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

Table of Contents

Free Pergola Plans 10 x 8 Freestanding Pergola Plan 10 x 10 Backyard Pergola Plan 10 x 12 Pergola Without Knee Bracing 17 x 25 Meadow Premier Pergola 18 x 18 Freestanding Pergola Plan 14 x 16 Floating Deck with Pergola Free Patio Cover Plans 12 x 16 Attached Patio Cover 10 x 12 Attached Patio Cover 14 x 14 Free-Standing Sloped Patio Cover Free Arbor and Trellis Plans 5 x 14¾ Shade Arbor Three-Post Trellis Free Pavilion and Gazebo Plans 11½ x 15½ Party Pavilion Free Pergola Planner Software Related Posts FAQs References

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

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

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!

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

FAQs

Is it cheaper to build a pergola or buy one? ›

Is it cheaper to build or buy 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.

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Where is the best place to build a pergola? ›

In most cases, you want to orient your pergola to target the mid-to-late day sun, as this is when you're most likely to need shade. A contemporary aluminium pergola is a great option for houses with bifold doors, reducing light and glare into the home as well as temperature during the hotter summer months.

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Is a pergola worth it? ›

Because they require fewer materials than less open structures, such as gazebos, pergolas are perfect for homeowners on a budget. Pressure-treated lumber, the most important pergola building material, is one of the least expensive types of wood on the market and available just about everywhere.

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What is better than a pergola? ›

With their sturdier construction, gazebos tend to be more durable than pergolas (and more usable during inclement weather).

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Do I need permission to build a pergola? ›

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.

What is the lifespan of a pergola? ›

A well maintained vinyl pergola can last 15-20 years, however for areas prone to heavy sun exposure or snowfall, this range may lessen to between 10 and 15 years.

What is a pergola with a roof called? ›

Pergolas with a cover are often referred to as pavilions. Although they are quite similar in design, a pavilion is a freestanding pergola with a fixed, stationary cover that generally completely covers the pergola.

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Does pergola add value to house? ›

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.

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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.

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Why is a pergola so expensive? ›

Features such as curved beams, decorative end cuts, and complex roof structures require additional materials and labor, making them more expensive. On that note, custom pergolas tend to be the most expensive approach, whether your customizations include unique finishes, built-in lighting, or integrated seating.

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Is it cheaper to build your own gazebo or buy one? ›

Gazebos are a great addition to any outdoor living space. Expect to pay about $5,365 to $9,025 for a gazebo. The average price of a gazebo is $7,590, but some high-end models with all the bells and whistles can cost as much as $27,000. You can save big by building your own for as little as $325.

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