10×18 Free Standing Pergola Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about 10x18 free standing pergola plans. I had many requests for a large rectangular pergola that features a modern design and a sturdy structure. This pergola can be built in less than one week and you can personalize it to suit your needs. 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.

Made from this plan

10×18 Pergola Plans – Step by Step

Building a 10×18 pergola

Materials

• A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′ long POSTS
• B – 4 piece of 2×8 lumber – 12′ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• C – 4 pieces of 2×12 lumber – 20′ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• D, E – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 45 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 36 1/4″ long BRACES
• F – 14 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′ long TOP SLATS
• G – 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 20′ long TOP SLATS

• 6×6 lumber – 8 ft – 6 pieces
• 6×6 lumber – 10 ft – 1 piece
• 2×8 lumber – 12 ft – 4 pieces
• 2×12 lumber – 20 ft – 4 pieces
• 2×6 lumber – 12 ft – 14 pieces
• 1×2 lumber – 20 ft – 5 pieces
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 3 1/2″ screws
• 5″ screws
• 6×6 post anchor
• post to beam connectors
• tube form
• rafter ties
• 8 pieces of 9″ carriage bolts
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

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

Time

• One Week

How to build a 10×18 pergola

Laying out the posts

The first step of the project is to layout the garden free standing 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. It is also important to select the location for the pergola and to comply to the local codes, if any. Remove the vegetation layer before setting the posts into place.

Fitting the posts

You can set the 6×6 posts in concrete or you can pour footings and secure them in place with anchors. Dig 2-3′ deep holes and 16″ in diameter and then compact a layer of gravel to the bottom. Fit the tube forms and set the 6×6 posts into place (or fit the anchors). 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.

Remember that in my case, the plans are designed considering you will lock the posts using anchors. If you plan to lock the posts in concrete, just add 3′ to all the posts.

Base beans

We are going to use 2×8 lumber for the side support beams.

Decorative ends for side beams

As you can see in the diagram, you need to make decorative cuts to both ends of the beams. Mark the cut lines on the beams and get the job done with a jigsaw or with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Side beams

Fit the support beams to the posts, as shown in the diagram. Clamp the beams to the posts and use a spirit level to make sure they are perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes through both the beams and the posts and insert 9″ carriage bolts, washers and nuts. Use 2 bolts for each joint.

Support beams

Use 2×12 lumber for the support beams.

End of the beams

Make decorative ends to the support beams. You can use my pattern or come with something that suits your tastes best.

Fitting the support beams

Fit the beams to the top of the pergola. Align it so it has 12″ overhangs on both ends. Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts. Insert 9″ carriage bolts to lock the beams into place tightly.

Braces

Use 6×6 lumber for the diagonal braces. Use a miter saw to make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces.

Fitting the braces

Fit the braces to the corners of the pergola. Align everything, drill pilot holes and secure the braces to the frame of the pergola with screws.

Rafters – 10×18 pergola

Use 2×6 lumber for the rafters. Make the clots to the beams, so you can install them to the support beams. Make parallel cuts inside the marked areas and remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the surface with sandpaper.

Rafter ends

Make the decorative cuts to both ends of the rafters.

Fitting the rafters

Fit the rafters to the top of the pergola. Place the rafters equally spaced. Use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the rafters to the support beams.

Fitting the top slats

Fit the 1×2 slats to the top of the pergola. Center the slats to get equal overhangs. Place the slats equally spaced. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock it to the rafters.

10×18 Pergola Plans

This large rectangular pergola is the right project for your backyard if you want some shade and a place to relax during the hot summer days.

How to build a 10×18 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 sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to enhance the look of the components and to protect them from the elements. Since you are here, you might as well take a look over the 10×12 pergola plans.

10×18 Pergola Plans – side view

This 10×16 pergola is large enough for creating a really nice relaxation area in the backyard. With so much space you can fit a table, a few chairs and even a sofa. 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.

Thank you for reading our project about free standing 10×18 pergola plans and I recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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