Wooden Pergola Plan with Built-In Bench

DIY Pergola Plans with a Cozy Bench

This lovely pergola is just waiting to grace your garden.

This DIY pergola plan is almost as easy to build as it is to enjoy.

The design itself comes with an integrated bench, and the sides provide vertical support for climbing plants and vines. The bench is large enough to accommodate a wide variety of cushions, and the structure provides enough shade to enjoy those hot summer days.

Of course, the choice of wood, materials, and hardware is up to you – which is one of the joys of any DIY project!

Ideal for: patios, gardens, porches, backyards, family DIY projects, and more.

Ready to build your own? Great! Just check out the DIY build guide and diagrams below to get started.

Instructions

A note before starting -

Please understand - the below diagrams are genuinely and carefully designed to help you navigate the build process. However, we don’t include specific recommendations for which tools, hardware, or products to use. These truly are “DIY” designs.

As such – a significant portion of the build-process will be up to you, the builder. So please know, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to assemble any of our designs! If you need to depart from the instructions, or rearrange things along the way, feel free to.

The only thing we ask: please be safe! And of course, there’s no shame in asking an expert for help or seeking guidance from your local professionals at any time.

And please: enjoy the process!

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Wooden pergola with bench 3D render, second view

Wooden pergola with bench 3D render, third view

Build a Pergola with a Comfortable Bench

Step 1 Building the Base and Posts of the Pergola

Every pergola needs a sturdy base. So, let’s start there!

First up: you’ll want to attach two 60” 4x4” pieces of lumber to four 90” 4x4’s (as shown in the diagram above). The best way to do this is to lay the lumber down and attach these on ground before going vertical in the next step.

Also: the height of the 60” horizontal framing is up to you: just keep in mind that the height might be difficult to change later.

Next, you’ll want to attach your 25.25” 2x4’s (x2) to one side of one of your 60” vertical sides. At this point, the only step left is to connect all the pieces in a vertical position.

If your vertical frame is already braced and/or standing: this should be easy. If not, you’ll need to find a way to brace the frame before connecting everything. An extra set of hands works well for this purpose, and so does temporary cross bracing.

NOTE: alternatively, you can also skip ahead to Step 3 (see below) and connect your roof structure in order to help with any cross bracing issues.

Once all your horizontal 25.25” pieces are appropriately connected though, your vertical frame should look like the one in the diagram above.

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Step 2 Making the Seat and Backrest of Our Pergola

Now it’s time to add a seat (and some permanent bracing to your structure!).

You’ll want to start by affixing three 60” 2x4’s to the back of your pergola, at a comfortable height sitting against. These will form the back rest of the bench.

Then, affix three 25.25” 2x4’s to the top of your horizontal framing; one in the center and one at each end (as shown). The bench slats themselves will rest on these, so make sure not to leave any screw heads or fixtures protruding from the top.

Next, attach four 61.5” 1x6’s (your bench surface) to the top of these.

And now you have a bench!

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Step 3 Putting Together the Roof Structure of the Pergola

Time for the roof!

For this step, you’ll probably want to attach the outer 1x6” roof members (outside the 4x4’s), followed by the inner frame.

Doing so in this order will allow you to easily nail or affix your 1x6” roof rungs to the two 67” inner 1x6’s at ground level (before lifting the whole structure up and affixing it to the frame).

Of course, feel free to complete this step according to whatever methodology works best for your situation.

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Step 4 Affixing the Side Supports of the Pergola

Last but not least – side supports!

Of course, you’ll want to take care installing the lattice structure that will grace your pergola. 2x2” lumber is easy to damage, so we recommend treating it gently.

And once that’s done… you’re done!

Feel free to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold drink in the shade of your new pergola.

You’ve earned it!

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A Modern DIY Pergola!

Were you only looking for the pergola ? Don't worry, we have a modern pergola ready to be made!.Build this DIY pergola with heavy-duty 4x4 lumber. This pergola looks amazing in any garden! Find the 3D modeling, list of parts and step-by-step guide to this DIY Pergola. Enjoy the process!