Free-standing pergola plans with every post and footing sized
Beta — engineering review in progressOpen pergolas from 8 x 8 to 16 x 12 ft on 6x6 posts, uplift-rated post bases and round concrete footings, with knee braces at every post and a hurricane tie on every rafter. Beams and rafters are sized with the AWC DCA 6 tables. No roof, no attachment to the house.
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Classic 4-post pergola
Beta — engineering review in progressFour 6x6 posts, doubled beams and open rafters with knee braces: the classic free-standing pergola over a patio.
- Size
- 12' x 12'
- Skill
- Medium
- Materials
- from $695
Shade-slat pergola
Beta — engineering review in progressThe classic frame with rafters closer together and 2x2 slats across the top for about half shade.
- Size
- 12' x 12'
- Skill
- Medium
- Materials
- from $887
Long 6-post pergola
Beta — engineering review in progressSix posts carry a 14 to 16 ft long pergola, for a long patio, a dining table and a lounge corner under one frame.
- Size
- 16' x 12'
- Skill
- Advanced
- Materials
- from $1,437
Classic pergola: size, posts and cost
The 4-post pergola at each size, 8 ft under the beams, with its beams, footings and estimated materials.
| Size | Beams | Rafters | Footings | Economy (est.) | Durable (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8' x 8' | 2-2x8 | 2x8 at 24 in | 12 in round, 36 in deep | $695–$1,058 | $925–$1,418 |
| 10' x 10' | 2-2x10 | 2x8 at 24 in | 12 in round, 36 in deep | $761–$1,145 | $1,093–$1,660 |
| 12' x 10' | 2-2x12 | 2x8 at 24 in | 16 in round, 36 in deep | $905–$1,341 | $1,309–$1,972 |
| 12' x 12' | 3-2x10 | 2x10 at 24 in | 16 in round, 36 in deep | $1,015–$1,486 | $1,536–$2,326 |
| 14' x 12' | 3-2x12 | 2x10 at 24 in | 16 in round, 36 in deep | $1,142–$1,664 | $1,886–$2,816 |
Worked out by our plan engine. Costs are estimates from typical US home-center prices, concrete and connectors included.
Pergola questions
Does a pergola need concrete footings?
What size posts does a pergola need?
How far can pergola beams span?
Can I put a roof on the pergola later?
More in our guide: Pergola post, beam and rafter sizes
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Two pergola concepts sized for your patio, free in 3D.