10×20 Free Standing Pergola – Free DIY Plans

If you want to learn more about 10×20 simple free standing pergola plans you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. This is a rectangular pergola with a generous roof that has a 10’x20′ area. This makes for a perfect project is you want to create that unique shaded area next to your bbq or firepit. 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.

10×20 Free Standing Pergola – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-10×20-pergola

Materials

• 1 – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft long POSTS
• 2 – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 100″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• 3 – 4 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 20 ft long SUPPORT BEAMS
• 4 – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 47 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 31 3/4″ long BRACES
• 5 – 15 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft long RAFTERS
• 6 – 18 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 10 ft long TOP SLATS

• 8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 19 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
• 18 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 10 ft
• 4 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 20 ft
• 8 pieces of 9″ carriage bolts
• 4 post anchors
• 50 pieces of 4 1/2″ screws
• 200 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 30 pieces rafter ties
• 1 box 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

Building a rectangular wooden pergola – Laying out

Laying-out-the-posts-for-pergola

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. This is a free standing pergola so you don’t need to attach it to an already existing structure.

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.

Building the frame of the pergola

Side-beams

Use 2×6 lumber for the side 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-side-beams

Attach the beams to the posts, making sure they overhang 6″ on both ends. Leave 11 1/4″ 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—10×20-pergola

Next, build the rafters from 2×12 lumber. Mark the cut lines and get the job done with a circular saw.

Fitting-the-support-beams

Fit the support beams to the top of the side beams. Make sure the beams overhang the posts 16″ on both sides. Clamp the beams to the posts tightly and drill pilot holes. Use 2 carriage bolt screws for each post.

Building the pergola roof

Shade-elements

Use 2×6 lumber for the pergola rafters. Mark the cut lines to the beams and then get the job done with a circular saw. Make parallel cuts inside the marked areas and then remove the excess material with a chisel.

Fitting-the-shade-elements

In order to create the actual shade to the pergola, you should attach the boards to the top of the structure. 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. We need the braces because they will add more rigidity to the structure and thus make it super durable and wind resistant.

Fitting-the-braces

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.

Fitting-the-top-slats

You need to install the 1×2 slats to the top of the pergola roof. We need to install these slats to keep the rafters equally spaced. Align everything with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Fitting the roofing

10×20 Pergola Plans – Free DIY Plans

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.

10×20 Pergola Plans – GPF

Remember that the roof of the pergola is 10 ft by 20 ft, and not the base. Everything is designed so you build a durable structure that withstands strong winds and even snow. The large openings require beefy lumber, therefore the use of 2×12 boards. I really enjoyed making the design for this pergola and I hope you like it as well.

Since you are here, you might as well take a look over these 12×16 pergola plans.

10×20 Pergola Plans – side view

This medium sized pergola that you can build in one weekend. 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 10×20 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.