Diy Pergola Plans

If you want to build a really simple 12×12 pergola in just one week, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions shown in this article. There are so many plans and designs you can choose when building the garden pergola, that it is a real challenge to select the option that really suits your needs. Don’t forget to adjust the size of the pergola to suit your needs properly.

Make sure you invest in high quality lumber that is weather-resistant, as the components will be exposed to moisture and excessive sunlight. Work with attention and plan every aspect of the construction from the very beginning. Smooth the surface with sandpaper and apply a few coats of paint or stain over the components, in order to protect them from decay and water-damage.

 Diy Pergola Plans

Installing the posts into place

Securing the posts into place is complex task, as you have to dig 3′ deep holes and either secure the posts into concrete or pour footings and fit metal anchors. Make sure you layout the pergola posts in a professional manner (see the next step) before fitting the posts into the holes and securing them temporarily braces (plumb them thoroughly).

Fitting the posts

As we have already mentioned, it is essential to use batter boards and string when laying out the diy pergola, otherwise the construction won’t have a professional look. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to each corner, to check if they are right-angled. Make sure you leave the concrete to dry out for several days before continuing the project, otherwise you might move the posts from position.

Fitting the support beams

The next step of the project is to cut the 2×6 supports beams at the right size and to attach them to the top of the posts with carriage bolts. Drill pilot holes through the components before inserting the 7″ bolts, as shown in the diagram. Place a spirit level on top of the beams to make sure they are perfectly horizontal.

Building the rafters

Continue the backyard project by making the 2×6 rafters, using the information shown in the diy plans. Mark the cut lines with a pencil, making sure they are highly accurate.  Afterwards, make several cuts with a circular saw and clean the notches with a chisel and a piece of sandpaper. Don’t forget to cut the ends of the rafters in a decorative manner.

Installing the rafters

Place the rafters int place, drill pilot holes as in the plans, and insert 5-6″ galvanized screws into the support beams. Make sure you insert enough screws into place, otherwise the structure won’t be rigid enough on the long-run.

Fitting the rafters

It is essential to place the rafters equally-spaced, otherwise the wooden pergola won’t have a symmetrical appearance. Remember that the more rafters you add to the support beams, the less light will get through.

Attaching the slats

One of the last steps of the project is to attach the 2×2 slats to the rafters, in order to keep them equally-spaced and to enhance the look of the project. Drill pilot holes through the slats and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into the rafters.

Diy pergola plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to pay attention to the finishing touches. Therefore, check if all the screws are inserted properly and fill the holes with wood putty. Smooth the surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper along the wood grain. In addition, apply several coats of paint over the components in order to protect them from decay and to enhance the look of the diy pergola.

Tools & Materials

Building a pergola