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

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to build a pergola? ›

Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable wood option for a pergola, but you can also go with vinyl or aluminum to cut costs.

Small Decks and Patios

If you have a small deck or patio that you want to add a pergola to, you can choose a 10 x 10, 10 x 12, or a 10 x 14 pergola. The largest pergola you should choose for a small patio or deck is a 12 x 12.

Building a pergola yourself will be more cost-effective than buying one because you only have to pay for materials and not labor. The national average cost to build a 10 ft. traditional wooden pergola yourself is about $3,500; however, it varies depending on the project and the location.

The reason that it's cheaper to build a pergola rather than paying for installation is two-fold. Firstly, by taking the DIY approach, you don't pay for the labor time to build your pergola. That alone can easily save you hundreds if not over a thousand dollars!

Gazebos are more robust constructions than pergolas. Pergolas tend to be less expensive and easier to build. Both pergolas and gazebos add shade and flair to your yard. Both structures can increase your home's value.

The answer is: it depends on your structure and site. A pergola should almost always be attached directly to a concrete pad or concrete footings. With a Luxury Pergola, concrete piers are typically recommended, especially if you don't have a concrete slab already.

First, you must dig holes for each post. Post holes should be between 70 and 120 cm in depth. The holes should be slightly wider than your posts, to allow for the concrete to be poured around them. Make sure each hole is the same depth, before adding 10 cm of gravel to the bottom of each of your four holes.

Two classic choices of wood for pergola kits that offer those features and more are #1 pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine and Western Red Rough Sawn Tight Knot Cedar. Both are excellent choices for a sturdy pergola that will last for many years.

Popular sizes include 16×16, 16×20, and 20×20 pergolas. With these larger sizes, you can cover your entire backyard patio or create a comfortable spot next to a pool or lake.

The standard pergola height is 8 to 12 feet. But that doesn't always have to be the case. For example, if you want an 8-foot head clearance, the beams will take it up to 9 feet at least, and then the rafters will total 10-feet easy.

What is the golden ratio for a pergola? ›

Proportion is key when designing a pergola. You need a decent eye to “Goldilocks” the measurements or you may end up with a pergola that's too skinny and tall, and that looks like a tower. While there's no need to be slavish to it, the golden ratio of 1:1.618 is a good starting place.

Because pergolas are secured to an existing surface, rather than being installed directly into the ground, they can be moved or disassembled easily, which means they typically don't require planning consent. But the size of the pergola you choose impacts whether you'll need planning permission.

A pergola is typically less expensive than a gazebo because they have a simpler structure and a slatted or latticed roof.

A pergola has the potential to add value to your home, with many estimates putting the return on investment at somewhere around 50% to 80%. That makes pergolas one of the more valuable additions homeowners can put on their homes.

Introduction: DIY Yard/Garden/Wedding Pergola

This pergola was built entirely from 2x4, 2x6, and 4x4 framing lumber. It also only takes a few tools to build, which makes it a very approachable project.

When purchasing a kit, there is oftentimes a savings to be had. A DIY pergola kit is designed for a homeowner to install. They are much easier and don't need much thought prior to installing. As long as you know the space you have open, you can order the kit for that size and begin to work.

Utilizing concrete blocks is another effective method of installing a pergola without drilling. Concrete blocks are heavy and sturdy, making them ideal for keeping a pergola in place. To use concrete blocks, simply place them under the base of each pergola post on a deck and patio.