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

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Stacy Fisher

Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (1)

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.

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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.

Build a Pergola in Your Backyard with One of These 16 Free Plans (2)

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?

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!

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

FAQs

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

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).

What is the cheapest way to build a pergola? ›

Overall, it is cheaper to build or DIY a pergola from a kit than to pay a professional. Your overall cost for materials will likely fall under $3,000, which is much cheaper than using a pro builder.

Do you need a permit to build a pergola in your backyard California? ›

You'll need a building permit to build a large pergola in your backyard or attach it to your patio. In addition to the building permit, you may also need an encroachment permit from your county or city if the pergola is attached to your fence.

How much does it cost to build a pergola by yourself? ›

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.

What is better than a pergola? ›

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.

Do pergolas add value to home? ›

While there are many caveats, in short, the answer is yes. 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.

What is the maximum height for a pergola? ›

Within 2m of the boundary, the maximum height of your pergola must be no more than 2.5m (8'2”). Further away from the boundary, the height of your pergola can be 3m (9'10”). A pitched-roof structure (an A-shaped roof) can be no higher than 4m high (13').

Can I build a pergola next to my fence? ›

The answer is yes, you can build a pergola near a fence.

However, there are several reasons for keeping pergolas away from fence lines. For one, the proximity to the fence can detract from the pergola's aesthetic appeal, making it feel like an afterthought rather than a focal point in your backyard.

What wood is best for a pergola? ›

Western Red Cedar and Redwood are the two most commonly used woods for pergolas, aside from pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar (WRC) and Redwood are both naturally stunning woods and often lumped together.

How many hours does it take to build a pergola? ›

As a result, it could take from 20 hours and even more. Depending on experience. On the other hand, vinyl and fiberglass pergolas may require specialized tools and knowledge, which could add to the assembly time.

How much does it cost to install a 10x10 pergola? ›

A prefabricated pergola costs $1,450 to $5,750 installed on average or $10 to $40 per square foot. The cost to build a custom pergola is $30 to $65 per square foot installed. DIY pergola kit prices are $700 to $4,000. Pergola installation labor costs $50 to $120 per hour.

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.

Why is 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.

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.

Is it worth having a pergola? ›

Think of pergolas as a sheltered roof for your garden. Say goodbye to the days of waiting for rain clouds to disperse, or finding some shade in the afternoon sun as it goes beyond your house. Pergolas are fantastic ways to add shelter to you patio seating areas, or outdoor activities like hot tubs.

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