10x10 Pergola - Free DIY Plans | HowToSpecialist - How to Build, Step by Step DIY Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about 10x10 pergola plans. This square outdoor pergola has a nice design and it will really add value to your backyard. If you live in a windy area, I would recommend you to fit a few braces so it stiffens the frame even more. Remember that you need to read the local building codes before starting the construction, so you comply with the legal requirements.

I recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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10×10 Pergola – Free DIY Plans

Building a 10×10 pergola

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′ long POSTS
B – 4 piece of 2×8 lumber – 18′ long SUPPORT BEAMS
C – 15 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 18′ long SHADE ELEMENTS
D – 11 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 18′ long SLATS
E – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 39 1/2″ long BRACES
F – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 44 3/4″ long BRACES

6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
19 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 18′
11 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 18′
2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
1 5/8″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
6×6 post anchor, tube form
rafter ties, 1 1/2″ structural screws
8″ screws
8 pieces of 9″ carriage bolts
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
post to beam connectors

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Time

One Week

Building a 10×10 free standing pergola

Laying out the posts

The first step of the project is to layout the square pergola. Therefore, use string and batter boards to lay out the location of the posts. Measure the diagonals and make adjustments till they are equal. Moreover, you need to apply the 3-4-5 rule to each of the four corners, so you make sure they are right angled.

Fitting the posts

You can set the 4×4 posts in concrete or you can pour footings and secure them in place with anchors. Dig 2-3′ deep holes and 14″ in diameter and then compact a layer of gravel to the bottom. Fit the 12″ tubes and set the 4×4 posts into place.

Use a spirit level to plumb the posts and then secure them into place with temporarily braces. Pour the concrete in the tube forms and let it dry out for several days.

Supports beams

Use 2×8 lumber for the support beams. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the beams, for decorative purposes. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting the support beams

Align the support beams to the top of the beams and then clamp them into place tightly. Drill pilot holes through the 6×6 posts and through the beams. Insert 9″ carriage bolts (two for each joint) and lock everything tightly. Make sure the beams are horizontal and check if the corners are square.

Building the rafters

The next step of the project is to build the shade elements from 2×6 lumber. Make the notches to the beams, so you can fit them into place tightly. Moreover, you need to make the decorative cuts at both ends, as well.

Fitting the rafters

Fit the shade elements to the top of the square pergola and place them equally spaced. Drill pilot holes through the top of the rafters and insert 8″ screws to lock them tightly to the support beams. Alternatively, you should use rafter ties to lock the components together tightly. You can adjust the size between the shade elements, so you let more or less light to the covered area.

Fitting the top slats

Last but not least, fit the 1×2 slats to the shade elements, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to keep the rafters equally spaced.

10×10 Pergola Plans – Free DIY Tutorial

After assembling the 10×10 square pergola, I recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and let it dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with sandpaper and then apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the pergola.

Building a 10×10 square pergola

This 10×10 pergola is the ideal trade off between costs and space, so you should probably consider building one for your backyard. This square pergola has an elegant design, but you can make a few adjustments to suit your needs. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest. See my other pergola plans, as well, for more building inspiration.

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