This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 18×18 outdoor gable pavilion plans. I had lots of requests for a 18×18 gable pavilion built on just 4 posts. This pavilion is sturdy and it features a beautiful design. Make sure you take a look over the local building codes, so you comply with the regulations. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Premium Plans for this project available Here. Check out the Shop, as well, for full list of Premium Plans.
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
18×18 Pavilion – Free DIY Plans
Building-a-18×18-gable-pavilion
Cut + Shopping List
- A – 4 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 8 ft long POSTS
- B – 2 pieces of 8×12 lumber – 22 ft long TOP PLATES
- C – 2 pieces of 8×12 lumber – 18′ long TOP PLATES
- D – 8 pieces 8×8 lumber – 36″ long BRACES
- E – 2 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 42 3/4″ long, 1 piece of 8×12 lumber – 22″ long RIDGE BEAM
- F – 2 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 48″ long BRACES
- 6 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 8 ft
- 2 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 12 ft
- 3 pieces of 8×12 lumber – 22 ft
- 2 pieces of 8×12 lumber – 18 ft
- 5 1/2″ screws
- 10″ screws
- wood glue, stain/paint
- post hole digger
- post anchor
- 2 1/2″ screws
- structural screws for connectors
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One week
Related
- PART 1: 18×18 Pavilion Plans
- PART 2: 18×18 Pavilion Roof Plans
18×18 Pavilion Plans – Playing out
Laying out the posts
First, layout the posts for the 18×18 pavilion. Use batter boards and string to determine the location of the posts. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to every corner of the pavilion, so you make sure they are right angled. Make sure the diagonals are equal. Determining the location for the pavilion is essential, as you have to comply with the local building codes. Make sure the surface is level and remove the vegetation layer. Use 8×8 lumber for the posts.
Anchoring the post into concrete
Dig 3 ft holes into the ground, making sure they have about 16″ in diameter. Fit the tubes then the posts into the ground and plumb them with a spirit level. Let the concrete dry out for several days. Read the local codes for more details on how to secure the posts. Install the anchors.
Fit the posts to the anchors and plumb them with a spirit level. Use temporarily braces to make sure the posts are locked into placed while filling the holes with concrete. Use lag screws to secure the posts to the anchors. Before pouring the concrete you need to make sure the top of the posts are horizontal one to another. Use a laser to mark the level to the top of the posts and use a circular saw, if you need to make cuts.
Building the frame of the pavilion
Plates
Use 8×12 lumber for the top rails. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then make the cut outs with a circular saw and a chisel. Smooth the surface with sandpaper. Set the circular saw at 5 5/8″ and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Clean the recess with a chisel and sandpaper.
Fitting the side plates
Fit the top rails to the sides of the pavilion. Notice the 24″ overhangs to the front and back of the pavilion. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 10″ screws to lock them to the posts. Use 2 screws for each joint. Make sure the corners are square and plumb the posts vertically.
Fitting-the-top-plates—18×18-shelter
Fit the cross plates to the pavilion. Align the edges flush and drill pilot holes. Insert the 10″ screws to lock the cross plates into place tightly.
Attaching the braces
Braces
Build the braces for the front and back of the pavilion from 8×8 lumber. Use a miter saw to make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces.
Fitting the braces to pavilion frame
Fit the braces to the posts, after you plumb them vertically. Drill pilot holes and insert 5 1/2″ screws to secure the braces into place tightly.
Fitting the ridge beam
Posts for ridge beam
Fit the 8×8 supports to the front and back of the pavilion. Use post to beam connectors to lock them into place tightly. Secure the connectors with 2 1/2″ structural screws. Plumb the posts with a spirit level before locking them into place.
Fitting-the-ridge-beam
Center the 8×8 supports to the top of pavilion. Plumb the supports with a spirit level. Use post to beam connectors to secure the supports to the frame of the pavilion. Fit the 8×12 ridge beam to the supports with post to beam connectors. Make sure the corners are square. Use 2 1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors into place.
Braces for the ridge beam
Use 8×8 lumber for the braces. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the braces. Secure the braces into place with 5 1/2″ screws. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws,
18×18-gable-pavilion—assembled
Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to build the gable roof.
How to build a 18×18 pavilion
18×18 pavilion plans – front view
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. Premium Plans for this project available HERE. Check out the Shop, as well, for full list of Premium Plans. If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project, in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.
This woodworking project was about 18×18 4 post pavilion 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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10 comments
Good Evening,
I’m looking for a Pavillion that is 24’x20′ with no center beams. I live out in the country and do not want to obscure my view. Do you have any plans for this size?
Thank you,
Melodie
No. I have a search button and a list with all sizes available
I’m not understanding the size of the notch cuts for the top rails of the 18’x18’ pavilion plan which calls for a 5 5/8” and a 7 1/4 cut out. If using true dimensional 8”x12” lumber for the rails, shouldn’t the cut outs be 6” and 8” to accommodate true 8”x12” lumber? Please clarify.
I always use actual dimensional lumber for all my plans. Therefore, I can’t redo the plans.
Hi there, 8×8’s are tough to come by for the long 20 ft top rails. Could I substitute with three 2×8’s of southern pine at least for all the top rails/roof?
Yes.
how are you i was wondering if there is any way I can get this exact same build but in a 20×20 layout with 6×8 beams and 6×6 legs.
Thank You
So basically, you want a 6×8 beam to span a 20 ft opening?
Can this be built with 6” instead of 8”? For example: 6×6 posts, 6×12 top plates, 6×6 braces, etc?
No