Free Pergola Plans

The pergola plan, in natural tanalised wood, can be easily adapted to give style variations that will make your pergola a unique and stunning creation.

• Use different, or thicker, wood for the pergola posts and rafters.
• Make your pergola longer or wider.
• Have the rafters in one direction only.
• Raise the rafters so they sit higher on the supports.

You can do all of these things with the free pergola plans, and they will still work to suit your preferred style and situation.

About the Free Pergola Plans

This is used as the example in the free pergola plans. Most pergola styles can be built from these plans, as it has rafters running in both directions.

It has been built with 3" posts and 4" x 1" flush fitting rafters. Because the rafters run in both directions it is often called a box pergola.

Don't want rafters in both directions? Just leave them out.

Like the look of rafters closer together? Not a problem.

Adapting the Plans shows you how to make all sorts of simple modifications, from the type of fixings you use to attach the pergola to the ground, to knowing which way to have the rafters running depending on the size of your pergola.

My client wanted plain rafter tails (those are the bits sticking out on the top) but you could have a more elaborate design if you wished.

Take a look at the 18 different rafter tail design templates, to see just one of the ways in which you can make this pergola a individual and unique garden structure.

During pergola construction. Three pergolas of different dimensions, joined with trellis, make this area into a secluded patio.	And here it is, in all its glory! All finished and clothed in wonderful climbing plants.	A gorgeous purple clematis trails through the rafters. A perfect companion to the pink rambler rose.

The second pergola supports a long-flowering rambler rose. A hanging garden clock, fabulous garden furniture and planters enhance the effect.	The third pergola is much narrower, leading to the house. Another rambler rose covers the adjoining trellis with beautiful deep pink flowers.	A view from the other side, showing the vigorous nature of the rambler rose.

This pergola was adapted from the free plans. I've included it here to show how the plans can be modified to give a completely different effect.

It has been drawn to scale, having 4" posts and 6" x 1.5" raised rafters. Purlins have been added on top of the rafters, giving more shade and a decorative effect.

This pergola design could be made twice, or even three times, as long: more if you wished, creating a long walkway, or patio pergola running the length of your house.

This pergola arch joins two parts of the garden. It could easily be made into a seated arbour.	Need to separate two areas? This pergola could also have trellis attached on which to grow wonderful climbing plants .	Stand your pergola on decking to create a fabulous outdoor room. Ideal for relaxing and entertaining!

Step-By-Step Plans

When you see them, you might think that because there are several pages, they must be complicated. The opposite is true. By including every small detail, hopefully there will be less steam coming out of your ears and more appreciation of your newly found talent!!

Look through the pergola plan, get a general feel and understanding for them, see if you wish to adapt them in any way and then follow the instructions about finding tools and materials.

This pergola is fairly straightforward to build. I have built many of them from this design - and they are all still standing! - and are very beautiful, clothed in scented and colourful climbing plants.

Have a go - you might surprise yourself!

Viewing the Free Pergola Plans

You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download without leaving this page).

When you have downloaded Adobe Reader, if you want to open the file in your browser window, you can just click on the link at the bottom of this page.

However if you want to download the file to view later, then right click on the link and choose "Save Target As" or "Save File As." Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive.

Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.

Download the Plans Now

Download the Free Pergola Plans Here

There is so much you can do to make your pergola a really special garden feature.

If you do build one from the free pergola plans, we would all love to see it! Help inspire others to have a go.

Upload a picture and write about your pergola here . Have your own page on this website. It's very easy to do!

These are fabulous structures to build, adding height and interest to your garden.

Find help on where to place your pergola here .

To your fantastic new pergola!