4'' x 4'' Lumber - 90" Length
Wood - Lumber
1
DIY Pergola – this graceful, gorgeous pergola is just waiting for you to build it.
Made with heavy-duty 4x4 lumber, this pergola design is meant to last for decades. A true architectural element, this open roof pergola can play host to any manner of climbing plants or vines, while providing bountiful shade in the summer.
And please -don’t let the design intimidate you! This pergola can be built in a few straightforward steps, and our precut lumber list makes the build process much simpler.
And of course, the choice of wood, materials, and hardware is entirely up to you – which is one of the joys of any DIY project. From cast iron fittings to modern steel banding, the choice of decorative elements is entirely customizable.
Ideal for: patios, gardens, porches, backyards, summer DIY projects, and more.
Ready to build your own? Great! Just check out the DIY build guide and diagrams below to get started.
Instructions
A note before starting -
Please understand - the below diagrams are genuinely and carefully designed to help you navigate the build process. However, we don’t include specific recommendations for which tools, hardware, or products to use. These truly are “DIY” designs.
As such – a significant portion of the build-process will be up to you, the builder. So please know, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to assemble any of our designs! If you need to depart from the instructions, or rearrange things along the way, feel free to.
The only thing we ask: please be safe! And of course, there’s no shame in asking an expert for help or seeking guidance from your local professionals at any time.
And please: enjoy the process!
Step 1
First up: the main post/beam support structure.
To start, use the diagram above to determine which materials you’ll need to begin building.
For this step, you’ll be constructing the main vertical and horizontal structure that will support your pergola. As these elements are rather large, we highly recommend laying these flat on the ground, and assembling your structures there.
First, you’ll want to measure and mark your 1x6” lumber at the places where it will connect to your 4x4 vertical posts.
Then, go ahead and attach each piece, as pictured in the diagrams. Ensure that your lumber connects at right angles, and the top of the 1x6’s sit flush with the top of the 4x4 posts.
Once this step is complete, you should have two fully functional support structures.
Step 2
Next, you’ll need to install your top “deck” structure.
NOTE: when installing these we highly recommend having at least two people on hand. This pergola is a large structure, and having four hands available will make the process much safer, easier, and faster.
For this step, please remember to measure and mark both your top deck 1x6’s and your support structures for accurate vertical and horizontal placement before attempting to maneuver you’re the whole structure into place for attachment.
Recommendation: it might be easiest to place the whole structure on its side for this process (and for the next step as well). This way, you can simply ‘tip’ your pergola back over once it’s fully assembled.
Step 3
Almost there!
For this step, you’ll be adding the final 4x4 support posts.
Please, take time to measure and mark the appropriate areas for spacing before attempting to connect your posts.
Then, it’s time to maneuver everything into place, connect it, and (if necessary) tip your pergola back over to a standing position.
And that’s it. How did it go?
We hope your new pergola is as graceful as your garden.
Enjoy!