This step by step diy project is about picnic shelter plans. Building a picnic shelter is a straight-forward project, as it requires basic materials and woodworking skills. If you like to spend your afternoons in your garden and take your dinner with your friends, then a picnic shelter is the ideal project for you. Take accurate measurements before starting the actual project, as to get a professional result.
There are many plans and designs to choose from, so we recommend you to study the alternatives before starting the construction project. In addition, you have to plan the shelter according to the size of the picnic table. Set the posts into concrete, if you want to create a rigid construction and to build a permanent and versatile shelter. Adjust the slope of the roof according to the area where you live and to your needs. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 11 -12′ long POSTS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×6″ lumber – 120″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
- C – 6 pieces of 2×6 plywood – 147” long BOTTOM RAFTERS
- D – 12 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 99” long RAFTERS
- E – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 120″ long TOP RIDGE
- F – 50 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 120″ long ROOFING
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Post hole digger, Concrete mixer
Time
One day
Building a picnic shelter
Building a picnic shelter
Top Tip: Building a shelter for your picnic table is a quick and inexpensive project, but it can be done in several ways. Therefore, you should choose the design that suits your tastes and fit within your budget.
Picnic Table Plans
Setting the posts
The first step of the project is to lay out the construction in a professional manner, by using batter boards and string. Measure the diagonals and adjust the position of the string until they are perfectly equal. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to every corner to make sure they are square.
Dig 3′ deep holes, set the posts into place with temporary braces (after plumbing them) and pour concrete. Let the concrete to dry out for several days before continuing the project.
Fitting the support beams
The next step of the project is to attach the support beams on both sides of the picnic shelter. Level the 2×6 beams and clamp them into place. Afterwards, drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts.
Top Tip: Insert 7″ carriage bolts into place, in order to lock the support beams into place. Check if the corners are right-angled and if the beams are perfectly horizontal.
Building the rafters
The next step of the project is to build the components of the roof, using the plans seen in the image. Therefore, cut the rafters from 2×4 lumber, while the bottom rafters should be made out of 2×6 lumber.
It is essential to build all the rafters in the same manner, otherwise the roof won’t have a symmetrical manner. Use a miter saw to make the angle cuts in a professional manner.
Fitting the rafters
Place the rafters to the support beams and lock them to the top ridge with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws, after drilling pilot holes. Place the rafter equally spaced in order to support the weight of the roof properly.
Top Tip: Drill pilot holes trough the opposite ends of the rafters and insert galvanized screws into the beams. Work with attention and take accurate measurements, if you want to get a professional result.
Installing the roofing
One of the last steps of the project is to attach the roofing slats into place. Therefore, use 1×6 lumber and start the installation from the bottom. Make sure the slats overlap at least 1 1/2″, in order to drain the water efficiently.
Picnic shelter plans
Lastly,pay attention to the finishing touches. Insert all the screws at the same level with the wooden surface and smooth the sharp edges. Apply a few coats of protective paint to prevent the wooden components from decay.
Top Tip: Smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper along the wood grain and clean the residues. Afterwards, apply a few coats of paint or stain to the structure.
This woodworking project was about free greenhouse plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.
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4 comments
Hi. You have great plans. Would you happen to have one of a 12′ x 14` with the use of just 4- 6 x 6 posts. Need to know materials on this etc as I need to start in a week…thanks..Paul
No, I don’t have that. You should take a look over this 12×14 picnic shelter (http://myoutdoorplans.com/pergola/backyard-pavilion-plans/). It shouldn’t be hard to make the modifications so it suits your needs.
I’ve changed the layout a bit and put the ends along the 10′ ends. What angle do I cut the beams at and what length would the 2×4 s be then? Or can anyone tell me how to figure the calculations out myself?
Use the same angles, the only difference will be that the rafters should be cut shorter. Make one pair to determine the proper length and the repeat the process for the rest of them.