20×20 Picnic Shelter Roof Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 20×20 picnic shelter roof plans. This article features detailed instructions for building the gable roof for a square picnic shelter. The roof has a 30 degree slope that should be able to drain the water and snow easily. Check out PART 1 of the project to learn how to frame the shelter. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

20×20 Picnic Shelter Roof Plans

Building-a-20×20-pavilion

Cut & Shopping Lists

• E – 22 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 169 3/4″ long RAFTERS
• F – 12 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 6 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 4 pieces – 22 3/4″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 22 3/4″x48″ long ROOF
• G – 600 sq ft of tar paper, 600 sq ft asphalt shingles ROOFING
• H – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 59 3/4″ long TRIMS
• I – 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 171 3/4″ long TRIMS

• 22 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16′
• 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 16′
• 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 20′
• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6′
• 18 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 44 pieces of rafter ties
• 1000 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws
• 500 pieces of 2″ brad nails
• 600 sq ft of tar paper, 600 sq ft asphalt shingles
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• PART 1: 20×20 Picnic Shelter Plans
• PART 2: 20×20 Shelter Roof Plans

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How to build a large picnic shelter

Building-the-rafters

The first step of the project is to build the rafters for the roof using 2×6 beams. As you can see in the plans, you need to cut both ends of the beams at 60 degrees. This means you need to make 30 degree cuts.

Top notch

Next, you need to make a notch to the top of the rafters, as shown in the diagram. The notch will help you fit the rafters to the top ridge beam easily. Use a circular saw to make the cuts and clean the recess with a chisel.

Bottom notch

Make a notch to the bottom of the rafters, so that they can fit into place easily. Mark the cut lines with attention and get the job done with a saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Fitting-the-rafters-to-the-top-of-the-gazebo

Attach the rafters to the top plates of the pavilion, at one end, and to the top ridge, at the other end. Make sure you space the rafters as shown in the diagram, otherwise the roofing sheets won’t fit properly. Use can use framing nails to lock the rafters into place, but the ideal method would be to use ties. Place the rafters every 24″ on center.

Gable end trims – dimensions

Build decorative trims for the gable ends from 2×4 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the slats and get the job done with a saw. Make a 15 degree cut to one end and two 45 degree cuts at the other end.

Gable end trims

Fit the trims to the front and back of the picnic shelter. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and lock them into place with 3 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the side trims

Attach the 1×8 trims to the ends of the rafters, as shown in the plans. Align the trims with attention and secure them into place with 2″ brad nails.

Fitting the roofing sheets

Use 3/4″ plywood sheets for the roofing. Lay the sheets to the rafters following the pattern shown in the plans. Use 1 5/8″ screws to lock the sheets to the rafters. Leave no gaps between the sheets for a professional result.

Building the front and back trims

Build the trims for the front and back gable ends of the pavilion from 1×8 lumber. Cut both ends of the trims at 60 degrees, which means you need to make 30 degree cuts.

Fitting the front and back trims

Fit the trims to the pavilion and lock them into place with 2″ brad nails.

Fitting the roofing

Cover the roof of the shed with roofing felt, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. In addition, cut a 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under.

Start the first course of shingles with a full tab, the second with 2 1/2 tabs, the third with 2 tabs, the forth with 1 1/2 tabs, the fifth with 1 tab, the sixth with half tab and the seventh with a 3 tabs.

20×20 Picnic Shelter Plans

This structure would make for a perfect picnic shelter, for a basic outdoor pavilion or even a double carport. The beauty of this project is that you can easily make it longer, such as building a 20×40 picnic shelter.

Building a picnic shelter

Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-220 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project. Check out PART 1 of the project so you learn how to build the frame for the picnic shelter.

This woodworking project was about 20×20 picnic shelter roof plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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