Tiered Pergola Plans

This step by step diy project is about tiered pergola plans. I have designed this unique pergola so you can build something beautiful in your garden, that it will add appeal to you rproperty. Moreover, this pergola is very practical, as well. 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

Tiered Pergola – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-pergola

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 132″ long, 4 pieces – 156″ long POSTS
B – 12 piece of 2×8 lumber – 144″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
C – 11 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long RAFTERS
D – 22 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96″ long RAFTERS
E – 23 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 144″ long, SLATS

4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12′
4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 14′
12 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 12′
11 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16′
22 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
23 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 12′
1 5/8″ screws
tube form
rafter ties
pergola hardware
9″ carriage bolts
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

Laying-out-the-posts

The first step of the project is to lay out the posts for the tiered pergola. Therefore, you need to use string and batter boards to layout the posts for the pergola. Measure the diagonals and make adjustments till they are perfectly equal. Mark the location for the posts for a professional result.

Setting the posts in concrete

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 screw.

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

Support beams

Use 2×8 lumber for the support beams. Use a jigsaw to make the curved decorative cuts to both ends of the beams. Smooth the surface with sandpaper for a professional result.

Fitting the support beams to the posts

The next step of the project is to attach the support beams to the top of the posts. Use a spirit level to check if the beams are horizontal and then clamp them to the posts tightly. Drill pilot holes through the support beams and through the posts. Insert 9″ carriage bolts (at least 2 for each joint) and then tighten the nuts.

Fitting the support beams

Attach the rest of the beams, as shown in the diagram.

rafters

Use 2×6 lumber for the shade elements. First you need to cut the rafters for the large pergola. Use the jigsaw to make the curved decorative cutouts in the beams. Smooth the surface with sandpaper. Use a circular saw to make the notches to the rafters, so you can lock them to the support beams. Make parallel cuts inside the marked areas and then remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the surface with sandpaper.

Fitting-the-rafters-to-the-tiered-pergola

Fit the rafters to the top of the support beams. Fit the rafters, as shown in the diagram. Use rafter ties to secure the shade elements to the support beams. Make sure you align everything with attention, for a professional result.

small-pergola-shading-elements

Continue the project by making the rafters for the small pergolas. Make the decorative cuts to both ends and then make the notches.

Fitting-the-shade-elements-to-the-small-pergola

Fit the rafters into place, using the instructions described in the pics. Secure the rafters in place with rafter ties and screws.

Fitting the top slats to the main pergola

Last but not least, you need to attach the 1×2 slats to the top of the pergola so you can keep the rafters equally spaced. Align the slats with attention and then insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Fitting the top slats

Fit the 1×2 trims to the top of the side pergolas, as well.

Tiered Pergola Plans – side view

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Make sure the corners are square and check if all the joints are rigid. Fill the dents and the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the tiered pergola and to protect the elements from decay.

Tiered Pergola Plans

This outdoor project is the ideal addition for your backyard, if you want to create a space for relaxation.

Tiered Pergola Plans – top view

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 tiered 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

Tiered Pergola – Free DIY Plans

How to build a tiered pergola plans

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