If you have made the decision to build your own pergola, doing a little research will be the first step. Begin by finding a good location where you will be building. Next you will need to figure out the design and size that will work.

Some common types of pergola:

Free Standing Pergola: A free standing pergola will be away from your home, and consist of four corner posts. This style is more common and preferred for overall appearance.

Attached Pergola: An attached pergola will be attached to one side of the house, while the other side will rest on two or more outer posts.

You can find free plans by going to your local library and looking for D.I.Y. pergola books. By looking at some books you can get ideas of the style you will want. Allot of times these books will have plans and will usually have a material list.

Searching online is another great source for plans. There are many sites that offer free plans. By doing a little research you can find just the right design. One of the drawbacks with free plans is finding the size you need. Because of the simple structure, modifying plans to achieve the size you want should not be a problem. If modifying free plans is an issue, invest in some plans. When buying plans, they will be available in many sizes, and the price is low, it is a small investment to get the best results.

Choosing a simple design such as a square or rectangle shape can be built by most do-it-yourself ers. Most plans will come with a cut-out list. Take your time to go over it, making sure you fully understand it before you begin. Once you are ready, cut out all the material. When measuring, be patient, take your time to make sure everything is accurate. Cut all the pieces and assemble according to the plans you will be using.

Having plans with a material list will give you a good idea how much this project will cost. If you don't have the time, or you feel you don't have the carpentry skills, show the plans to a contractor or local handyman to get some estimate.

If any digging will be involved make sure you are aware of any utility lines. Be aware of utility lines to avoid damage or injury to yourself.

Also research the material you will be using. Wood is the most common material, always choose the best lumber your budget will allow. Select lumber that works for your climate, and you will also want to keep in mind the maintenance requirements. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices, it looks good, and it will last many years.

Most of the tools used for this project are pretty common. If you find yourself buying some new tools, invest in the best tools your budget will allow. These tools will be a long term investment for building other projects.

Building a pergola is not a hard task. With proper research and preparation, most homeowners can do it themselves. Building it yourself will not only save you money, it will give you the satisfaction of knowing you have a well built pergola that will last many years.