This step by step diy project is about 16×24 pergola plans. This is a large pergola with a base of 16’x24′. The posts are made from 6×6 lumber, the double support beams are made from 2×8 lumber and the shade elements are made from 2×8 lumber. 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
16×24 Pergola Plans
Building-a-16×24-pergola
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 11′ long POSTS
- B – 8 piece of 2×8 lumber – 11′ long SUPPORT BEAMS
- C – 18 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 18′ long SHADE ELEMENTS
- D – 12 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 36″ long BRACES
- E – 30 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 11′ long SLATS
- 8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12′
- 8 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 12′
- 18 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 18′
- 30 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 12′
- 3 1/2″ screws
- 5 1/2″ screws
- rafter ties
- 8 pieces of 9″ carriage bolt
- wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
- ties
- 6×6 post anchor 6 pieces
- post to beam connector 12 pieces
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One week
Related
How to build a 16×24 pergola plans
Fitting-the-posts—large-pergola
The first 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.
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
Use 2×8 lumber for the support beams. Make decorative cuts to both ends of the beams. You can use a large circular item so you can draw the curved lines. Get the job done with a jigsaw and then smooth the edges for a neat result.
Fitting the support beams
Fit the support beams to the top of the posts. Use a spirit level to plumb the support beams and then clamp the beams into place tightly. Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts. Insert the 9″ carriage bolts and then tighten the nuts.
Building-the-rafters
Use 2×8 lumber for the shade elements. Make the curved decorative cuts to both ends of the beams. Mark the cut lines and then get the job done with a saw. In addition, you need to make a few 2″ deep notches, so you can fit the shade elements to the support beams. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then use a circular saw to make parallel cuts. Use a chisel to remove the excess and then smooth the recess with sandpaper.
Decorative ends
If you want to make your pergola stand out, you need to cut decorative ends to the rafters. You can choose from many designs, this one being a starting point.
Fitting the rafters to the posts
Fit the shade elements to the support beams. Place the shade elements equally spaced and then lock them into place with rafter ties. Alternatively, you could drill pilot holes through the shade elements (above the notches) and insert 5 1/2″ screws so you can lock them into place tightly.
Fitting-the-rafters-to-pergola
Fit the rest of the rafters to the top of the large pergola. As you can imagine, you can modify the space between the rafters to suit your needs. The more rafters you add the more shade will be under the pergola. The less rafters you add the less shade will be under the pergola.
Fitting the braces
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″ screws to secure the braces into place tightly.
Fitting the top slats
Fit the 2×2 slats to the top of the pergola. Place these slats equally spaced for a professional result. Center the slats to the rafters and then drill pilot holes, before inserting the 3 1/2″ screws.
16×24 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.
16×24 Pergola Plans – side view
This sturdy pergola is easy to build and is extremely large. You can comfortably fit a few sofas, tables and chairs.
How to build a 16×24 pergola
If you want to add charm and unique appeal to your garden, I recommend you to check out these plans. 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.
This woodworking project was about 16×24 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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