This step by step diy project is about 12×12 lean to patio cover plans. This lean to has a 2:12 pitch and it can a great addition to your home. As the summer sun shines bright and the desire to spend more time outdoors intensifies, creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor space becomes a top priority for many homeowners. A lean-to patio cover presents an enticing solution, blending functionality and aesthetic appeal seamlessly. This minimalist structure, also known as a lean-to pergola or lean-to canopy, offers a range of benefits that extend far beyond mere shelter from the elements.
Premium Plans also available in the Shop. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. It is of utmost importance to thoroughly read and understand building codes before embarking on any construction project to ensure compliance, safety, and the smooth progression of your endeavor. It is your responsibility to make adjustments to the plans, if needed, to comply with the legal requirements.
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.
Projects made from these plans
12×12 Lean to Patio Cover Plans – PDF Download
Cut List + Shopping List
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Concrete mixer, Post hole digger
Time
Related
Building an attached carport – 12×12 DIY Plans
The first step of the project is to determine the location for the wooden posts of the lean to patio cover. Properly laying out the posts for a patio cover ensures accurate placement, adequate support, and optimal spacing, guaranteeing a sturdy and well-balanced structure that will withstand the test of time. Use batter boards and string to layout the posts for the lean to attached patio cover.
You can set the posts in concrete or you can pour 3′ deep footings and use posts anchors. Considering this is a light outdoor project, you can set the posts to anchors. That is why, these plans are designed having that assumption in mind (concrete anchors).
Dig the holes and set the 14″ tube forms. Fill the tubes with concrete and set the post anchors. Make sure you let the concrete to dry out for a few day, before installing the posts into place. Use temporarily braces to secure the posts until you attach the plates.
After setting the posts into place, check if they are level and user a circular saw to make corrections. Notice the temporarily braces that hold the posts plumb. Leave the braces into place until you finish the assembly of the pergola. The temporarily braces will give support to the structure.
Use 6×8 lumber for the top beam of the lean to covered pergola.
Adding decorative cuts to the ends of wooden beams for a patio cover brings a touch of elegance and personalization, transforming ordinary structural elements into stunning architectural accents that enhance the overall beauty of your outdoor space. Follow the pattern in the diagram, if you like my design idea.
Continue the project by attaching the support beam to the top of the posts. See the 12″ overhangs on both sides. Plumb the posts and make sure the beams are horizontal. Fit two post to beam connectors to each post. Insert 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors together tightly.
Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the braces and then secure them into place with 5 1/2″ screws (at least 2 screws for joint). Make sure the corners are square before setting the braces into place.
Attaching a ledger board securely to the house wall is a crucial step in constructing a patio cover, as it provides stability, structural integrity, and a seamless connection between the cover and the existing structure, ensuring a safe and long-lasting installation. To install a ledger board for a patio cover, mark the desired location on the house wall, align it with wall studs, and secure it using lag screws or bolts.
Make sure you set the 2×10 ledger directly into the framing structure with 4 1/2″ lag screws with washers (or longer, depending to the house structure). Drill pilot holes and insert the screws to lock it into place tightly.
Insert at least 3 screws into each stud. Countersink the head of the screws, so you can set the rafters properly. Ensure the ledger board is level, plumb, and in compliance with local building codes for a safe and stable connection.
Building the lean to roof
Use 2×8 lumber for the rafters. Make a 10 degree cut to one end of the rafters. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Mark the cut lines to the beams and make the notches with a circular saw.
Fit the rafters to the attached carport, every 24″ on center. Fit the rafters to the ledger using rafter hangers and 1 1/2″ structural screws / nails (see next diagram for reference). Use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the rafters to the support beam, as well.
See the rafter hangers needed to secure the rafters to the ledger beam. To secure rafters using rafter hangers, attach the hangers to the ledger board at designated locations, slide the rafters into the hangers, and secure them with appropriate fasteners. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to local building codes for a safe and structurally sound installation.
Use 3/4″ plywood for the roof sheeting. Lay the sheets and align the edges flush. Leave no gaps between the sheets. Insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the sheets into place tightly, every 8″ along the framing.
Fit the 1×8 trim to the front of the patio cover. Align the edges and insert 2″ into the ends of the raters, to lock the trim into place properly.
Cut and fit the trims to the sides of the carport. See the 10 degree cuts to one end of the trims. Insert 2″ nails to secure the trims into place.
Begin by installing a layer of roofing underlayment, such as asphalt-saturated felt or synthetic underlayment. This acts as an additional barrier against moisture and provides extra protection for the roof. Next, nail a drip edge along the eaves of the roof to facilitate water runoff. The drip edge should extend over the fascia board.
Continue by fitting the starter course. Star at the eaves and install the starter course of shingles along the bottom edge of the roof. This helps create a secure base for the rest of the shingles and prevents wind uplift. Lay the shingles starting with the bottom edge and work your way up, overlapping each row of shingles. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the specific nailing pattern, overhang, and positioning of the shingles. Use roofing nails to secure the shingles, ensuring they are properly aligned and flat.
To install wall roof flashing, clean the installation area and cut the flashing to size, ensuring proper overhang. Position the flashing against the wall, secure it with appropriate fasteners, and use roofing cement or sealant to reinforce the edges and seams for added water resistance.
Follow manufacturer instructions and adhere to local building codes to ensure a proper and effective installation that protects against water infiltration..
You should take a look over my 24×24 garage plans and 16×24 garage plans, because you can easily add this carport to them. In this manner, you will have a garage with a side carport and shelter mare than one car.
Whether you seek a cozy nook for relaxation or a captivating space for entertaining, the versatility and charm of a lean-to patio cover make it a valuable addition to any outdoor oasis.
This project can be built in less than one week and it can also be used as a patio cover. I recommend you to read the local building codes before starting the project, so you make sure you comply with the local building codes. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
If you build this carport attached to the double garage, you will have a nice shaded area that will be perfect for a car or for woodworking outside. If you want to get the Premium Plans, see the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
This woodworking project was about modern 12×12 patio cover 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.