12×16 Free Standing Pergola – Free DIY Plans

If you want to learn more about 12×16 simple pergola plans you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. This is a medium sized free standing pergola that you can build in a few days with common tools and materials. You can make make a few design adjustments to my pergola, so it suits your needs. In addition, I have these plans in an easy printable format for you, so you can download them. Remember to read the local codes before starting the project and to comply with the local regulations. The codes differ from one area to another, so it is safer to read them thoroughly.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden project. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

12×16 Free Standing Pergola – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-12×16-pergola

Materials

• A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft long POSTS
• B – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 18 ft long SUPPORT BEAMS
• C – 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 ft long RAFTERS
• D – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 36″ long, 4 pieces – 46 1/2″ long BRACES
• E – 12 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 18 ft long SLATS

• 8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 18 ft
• 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 ft
• 12 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 18 ft
• 16 pieces of 9″ carriage bolts
• 4 post anchors
• 50 pieces of 4 1/2″ screws
• rafter ties
• 2 boxes 1 1/2″ structural screws
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One week

12×16 Pergola – Cut Diagram

Building a rectangular pergola

Laying out the posts

The first step of the garden project is to select the location for the simple rectangular pergola. Make sure the ground is level and then layout the pergola posts with batter boards and string. Measure the diagonals and apply the 3-4-5 rule to the corners, to make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the posts into concrete

You can set the posts into place with several methods. First of all, you can attach the posts to an already existing concrete slats using metal anchors. Alternatively, you can dig 2-3′ deep holes and pour concrete footing in which you set post anchors. Last but not least, you can dig the holes and set the posts directly into concrete.

For this project, we will assume you will use metal anchors. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts vertically and use temporarily braces to lock them, until you build the roof for the pergola.

Beams

Use 2×6 lumber for the support beams. Make the decorative cuts to both ends of the beams with a circular saw / jigsaw. You can use your creativity and change the decorative cuts to both ends of the beams. Smooth the cuts with sandpaper.

Fitting the beams

Attach the beams to the posts, making sure they overhang 12″ on both ends. Leave 10 3/4″ from the top of the posts to the beams. Use a spirit level to make sure the beams are perfectly horizontal and then clamp them into place tightly. Drill pilot holes through the beams and posts (at least 2 holes for each joint) and insert 9″ carriage bolts. Secure the bolts with a nut and use a washer, as well.

Support beams

Next, build the rafters from 2×6 lumber. Mark the cut lines and get the job done with a circular saw.

12×16-Pergola-Plans—-Free-DIY-Plans

Fit the rafters to the top of the support beams, equally spaced, as shown in the plans. Use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to secure the rafters to the support beams. Place the rafters equally-spaced, as shown in the diagram. Notice the equal 12″ overhangs on both ends.

Pergola rafters

Use a 2×4 lumber for the shade elements. If you want a chunky design you can go with 2x6s, but that will probably add unnecessary weight to the structure and make it way more expensive

Fitting-the-top-pergola-slats

In order to create the actual shade to the pergola, you should attach the boards to the top of the structure. Cut a wood block at 14 1/2″ and fit them between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes and use rafter ties to lock the boards to the rafters. Insert 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the rafters into place tightly.

Braces

Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Use a miter saw or a circular saw to make the 45 degree cuts at both ends of the braces. Next, use a jigsaw to make beautiful curved cut out to the braces, as shown in the diagram.

Fitting the braces to the pergola

Plumb the posts with a spirit level and then attach the braces to the pergola, as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes and insert 4 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

How to build a 12×16 pergola

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few cots of stain over the components to protect the pergola from the elements and to make your project pop. This is a really simple project with a basic design that you can build in one week with common tools. See free plans for building a 12×12 pergola HERE.

12×16 Pergola Plans – side view

You can add a canopy to the top of the pergola, if you want to add more shade and create a waterproof area.

This small pergola is super simple to build, but it will add a lot of value to your home. This pergola is simple and made of wood you can find at lumberyards. You can build this pergola in a few days and the best part is that you can attach it to an already existing concrete slab. Make sure you take a look over all my pergola plans HERE.

This diy project was about 12×16 free standing pergola plans. If you have enjoyed the free project, I recommend you to share it with your friends, by using the social media widgets.