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
This simple but stylish pergola provides ample shade for even a medium-sized backyard.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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FAQs
However, if you prioritize saving money and acquiring a high-quality product without the extensive time commitment, it's better to purchase a pre-made pergola. In most cases, you will get a cheaper and better quality product than if you made it yourself.
What is the cheapest way to build a pergola? ›
It's cheaper to buy a DIY pergola kit. These kits cost between $1,000 and $2,500 on average, and you won't have to pay for labor. However, you're limited to specific designs and sizes; a more customized pergola designed for your home's unique landscape may look and function better (and have a higher ROI).
Can you build a pergola on top of a patio? ›
In its most basic form, a pergola consists of posts topped by beams and rafters, with room-sized proportions and a ceiling height of 8 to 12 feet. Set on a deck or patio and connected to the house, it can define a convenient area for alfresco dining or shield an outdoor kitchen from the elements.
What kind of wood is used to build a pergola? ›
European Green Oak ticks all the right boxes. Strong, sturdy and durable, with excellent natural resistance to insect infestation, moisture and decay — everything you want from a pergola. This wood is essentially maintenance free, and can be left to age gracefully to a classy silvery-grey.
What is better than a pergola? ›
A gazebo or pergola is the perfect addition to your garden if you want to increase shade and create an outdoor lounging area. The main difference between a gazebo and a pergola is that gazebos provide more protection from the rain and require more space, whereas pergolas come in more flexible sizes.
Do I need permission to build a pergola? ›
In the eyes of the council planning team a pergola is seen as a temporary structure. Therefore, it does not require planning permission, provided it is less than 2.5m in height and doesn't occupy more than 50% of the outdoor space available.
What kind of pergola lasts the longest? ›
Aluminum Pergolas
Also long lasting and almost maintenance free, your aluminum pergola is sure to last through a lifetime of both rain and shine.
How much does a 12x12 pergola cost? ›
It costs $3,780 to build a 12×12 wooden pergola and about $5,270 for a vinyl one. So for a high-end 12×12 pergola, you are looking at around $3,500 to $5,500.
How much does it cost to build a 20x20 pergola? ›
Cost to build a pergola
| Pergola size | Kit installed | Custom build |
|---|
| 16'x20' | $3,200 – $12,800 | $9,600 – $20,800 |
| 20'x20' | $4,000 – $16,000 | $12,000 – $26,000 |
| 24'x24' | $5,750 – $23,000 | $17,900 – $37,400 |
| 30'x30' | $9,000 – $36,000 | $27,000 – $58,500 |
7 more rowsNov 28, 2023
Typically when you dig a hole for a pier, the pergolas will need to be supported by that piece of concrete. You need to make sure you go below the frost line for your area. You don't want the ground to heave and destroy your structure.
A pergola roof comes with many benefits, from monetary savings on upkeep to protection from the elements. It is an easy way to increase the value of your home or get more usage from your outdoor spaces. All things considered, it really is a great investment for your backyard.
Does a pergola need to be on concrete? ›
Generally, concrete is used for many pergolas but not all pergolas require them. There are other ways to make a solid footing without mixing, digging, and using cement. Refrain from trying to install a pergola with no base because every pergola requires some form of footing because of its weight.
How do you make a pergola sturdy? ›
This could involve anything from tightening a few screws to adding an entirely new beam. Adding a crossbeam will help hold the posts in place and help distribute weight more effectively, preventing significant problems such as cave-ins. Adding brackets or corbels may also be worthwhile to provide even more support.
How much should I pay for a wood pergola? ›
Expect to pay $2,100 to $6,000 for a professionally installed pergola. The average cost of a pergola is $4,000, but they can cost as little as $1,050 and as much as $11,000. The total cost depends on several factors, including size, material, and features.
Should I use cedar or pressure treated wood for a pergola? ›
Pressure treated pine, the most affordable pergola wood option, is rot and insect resistant. Much like pine pergola kits, western red cedar is also naturally insect and rot resistant, and can withstand severe elements.
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 pergola? ›
Cost to Build a Pergola by Square Foot
| Pergola Dimensions | Average Cost |
|---|
| 12x12 | $4,300–$8,600 |
| 12x18 | $6,500–$13,000 |
| 10x14 | $4,200–$8,400 |
| 10x20 | $6,000–$12,000 |
3 more rowsFeb 12, 2024
By providing partial shade and defining an area for seating or dining, pergolas can extend the usable square footage of a property. They also offer a sense of privacy without completely enclosing the space, making them ideal for hosting gatherings or simply relaxing outdoors.
How much would it cost to build a pergola? ›
Do you want a cozy outdoor living space? Expect to pay $2,100 to $6,000 for a professionally installed pergola. The average cost of a pergola is $4,000, but they can cost as little as $1,050 and as much as $11,000. The total cost depends on several factors, including size, material, and features.
