How to Make a Simple DIY Pergola

Want a simple DIY pergola to make for your backyard or patio? Then you’re in luck! Because this easy single post pergola can be made without any plans!

Follow this simple tutorial to make your own free-standing pergola for your patio (or anywhere else in your yard).  It’s just one of the ideas in our free Outdoor Living Guide.

This easy DIY pergola was built on a budget, too. So don’t think you need to spend a fortune to make a big statement in your backyard. I can assure you, it didn’t cost anywhere near the cost of this pergola!

EASY DIY PERGOLA TUTORIAL

MATERIALS TO BUILD A SIMPLE PERGOLA

1. Two 10′ treated 4″ x 4″s for upright posts
2. One 8′ treated 4″ x 4″ for top beam
3. Two brackets for top beam
4. Seven 2′ sections of 2″ x 2″ for cross pieces
5. Small pieces of 1/2″ x 4″ to cover brackets (optional)
6. One bag of concrete mix
7. Posthole digger
8. Post level
9. Measuring tape
10. Saw
11. Screwdriver and screws
12. Hammer and nails

As far as DIY projects go, this is a pretty easy one that will make a big impact.  If you can dig holes, and make straight cuts through a board, you can build this simple pergola.

This is a single post pergola, so you can put it anywhere you want.  Here’s the instructions how to do it:

1. Dig Two Holes

Once you’ve chosen the location for your pergola, use a posthole digger to make two holes for the side posts.

The holes should be 2′ deep, and 6′ apart.  This will make the finished height of your pergola 8′ tall.

2. Level the Side Posts

When the holes are both about the same depth, put the side posts into the holes.  Use a post level (which is different than a normal carpenters level – a post level wraps around the post) to make them plumb in both directions.  Temporarily secure them upright with a couple braces made from scrap lumber.

Your two holes are unlikely to be exactly the same depth, or your ground might slope. Here’s how to make sure your top beam will be level:

• Make a pencil mark on one post. It doesn’t really matter where. I made mine about waist height.
• Hold up a board between the two posts. Put one end of the board on the pencil mark.
• Using a carpenters level (which is different than the post level), hold the board level and make a matching mark on the second post.
• Measure from the pencil marks to the top of each post. The lengths will likely be slightly different. For example, one might be 57″ from the pencil mark to the top of the post, and the other might be 59.5″.
• Use your saw to trim the longer post.

After cutting, repeat these steps to verify that the tops of the posts are level with each other.

3. Pour the Concrete

With the posts leveled and braced in the holes, mix up a bag of concrete according to the package directions.  

Put half the mix into each hole.  Use the post level to recheck that the posts are plumb in all directions, and then allow the concrete to set.

Once the concrete has set, fill in the remainder of the hole with dirt.

4. Attach the Cross Bars

Cut seven two-foot sections from a 2″ x 2″ board to use as cross bars. These create extra support for plants that will grow across the top.

Mark the top beam at one-foot intervals, and then attach a cross bar at each mark using screws.

5. Install the top beam

Put a bracket on the top of each side post, and then lift the top beam into place.

Measure from the outside edge of each post to the end of the top beam.  Adjust as necessary to make the length equal on each end before you nail through the holes in the bracket to secure everything.

I didn’t like the look of the exposed brackets, so I covered them with short pieces of 1/2″ x 4″ board.  By setting the blade of my circular saw at an angle, I was able to cut beveled edges.

Enjoy Your Do It Yourself Pergola

My backyard used to be an overgrown disaster. It is now a beautiful outdoor living space. Here’s my entire backyard makeover on a dime.

The rock patio is a favorite, too. Here’s a great resource of budget-friendly concrete alternatives that I considered using.

I built two of these single post pergolas in my yard. Under one, I have my bistro set and a hanging lantern, for an outdoor dining space.  

A swing hanging from the second pergola has become my favorite spot for summertime reading. I’ve surrounded it with large flower containers full of colorful blooms (here’s some money saving tips for putting together large flower pots, including some of the best pot fillers to save money on potting soil.)

Your handmade pergola can become a structure for climbing plants, such as wisteria, clematis, or morning glory vine.  Over time, it turns into a beautiful screen for shade and privacy.

Download your free copy of our Outdoor Living Idea Guide to get more ideas and inspiration for transforming your backyard into your sanctuary.

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