For more than 50 years, The Family Handyman Magazine has been providing readers with great home improvement projects with easy to follow step-by-step instructions, plans and photographs. Now, many of their best backyard structure building articles are available online, so you can learn how to build your own pergola, arbor, screen room or outdoor living space with these free downloadable plans:

 

How to Build a Garden Arbor and Swing  You can build this stylish, arched garden arbor with a swing in only a couple of days

Build a Garden Archway  You can make a garden trellis from just $25 of steel rebar. And you won’t have to weld a thing.

Screen House Plans  Build the perfect backyard retreat with plans and detailed how-to photos for a Craftsman-Style outdoor room.

How to Build a Pergola  Build a classic pergola in your backyard to shade your patio or deck using wood beams and lattice set on precast columns. 

How to Build an Outdoor Living Room Turn your patio or deck into a comfortable, protected outdoor room. This DIY-friendly design features exposed, natural wood beams and massive-looking (but easy to build) wooden piers.

How to Build an Arbor with Built-in Benches  Build this simple seating/planter/arbor project to create a quiet, private space in your yard or on a deck. It provides shade and comfort as well as a welcome screen from neighbors. You can install it on an existing patio or build it on your deck.

How to Build a Patio Privacy Screen  This airy screen provides the perfect solution to a less-than-private patio or deck by screening in your outdoor living area. The screen offers an attractive look and unique design, which will enhance your yard, yet it's also DIY friendly to build.

Visit www.TheFamilyHandyman.com for even more backyard project plans.