16×32 Freestanding Pergola
A 16×32 open-lattice pergola, our largest freestanding shade structure — framing drawings, cut list, and materials BOM.
Open this pergola in the 3D designer, change the footprint, post height and pitch, and price it as you go. The framing drawings, cut list and full quantities are $99 once, when you're ready to build.
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.
