Room Design
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Print DIY Pergola Plans for Free
By
Stacy Fisher
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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.
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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?
01 of 14
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
02 of 14
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.
03 of 14
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.
04 of 14
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.
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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.
06 of 14
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.
07 of 14
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.
08 of 14
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.
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09 of 14
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.
10 of 14
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.
11 of 14
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.
12 of 14
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.
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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.
14 of 14
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.
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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!
