8×8 Pergola Plans

This step by step diy project is about 8×8 pergola plans. I have designed this small pergola so you can create a shaded area in your backyard with minimum effort and costs. This pergola has a 8×8 square base and a 10×10 roof area. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

8×8 Pergola Plans

Building-a-8×8-pergola

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 96″ long POSTS
• B – 4 piece of 2×8 lumber – 120″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• C – 8 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120″ long SHADE ELEMENTS
• D – 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 120″ long SLATS

• 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
• 4 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 10′
• 8 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
• 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber  – 10′
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 6×6 post anchor  4 pieces
• post to beam connector 8 pieces
• tube form
• rafter ties
• 8 pieces of 9″ carriage bolt
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Free pergola plans
• 12×24 Pergola plans

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How to build a 8×8 square pergola

Fitting-the-posts—8×8-pergola

The first step of the project is to lay out the 6×6 posts of the small backyard pergola. Use string and batter boards, to lay out the location of the posts. Therefore, you need to make sure the diagonals are square and to apply the 3-4-5 rule to all corner.

Anchoring the posts of the anchor

There are a few ways to secure the 6×6 posts into place. You can set the posts in concrete or you can use adjustable anchors and pour footings. Dig the holes 3′ deep (or under the front line) and about 12-13′ in diameter. Compact a layer of gravel to the bottom of the holes and then fit the tube forms. Fit the posts, align them and plumb them with a spirit level. Fill the forms with concrete, while the posts are locked into place with temporarily braces. If you use anchors, you need to align and set them into concrete. Fit the posts after the concrete dries, using lag screw.

Smart tip: Read the local building codes, so you dig the holes at the appropriate depth.

Building the support beams

Build the support beams from 2×6 or 2×8 lumber. Mark the decorative cut lines and get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the support beams

Fit the support beams to the top of the posts and clamp them into place tightly. Use a spirit level to make sure the beams are horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts and insert 9″ carriage bolts. Two bolts for each post are enough to create sturdy joints.

Building-the-shade-elements

Next, you have to build the shade elements from 2×6 lumber. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you have to make decorative cuts to both ends of the beams and then make the notches, so you can secure them into place. Make parallel cuts inside the marked areas with a saw and then clean the notches with a chisel. Clean the recesses with sandpaper.

Fitting-the-shade-elements—8×8-pergola

Fit the shade elements to the top of the square pergola. You can adjust the size between the shade elements according to how much light you want to let through the roof. The closer you place the elements, the more shade you will have. Align the shade elements with attention and you can lock them to the support beams with screws (drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting) or using rafter ties.

Fitting the top slats

Fit the 1×2 slats to the top of the pergola, so you can lock the shade elements evenly spaced. Align the slats, center them and then secure them into place with 1 5/8″ screws.

8×8 Pergola Plans – Front view

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. You can also fit braces, if you live in a windy area. Apply a few coats of paint or stain over the components, to enhance the look of the pergola and to protect the components from decay.

8×8 Pergola Plans – Top view

This small pergola has a base of 8×8 and the top of 10×10. This small outdoor project will create a cozy area so you can fit a table and a few chairs.

8×8 Pergola Plans

If you want to add charm and unique appeal to your garden, I recommend you to check out these plans. This pergola can be built by any person with basic woodworking skills and it is also very budget friendly. You can make a lot of adjustments to the design so it suits your tastes and needs. Check out the rest of my pergola plans, as I have many designed and sizes you can choose from.

If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project (different design with re-engineered structure), in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.

This woodworking project was about 8×8 pergola plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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