Picture this: You’ve just finished your gardening chores for the weekend, and now you’re relaxing in your backyard with a refreshing glass of lemonade. You sit down in an Adirondack chair with your feet kicked up. Suddenly, you feel the heat of the day scorching your face. Relaxation is officially out the window. This is the moment you decide that it’s finally time to add some shade to your yard.
A pergola adds shade to your outdoor space while providing a gathering place for friends and family. While there are a variety of cedar, aluminum, and metal pergola kits available online, if you feel inclined to DIY it, there are pergola plans of all sizes and shapes to fit your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a standard 8′ x 8′ pergola, a rustic pergola made of reclaimed materials, or an extravagant outdoor kitchen pergola, we’ve found some of the best pergola plans on the internet.
Here are a few pergola design options:
A Note On Safety
Make sure that you choose a pergola plan that is within your skill set. Having basic carpentry skills are especially important if you’re building a structure like a pergola that needs to be secure and stable. While some projects require more skill than others, make sure to take on only what you can handle. Or, make friends with someone who knows what they’re doing.
As with any large DIY project, make sure to use caution when using ladders or scaffolding. Always wear head and eye protection, and make sure the structure is secure before using it.
Budget Pergola Plans
Simple String Light Pergola
Size: 8′ x 8′
Build Time: Few hours
Special Tools: N/A
Utilizing planters as the anchor system to hold the pergola in place, this simple pergola is designed to have lights hanging across it. If you’re building a pergola for a wedding or other event, consider this low-budget yet beautiful project.
Find plans at Live Free Creative Co
Skilsaw Pergola
Size: 8′ x 10′
Build Time: One day
Special Tools: Post hole digger
As the name suggests, this pergola is made with just a few tools, with the Skilsaw being the primary one. Designed with frugality in mind, this pergola can be built for $200.
Super Frugal Pergola
Size: 9′ x 8′
Build Time: A few hours
Special Tools: Circular saw, impact driver
If you’re new to DIY projects or just don’t need a full-size, super extravagant pergola, check out this option you can build for $200. It attaches to the side of your house and is the ideal size for an outdoor table.
Find plans at The Created Home
Unique Pergola Plans
Round Fire-Pit Pergola Plans
Size: 24′ diameter
Build Time: Two weeks (working off and on) or one weekend
Special Tools: Drill driver, rotary level, auger, post hole digger
If bonfires are a regular part of your summer routine, you have to check out this enormous, dare I say majestic, pergola. With an open design that allows for a fire pit, this pergola will be where all the parties start and end. Add some Adirondack chairs and swings, and you’ll have the ultimate backyard centerpiece.
Outdoor Kitchen Pergola
Size: 10′ x 8′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Chop saw, post hole digger, jigsaw
And if you aren’t necessarily looking for a pergola but need a more dedicated space for your grill, check out this outdoor kitchen pergola. If you got crafty enough, you could even utilize old pallets for the kitchen counter.
Find plans at jermsie on Instructables
DIY Pergola Hammock Stand
Size: 14′ x 7′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: N/A
If you don’t need a full-size pergola and have a hammock with nowhere to hang it, check out this pergola hammock stand. The design resembles a traditional Mediterranean-style pergola and is installed with cement footings.
Modern Pergola Plans
Size: 9′ x 9′
Build Time: Two days
Special Tools: N/A
This modern, screened pergola will rival some of the spendier ones available online. The dark stain lends itself to modern decor but could be done in a different color to fit traditional-style patio furniture.
Arched Pergola Plans
Size: 4′ x 6′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Planer, circular saw
For a unique twist on a traditional pergola, check out this arched design. Utilizing the corner of a deck, this pergola provides much-needed shade for reading, enjoying morning coffee, or catching up with friends.
Find plans at Canadian Woodworking And Home Improvement
DIY Corner Pergola
Size: 8′ x 6′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Circular saw, impact driver
If you’re more of a visual learner, this pergola plan is an option to consider. Each step is accompanied by a YouTube video along with written instructions. Check out the full YouTube video here.
Find plans at Isatch on Instructables
Steel Pergola For Grapes And Kiwi
Size: 10′ x 10′
Build Time: N/A
Special Tools: Welding equipment
If you have some welding skills under your belt, check out this steel pergola that is ideal for growing grapes and kiwi.
The top of the pergola features a unique geometric design that lends itself to supporting the weight of heavy grapes and vines. The creator of these plans, Ken, was even kind enough to share with us the grapes he’s grown:
Find plans at kenbob on Instructables
Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers
Size: 12′ x 14′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Compound miter saw
This project is a good fit for experienced DIY-ers who want to test their skills. Identified as a project for those with “advanced skills,” these plans offer detailed instructions and a shopping list for what you’ll need.
Garage Door Pergola
Size: 14′-16′ wide
Build Time: A few hours
Special Tools: Band saw, miter saw, jack plane, impact driver, router
If you just love the look of a pergola but don’t necessarily have space for one, check out this creative garage door pergola. Though it’s really just for aesthetics, you could add some vining plants to it for a more natural look. As for instructions, there are both detailed step-by-step directions as well as this helpful YouTube video.
Find plans at Adam Gabbert on Instructables
DIY Porch Swing Pergola
Size: 6.75′ x 4′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Pocket-hole jig
Need a bit of shade? Need somewhere to sit? Look no further than this porch swing pergola! The lattice top of the pergola lends itself to some vining plants or flowers. Dress it up with some patterned pillows or an outdoor seat cushion.
DIY Pergola Curtains
Though these aren’t pergola plans, you may find yourself needing a bit more shade or privacy when you build your pergola.
You could go with a clean white look similar to this or choose to make matching seat cushions for your patio furniture.
Find plans at A Beautiful Mess
DIY Grape Pergola Arbor Plans
Size: 12′ x 4′
Build Time: A Day
Special Tools: N/A
A pergola arbor works well as an entrance to a garden or backyard. They are also a good way to support grape vines. Check out these plans that feature easy-to-follow directions with pictures and diagrams.
Find plans at A Piece Of Rainbow
Rustic Pergola
Size: 8′ x 8′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Post hole digger
Mind you, this about the furthest thing from a traditional pergola, but it is quite charming and can utilize the wood you have on your property. Add some solar string lights and a living willow hedge, and you have yourself a quaint and charming fairy garden.
Find plans at midiansangel on Instructables
Traditional Pergola Plans
Backyard Patio Pergola
Size: 10′ x 10′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Post hole digger, circular saw, jigsaw
For a traditional backyard patio pergola, check out these plans. The before and after pictures might inspire you to paint your house, add some window shutters and flower boxes, too!
Find plans at The Handmade Home
DIY Deck Pergola
Size: Anywhere between 10′ x 10′ and 20′ x 30′
Build Time: One Weekend
Special Tools: Power mixer, Miter saw, Drill machinery
During the summer, your deck is the best place to hang out. Unless you have no coverage and the hot sun beats down on you all day. A deck pergola will decrease your deck’s temperature immensely, turning it into the best hang-out spot.
Though these plans cover the entire deck, you could alter the size to cover only part of your deck if you still want a spot for sunbathing.
Find plans at My Outdoor Plans
Lean-To Pergola Plans
Size: 10′ x 12′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Circular saw, jigsaw, framing nail gun (optional)
Do you have an empty space on the side of your house just begging for a bit of attention? Check out these lean-to pergola plans that turn a bland side yard into a functional area for hosting.
Find plans at Houseful Of Handmade
Weatherly Pergola Plans
Size: 10′ x 10′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Jigsaw
Inspired by a $5200 Pottery Barn pergola, this Ana White pergola plan is designed with the wind in mind.
Simple 8′ x 8′ Pergola Plans
Size: 8′ x 8′
Build Time: One Weekend
Special Tools: Planer
Nothing says summer quite like a pair of Adirondack chairs sitting under a traditional pergola. This square pergola is no frills and fits the bill.
Basic Pergola Plans
Size: N/A
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Post hole digger, miter saw, saber saw
Build a pergola in a weekend with these plans from Better Homes And Gardens. At the end of the plans are some instructions for pergola planters if you want a bit of greenery.
Find plans at Better Homes And Gardens
Traditional Pergola Plans
Size: 8′ x 8′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Table saw
If you’re looking for a pergola that allows a bit of sunlight to peek through while still providing you with lots of shade, check out these plans from Popular Mechanics. The instructions are detailed and easy to follow, with images for each step. The beams are close enough together that they can support overhead plants.
Find plans at Popular Mechanics
Transparent Roof Pergola Plans
Size: 9′ x 6′
Build Time: One weekend
Special Tools: Table saw, angle grinder, clamps
Designed with rainy locales in mind, this transparent roof pergola lets in the sunshine on nice days and keeps the rain out on the less-than-nice days.
Great ideas! Saving it for next year! Thinking about a change in decor! Thank you for the inspiration!