This step by step diy project is about 10×10 garden pergola plans. This is a relatively small pergola with a rectangular shape and a base of 10 ft x 10 ft. Therefore, if you want to build a beautiful free standing pergola in your garden, make sure you check out my latest design. The roof of the pergola has a size of 12 ft x 12 ft. 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 one weekend
Projects made from these plans
10×10 Pergola Plans – PDF Download
Building-a-10×10-pergola
Cut and Shopping Lists
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
One week
Related
How to build a 10×10 pergola
Laying-out-the-posts—pergola
The first step of the pergola project is to layout the 6×6 posts. Use batter boards and string to layout the location of the four 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. As you can see in the image, this pergola has a 10×10 base.
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 14″ in diameter. Compact a layer of gravel to the bottom of the holes and then fit the tube forms. Fill the forms with concrete, and install the anchors.
Smart tip: Read the local building codes, so you dig the holes at the appropriate depth. For this project, I will assume you will use post anchors, so if you set the posts into concrete, make sure you add 3′ to the posts size. Use temporary braces to lock the posts into place after plumbing them vertically.
Installing the posts
Check if the posts are level (using laser level or water level) and user a circular saw to make corrections. Notice the temporarily braces that hold the posts plumb.
Continue the diy pergola project by making the support beams. Use 2×8 lumber for these beams. You can add a lot of value to your pergola by making decorative cuts to both ends of the beams. Use a circular saw for the straight cuts and a jigsaw for the curved cuts. Smooth the edges with sandpaper thoroughly.
Use 2×6 lumber for the rafters. Use a circular saw with a blade set of 2″ depth and make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Remove the excess materials with a chisel and smooth the recess with sandpaper. In addition, make decorative cuts to both ends of the beams.
Fitting-the-support-beams
Fit the support beams to the posts and use a spirit level to make sure they are perfectly horizontal. Clamp the beams to the posts and drill pilot holes through both the beams and posts. Insert 9″ carriage bolts to lock everything with attention. Use washers on both beams. Insert at least 2 bolts for each joint.
Fitting-the-rafters—pergola
Fit the rafters to the top of the pergola. Place the rafters every 24″ on center or you can go every 16″ on center (if you need more shade). Use clips and screws to secure the rafters to the support beams.
Braces
Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Use a saw to make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the pieces. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts that will enhance the look of the backyard pergola. These braces will reinforce the structure of the pergola and make it much more stable to high winds.
Fitting-the-braces—pergola
Use a spirit level to plumb the posts and then fit the braces into place, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 5 1/2″ and 3 1/2″ screws to secure the braces into place tightly. Use at least 2 screws for each joint. Make sure there are no gaps between the components, when attaching the braces.
Fitting-the-top-slats
Fit the 1×2 slats to the top of the pergola. Place these slats equally spaced for a professional result. Make sure the overhangs are equal. Center the slats to the rafters and then drill pilot holes, before inserting the 2 1/2″ screws. If installed properly, these slats will keep the rafters equally spaced on the long run.
How to make a 10×10 pergola
This pergola is large enough for covering a table with a few chairs or even a hot tub. The elegant design will ensure the structure matches perfectly the design of your house. If you want a more beefy design, you could use 8×8 lumber for the posts.
10×10 Pergola – 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. Apply a few coats of paint or stain over the components, to enhance the look of the patio pergola and to protect the components from decay.
10×10-Pergola—overall-dimensions
If you want to build a free standing pergola with a base of 10×10, this plan should be a solid choice. The roof size for this pergola is 12 ft x 12 ft, creating a lot of shade for an outdoor hanging out area. In addition, if you play your card right, this will soon become an attraction point in your backyard.
Check out the rest of my pergola plans, as I have many designs and sizes you can choose from. In addition, I have over 1500 free woodworking plans on the blog, if you need more building inspiration. See HERE a list with all my free plans. If you want to get this plans as a PDF FILE with complete Cut and Shopping lists, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
This woodworking project was about 10×10 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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