakes or high winds. Transform your open space with a beautiful pergola built to bring together family and friends for special occasions or just to unwind.

18 x 18 Freestanding Pergola Plan

Designed with Outdoor Accents^® decorative hardware and hidden connectors and fasteners, this expansive 18 x 18 free-standing pergola is a dynamic addition to a backyard or larger outdoor living space.

14 x 16 Floating Deck with Pergola

Elevate your perspective with a deck that sits just above ground. We partnered with DIY expert Jen Woodhouse from The House of Wood and skillfully designed this floating deck with an impressive pergola that offers shade during the day and casts atmospheric lighting in the evening.

Free Patio Cover Plans

12 x 16 Attached Patio Cover

Are you thinking about adding patio cover that attaches to your house? We have plans for that. Enjoy outdoor get-togethers under this attached patio cover. Building this structure with Outdoor Accents® code-listed decorative hardware will give it beauty and long-lasting strength.

10 x 12 Attached Patio Cover

A sturdy and shady space that features Simpson Strong-Tie hidden connectors that enables you to see more of the wood without compromise in structural integrity.

14 x 14 Free-Standing Sloped Patio Cover

This sturdy structure offers relief from the elements while providing a sloped metallic roof that contrasts nicely with the wood.

Free Arbor and Trellis Plans

5 x 14¾ Shade Arbor

Perhaps you just want a simple escape from the sun where you can relax with a book? Escape in style with this shade arbor built with Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware. This arbor is perfect for a hammock.

Three-Post Trellis

This three-post trellis comes in handy for modest outdoor spaces. Its triangle shape fits nicely into the corner of a backyard and provides an attractive and physical gathering space.

Free Pavilion and Gazebo Plans

11½ x 15½ Party Pavilion

Ready to become the ultimate host? This pavilion provides the shade you need for a family reunion, backyard Super Bowl party or birthday celebrations for the kids. With Outdoor Accents® code-listed decorative hardware, you can create a strong, eye-catching centerpiece for your outdoor living space.

Free Pergola Planner Software

If you’re feeling creative take our free Pergola Planner Software for a spin. Pergola Planner, released as a companion to our Deck Planner Software, is an easy to use pergola design program. Pergola Planner allows homeowners to upload an image of their house or backyard so they can see what the finished pergola could look like. Watch the Pergola Planner tutorial for a quick introduction to the software. Design your dream backyard today!