16×32 Freestanding Pergola
A 16×32 open-lattice pergola, our largest freestanding shade structure — framing drawings, cut list, and materials BOM.
7-day free trial, then $99 once. Framing drawings, cut list, and BOM for this exact pergola.
Covered Area
512 sq ft
Post Layout
16′ × 32′ (post centerlines)
Post Height
10′
Roof Pitch
1/12
Design Wind
115 mph, Exposure B
About This Design
At 16×32, this is the largest open-lattice pergola in the catalog — a shade structure built for a full patio, an outdoor kitchen, or a small event space. It stands entirely on its own posts, with a poured-pad foundation and no wall to lean on anywhere along its length.
A structure this size still runs on the same knee-braced, ADR 027-engineered post-and-beam framing as our smallest pergola — the ruleset scales, the rafters and posts are just sized for the longer bays.
Key Features
- 16×32 open-lattice roof on 8×8 posts
- Rafter tails and knee braces sized by the pergola engineering ruleset (ADR 027)
- Surface post foundation on a poured slab or existing pad
- Full cut list and materials BOM through the same framing engine as every plan
Build Notes
Set posts on a poured slab or an existing pad, then run the beams and rafters per the framing drawings. Knee braces at each post-to-beam joint are part of the load path, not decoration — do not omit them.
The BOM covers posts, beams, rafters, and hardware. Concrete for the pad is priced separately or supplied by others.
Best For
Right-sized for shading a patio, deck, or outdoor dining area. Want a solid roof instead of open lattice? See our carport plans.
Engineering Notes
The framing engine checks this pergola's posts, knee braces, footings and roof uplift at 115 mph, Exposure B — the ASCE 7 basic wind speed across most of the interior United States. It is not a stamped design: a higher wind zone, an open or coastal site, or a jurisdiction that asks for sealed drawings needs a local engineer to review it.
- Girder plies must bear on notched post shoulders (1½″ seat each side) — the interior-post reaction of 2891 lb exceeds what through-bolts alone carry perpendicular to grain (NDS ch. 12, wet service). Bolts clamp the sandwich and resist uplift; they do not hang the girder.
- Knee-brace force 1932 lb on the 4 width braces (transverse wind) at 115 mph Exp B — use 2 × 5/8" through-bolts at each brace end in one row along the brace, 2.5″ apart, 4.375″ from the brace end (2101 lb, single shear, wet-service wind).
Interactive 3D Preview
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 16×32 pergola cost to build?
The materials estimate on this page is computed live from the plan's BOM: posts, beams, rafters and hardware. Concrete, footings by others, and any electrical are accessories outside the BOM.
Do I need a permit for a 16×32 pergola?
Freestanding accessory structures are frequently exempt below a jurisdiction's square-footage threshold, but setback and height rules still apply. Confirm with your local building department before building.
What materials are included in the 16×32 pergola plans?
The plans include framing drawings with a cut list and a materials BOM covering the posts, beams, rafters, purlins, fasteners and hardware, plus the interactive 3D preview. A freestanding pergola does not come with the multi-sheet printable permit plan set — that set draws a building's walls and foundation, which a pergola has none of. Bring the framing drawings to your building department if your jurisdiction requires a permit.
