20×20 Pergola Plans

This step by step diy project is about 20×20 pergola plans. I have designed this square pergola with a 20’x20′ base and a 22’x22′ roof. This is a large project, so it requires a significant investment and also many labor hours. However, the end result will really impress the loved ones and add significant value to your life. Check if a building permit is required before starting the building process. 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

How to build a 20×20 pergola

Building-a-20×20-pergola

Cut &  Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′ long POSTS
• B – 4 piece of 2×10 lumber – 22′ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• C – 15 pieces of 2×10 lumber – 18′ long SHADE ELEMENTS
• D – 11 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 22′ long SLATS
• E – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 47 1/4″ long, 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 50 1/4″ long BRACES

• 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
• 19 pieces of 2×10 lumber – 22′
• 11 pieces of 1×2 lumber  – 22′
• 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10′
• 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
• 1 5/8″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
• tube form
• rafter ties
• 8 pieces of 6″ carriage bolts
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
• 6×6 post anchor  4 pieces
• post to beam connector 8 pieces

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• 12×12 pergola plans
• Free pergola plans

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20×20 Pergola Plans

Laying-out-the-posts

The first step of the large square pergola project is to layout the posts. Use batter boards and string to layout the location of the posts. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to every corner and then measure the diagonals to make sure they are perfectly equal. You need to make adjustments until you get the desired result.

If you want to give more support to the free standing 20×20 pergola, I recommend you to fit intermediary posts to the center of the end posts. With minor modification you can even add the pergola to an already existing building.

Building the posts

As you can easily notice in the plans, you need to make notches to the top of the 6×6 posts. Set the circular saw to 1 1/2″ depth and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Remove the residues with a chisel and smooth area with sandpaper.

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. The materials list is made considering you use post anchors. If you decide to set them in concrete, you need to buy longer posts.

Building-the-support-beams

Use 2×10 lumber for the support beams. You can make decorative cuts to both ends of the beams, so you enhance the look of the 20×20 pergola. Use a large round object, so you can mark the curved lines on the beams. Get the job done with a jigsaw and then smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Alternatively, you can use other templates to make the decorative cuts to both ends of the beams, so it matches the design of your home.

Fitting the support beams

Fit the support beams to the top of the posts, making sure you leave 12″ overhangs on both sides. Drill pilot holes through the beams and then insert 6″ carriage bolts to lock them into place tightly. Use two carriage bolts for each joint, for a professional result. Use a spirit level to make sure the beams are horizontal.

Building the rafters

Build the shade elements from 2×10 lumber. Make the decorative cuts to both ends of the beams. In addition, you have to make notches to the beams, so you can fit them into place. Use a circular saw to make the cuts and then remove the excess with a chisel. You can adjust the depth of the notches to suit your needs.

Fitting-the-rafters

Fit the shade elements to the top of the pergola. You can adjust the distance between the shade elements to suit your needs. The closer you place the rafters one from another, the more shade you will create to the area. Use rafter ties to secure the rafters into place tightly. The rafters ties are needed due to the size of the shade elements, so they will really reinforce the joints.

Braces

Build four braces for the large pergola from 2×6 lumber. Make 45 degrees to both ends of the braces. In addition, use a jigsaw to make the decorative curved cuts. You can be creative here and add your own unique style to the braces.

6×6 braces

Build the other 4 braces for the pergola from 6×6 lumber. Make 45 degrees to both ends of the beams and then smooth the edges with sandpaper. Make the curved cuts to the braces and then smooth the edges with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Remember that you can also adjust the size of the braces.

Fitting the braces

Fit the braces to the pergola, as shown in the diagram. Take accurate measurements and then drill pilot holes. Insert 4 1/2″ screws to lock the braces to the frame of the pergola.

Fitting the top slats

Fit the 1×2 trims to the top of the pergola. Center the slats to the top of the pergola and place them equally spaced. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to secure the slats into place tightly.

20×20 Pergola Plans

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.

20×20 Pergola Plans – top view

This 20×20 pergola is large enough for setting outdoor sofas, a coffee table or even for creating a serving area for dinner. You can even cover the pergola with fabric so you create more shade during the hot summer days. This very large outdoor pergola is ideal for any backyard, as it will offer lots of shade and a surreal ambient.

20×20 Pergola Plans – Front view

Building this 20×20 pergola is a great way to spice up the look of your property and to add rustic charm. This is an expensive and labor intensive project, so make sure you have the resources before starting the project. Make sure you invest in the most quality lumber you can afford, as the components will be exposed to the weather conditions.

This woodworking project was about 20×20 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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