How to Build a Freestanding Pergola

Do you want to learn How to Build a Freestanding Pergola? If so, we’re here to help you get that project done!  All it takes is a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, a good set of plans, and a good list of materials.

Because let’s face it, as important as the sun is for outdoor enjoyment, sometimes we want a little less sun. Sometimes the sun is too hot when you want to sit and read or enjoy other lazy outdoor activities.

What Is a Freestanding Wood Pergola?

Bringing life to your backyard, a new freestanding wood pergola (see top photo) can give your space an Upscale, or if you prefer, Rustic feel – while providing shade for a new seating area.

Along the way, you can create stone or gravel pathways to your new pergola and create the perfect destination to hang out and lounge with friends.

How To Build a Freestanding Wood Pergola:

1)   Pick the Best Size of Pergola to Build

Pergolas can come in many sizes and shapes. Traditionally, you can find pergolas between 8 to 10 feet to cover a backyard.

The seating group should determine the size you plan on setting up and, of course, the space you have to build a pergola.

Depending on what wood material you decide on, you should be able to construct your pergola for between $500 and $750 because you are doing it yourself and cutting out the costs for labor.

2)  Best Type of Wood To Build a Pergola

Cedar is the best wood because it looks excellent and does not decay like other woods, such as untreated pine. Another more common lumber, due to its affordability, is treated pine. 

Where treated (pressure-treated), lumber isn’t as attractive as cedar; you will save money.

One of the neat things about cedar is that besides being naturally defensible to insects and rot; it turns into an attractive brownish-gray color if left unfinished. Even cedar that has stayed in place for over a hundred years will have a fantastic look.

Exterior stain can also be used to seal your wood year around if you prefer.

Depending on what wood material you decide on, you should be able to construct your pergola for between $500 and $750 because you are doing it yourself and cutting out the costs for labor.

3)  Buying Pergola Building Materials:

Note: 10′ x 10′ Freestanding Pergola Material List below.  This is a general list of materials you will need.  The following materials are required to build a typical 10′ x 10′ freestanding wood pergola:

• A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 96″ long – FOR POSTS (120″ if set in-ground)
• B – 4 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 12′ long – FOR SUPPORT BEAMS
• C – 10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′ long – FOR CROSS BEAMS
• D – 12 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 12′ long – FOR overhead SLATS
• E – 8 Pieces Decorative Wood Braces – To connect posts to support beams (See top photo)
• (1)  Box 1 5/8″ galvanized deck screws
• (4)  6×6 post anchors for the concrete slab (or one bag of concrete ready-mix for in-ground posts)
• (1) Box of rafter ties (for crossbeams)
• (8) sets of 9″ carriage bolts, lock washers, nuts
• Any necessary wood filler, wood glue, and stain or paint
• Tools Needed:  Skil saw, Drill, Hammer Drill (if mounting posts to concrete), 4 or 6 ft. Level, Stakes, String.
• Note:   Cordless Power Tool Kits (including a cordless circular saw, drill, and hammer drill, are handy tools for this job – with no cords to drag around.

Material list: Courtesy of myoutdoorplans.com

If you would like to watch a step-by-step tutorial on How to Build a Pergola on Youtube,  see this video:

4)  Choosing The Proper Placement For Pergola

If you choose the wrong place for your new pergola, you won’t get the desired shade and enjoyment. For instance, if you place the pergola too close to your house, you may provide unwanted shade and darkness inside the home.

Also, look for natural settings both in the land’s topography and nearby trees or bushes that could enhance the setting of your pergola. Plopping a pergola smack dab in the center of a large lawn may not appear very natural.

Finally, and probably most important in choosing your placement, is laying out the design and orientation to protect from the Sun.

NOTE: The Rafters, when installed, should run North and South, so as the sun travels, it will cast nice lines of shade underneath the wood pergola. At midday, the sun will be directly overhead and be less shaded.

You can learn to install vines or lattice if you require even more shade.

Quickly clear the area you need before building a pergola by removing any tree limbs and bushes with a pole saw and wood chipper.

5)  Install Pergola “Posts” (A)

When placing your pergola posts into the ground, remember a few things. First, ensure that the cedar or other wood you use has been pressure-treated, so the wood will not rot quickly over time. Four-by-four posts are perfect for staying securely in the ground.

Before placing your post locations, check out Lowes’s short video on installing temporary batter boards.

Option #1:  Install Pergola Posts on a “Concrete Slab”

• Step 1: Install the pergola posts on a concrete slab for ultimate strength. Start by marking where you will screw the posts into the concrete slab with a marker. Step 2:
• Step 2:  Next, have concrete screws handy, like Tapcon screws, which are over a ¼ inch long, and a hammer drill to pre-drill tapcon holes first to help the screws go in easier.
• Step 3:  Install the (4) Post Anchors using tapcon screws to the concrete slab.

Option #2:  Install Pergola Posts in the “Ground”

Some of you might not have a concrete slab for your wood pergola. If you can’t put your posts on a concrete slab, place them in the ground, below the area where frost can wreak havoc.

Before you start digging, contact your local utility company, so you do not dig in an area with electric or gas lines that could severely hurt you and your project. After marking your utility lines accurately, you can dig your pergola away from utter danger.

• Step 1:  Using a batter board method,  mark your post locations with small wood stakes, so you can visually see your layout. Measure twice, so you only have to install your posts once. Measuring should not only take place parallel and perpendicular to each other but also diagonally for accurate dimensions.
• Step 2:  Use a post-hole digger to dig the hole. Also, an auger, shovel, or clamshell excavator will suffice.

Note: The hole must be 12-18″ in diameter. You can correctly support a typical four-by-four or 6 x 6 post with a post hole at the correct width and depth.

Depending on local building codes, an 8-foot tall structure must have holes at least 2 feet deep in the ground for stability. If you live in an area prone to high winds, you may want to make your pergola deeper at 3 feet or more into the ground.

You can use a formula like this:  .25 x (the height of the post) = the depth you should dig the hole. Example:  10 ft. post x .25 = 2.5 ft. post depth in the ground.  This provides an 8 Ft. (exposed) structure if placing posts in the ground.

These guidelines will help you stay to code and preserve your pergola for years.

6)  Pour the Concrete For Posts

• Step 1:  Now that your post is in the ground, you must place concrete around it to strengthen it. For your pergola plans, a 40-pound bag of ready-mix should be enough for this project. You must mix 6 gallons of water with the concrete ready mix.
• Note:  If you mix too much water, your concrete will be weakened, it will take longer to dry, and your pergola could have structural problems.  If you do not use enough water, the concrete will never form properly, creating another set of problems.
• So it would be best to get the mix right by following the instructions. The mix should generally have a peanut butter-type consistency to be ready for use.
• Step 2:  Pour the concrete into the hole surrounding your post, and use a stick to push through air pockets in the concrete. This way, the concrete will settle properly.
• Step 3:  Allow the concrete to settle over a minimum of 48 hours before you proceed with the project.

7) Install The Support Beams (B)

The support beams are the next thing you should focus on when making a pergola.

The best option for your pergola plans is 2″ x 8″ beams. You can also leave the beams as they are or use a jigsaw to cut or scallop out rounded edges for more design. See our photos, for example.

• Step 1:  Pre-drill holes (for 9″ Carriage Bolts) into the Beam ends.
• Step 2:  Tack a temporary nail through the beam at each end.  This will keep your rays in place while installing the carriage bolts.
• Step 3: Using a level, keep your work perfectly level.
• Step 4: Install the 9″ carriage bolts that are at least 9 inches in length and secure them with lock washers and lock nuts
• Step 5:  After you have one support beam, mirror another beam parallel on the other side of the pergola

8)  Install The Crossbeams (C)

Depending on the size of the support beams, you typically use the next size down for the cross beams, i.e., 2 x 6 lumber if support beams are 2 x 8.

Step 1: Notch your crossbeams to fit seamlessly over the support beams. No matter your DIY pergola plans, a dado blade is one of the best options used with your table saw.

If there is excess wood in the area you notched, use a jigsaw to clean the rest.

Step 2:  Continue by scrolling the ends (optional) or leave the crossbeams as a straight edge.

Step 3:  When ready to install the 2 x 6 crossbeams, lay the first crossbeam and secure it to support the beam with 1 5/8″ galvanized screws.  Place a screw through the top of the crossbeam into the support beam below.

Step 4: Install cross beams using an identical wood spacer at both support ends.  The spacer should be the length that allows you to have “equal crossbeam spacing” across the structure.

9) Install Braces and Trim (E)

To this point, you almost have your pergola plans completed. There are a few more things to do with your free-standing pergola plans. Braces and trim are next. Regarding braces, you must stay with the same wood you used for the support and cross beams.

For example, use the same two-by-six wood for your diagonal-sided braces if you used two-by-six lumber. Cut them by using a chop saw at 45 degrees. Cut eight diagonal braces between the cross beams and support beams around the posts.

Fasten with screws, and you will be on your way to finishing up your pergola.

When it comes to trim, cut pieces that cover the outsides of each post. Make sure the length and width are measured accurately for the best outcome. Most pergola plans will ask you to notch your trim effectively to fit sandwiched between your support beams.

10)  Install Shade Slats (D)

You are nearly done with your pergola plans. To finish up, you will need to add your shade slats.

1 x 3 treated lumber is the perfect size for your shade slats. Shape the ends to make them more decorative, or leave them as a square end.

Simply space 10 -12 shade slat lumber opposite the cross beams evenly.  Secure with galvanized screws.

11) Install Braces and Trim (E)

To this point, you almost have your pergola plans completed. There are a few more things to do with your free-standing pergola plans. Braces and trim are next. Regarding braces, you must stay with the same wood you used for the support beams and cross beams.

For example, use the same two-by-six wood for your diagonal-sided braces if you used two-by-six lumber. Cut them by using a chop saw at 45 degrees. Cut eight diagonal braces between the cross beams and support beams around the posts.

Lastly, Fasten it with screws, and you will be on your way to finishing up your pergola.

When it comes to trim, cut pieces that cover the outsides of each post. Make sure the length and width are measured accurately for the best outcome. Most pergola plans will ask you to notch your trim effectively to fit sandwiched between your support beams.

Another step you might consider is the addition of a wood bench or two inside your wood pergola.  This eliminates the need for removable furniture.

Now that your pergola is complete:

You may need some Privacy in your Backyard to enjoy that new Pergola.  If so, check out our Article for the simplest and “Cheapest Way to Build a Wood Privacy Fence”.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ)

Q:  How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wood Pergola?

A:  A typical 10′ x 10′ Cedar or Redwood Freestanding Pergola will only average between $1500 – $2000 for materials.  However, a pressure-treated lumber option may only set you back $700- $1,000 for materials. 

TIP:  Be sure to have your local Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Lumberyard provide the material and delivery estimate before you start.  Their price should also include delivery to your doorstep.

Q:  What Type of Wood is Best For a Pergola?

A:  Generally, “Cedar” and “Redwood” are considered the most attractive and best lumber for building a Pergola.  Both species of wood are rot and insect-resistant – naturally and have an inherent beauty in the wood.

However, we recommend using pressure-treated lumber (pine) to save money. This lumber is green when new and fades to grey as it ages. Pressure-treated lumber is an excellent cost-saving option to stain or paint your pergola after it ages.

Q:  Is it Difficult To Build a Wood Pergola Yourself?

A:  If you have reasonable carpentry skills and a capable friend (or more capable 🙂 than you to help you out, there’s no reason you can’t build your DIY wood pergola.  Be careful not to make it too complicated.

There are many DIY pergola plans out there that you can build yourself, which can be a little overwhelming.

With many pergolas plans today, deciding on one that works for you and your lifestyle might be overwhelming. This should not be a run-of-the-mill decision. Picking the right pergola design should be a calculated and thought-out process.

Q:  Should you hire a Pro To Build A Pergola?

A:  Some folks are unsure they have the skills to build their Pergola. That’s quite alright – you have to know your limits. However, the cost to hire a Pro will be considerably more – as you will pay for professional labor and the contractor’s profit markup on the materials they supply.

If you are leaning that way, consider hiring a pro instead. They may even give you a good discount for providing your muscle to the project. Our advice – Price it both ways – DIY & Hiring a Pro.

If you’re considering hiring a builder to build your Pergola, watch this quick video:

Conclusion

Learning how to build a freestanding pergola is the perfect project for anyone who enjoys hanging out in the backyard but wants protection from the sun. A pergola is not a full shelter against rain and wind but more of a shield against direct sun exposure, so It’s important to know that distinction moving forward.

No matter what pergola plans you decide to use, pergola construction must include all the major construction elements mentioned above. Without them, your freestanding pergola plans could end as a disappointment or be unsteady or unsafe.

Some might wonder why anyone would need a pergola at all. Well, it is a magnificent structure that gives life to your backyard without causing an eyesore to your property. With a pergola, you can simultaneously be in an indoor and outdoor space.

When you have completed your pergola structure, you can make it more of your special hangout. Maybe you want to set up a wireless flat-screen TV in the summer months or add LED lighting year-round by weaving through your ceiling slats.  With a privacy fence and pergola in place – you now have your private backyard oasis!

This can liven up your pergola space for years to come. Bottom line – Have fun building your very own pergola and start with your preparation today. You’ll love the space, and so will your friends!

Thanks for visiting BestHomeGear.Com, and much success Building Your Freestanding Pergola!

Additional References & Resources

• More Tips & Tricks on How To Build a Pergola – RonHazlelton.com
• The Best Wood To Use for Pergolas – Kebony.com
• 25 Outstanding “Pergola Designs” you should Check Out  – TheSpruce.Com
• Top 7 Best Self-Propelled Mowers for 2019 – Besthomegear.com