L-shaped Pergola Plans

This step by step diy project is about L-shaped pergola plans. I have designed this backyard pergola with a L-shape so you can add unique appeal to your property. You can easily make adjustments to plans, to suit your needs. Read the local building codes before starting the project, so you comply with the local requirements. 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

L-shaped Pergola – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-l-shaped-pergola

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 101 1/2″ long POSTS
B – 4 piece of 2×8 lumber – 316″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
C – 10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long RAFTERS
D – 4 piece of 2×8 lumber – 316″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
E – 19 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 144″ long SLATS

6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12′
2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 14′
8 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 30′
10 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
19 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 12′
1 5/8″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
tube form
rafter ties
pergola hardware
9″ carriage bolts
6″ 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

Building-the-posts

The first step of the project is to build the posts for the pergola. Use 6×6 lumber for the posts. As you can see in the diagram, you need to make notches to the top of the 96″ long posts. Use a circular saw to make parallel cuts inside the marked areas and then remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the recess with sandpaper.

Laying-the-posts

The next step of the 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.

Dig the holes 3′ deep (or under the front line) and about 12-16″ 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 screws.

Support beams for the short pergola

Use 2×8 lumber for the support beams.

Decorative cuts

Mark the cut lines on the beams and then get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result.

Fitting the support beams to the short pergola

Fit the beams to the top of the posts, as you can see in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the beams and posts, and then insert 6″ carriage bolts. Make sure the beams will overhang 12″ on both sides. Use a spirit level to make sure the beams are perfectly horizontal.

Support-beams-for-the-L-pergola

Build the support beams for the other side of the pergola, using 2×8 lumber. Make the decorative cuts to both ends of the beams and smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Make notches to the beams so you can fit them into place tightly. Take accurate measurements, otherwise the beams won’t fit into place properly.

Fitting the support beams to the long pergola

Fit the support beams to the posts, as shown in the diagram. Align everything with attention and clamp them into place tightly. Drill pilot holes through the beams and posts, and then insert 9″ carriage bolts.

Building-the-pergola-rafters

Use 2×6 lumber for the rafters that go on the small pergola. Make decorative cuts to both ends of the rafters with a jigsaw. Make sure you make the notches to the rafters. Use a chisel to remove the excess and then smooth the surface with sandpaper.

Fitting the rafters to the short pergola

Fit the rafters to the supports beams, equally spaced. Use rafter ties to secure the beams into place tightly. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and then insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them to the support beams. You can adjust the distance between the rafters to get more or less shade.

Building the rafters for the long pergola

Use 2×8 lumber for the shade elements for the other side of the L-shaped pergola. Make decorative cuts to both ends of the rafters and then cut out the notches.

Fitting the rafters to to the long pergola

Fit the rafters into place and then lock them tightly with screws or rafter ties.

L shaped Pergola Plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fit braces to the L-shaped pergola if you live in a windy area. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper.

L shaped Pergola Plans Free

This pergola provides plenty of space for setting several chairs, an outdoor sofa and an outdoor table. You can even cover the pergola of you want to obtain even more shade, especially during the hot summer days. Check out the rest of my pergola plans, as I have many designed and sizes you can choose from.

This woodworking project was about L-shaped 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.

Projects made from these plans

L-shaped Pergola – Free DIY Plans

How to build a l-shaped pergola plans

- EXPLORE MORE IDEAS FOR -

You may also like

2 comments

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply