This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 18×12 wooden gable pavilion plans. If you want a large gable gazebo built on just 4 posts, this project is for you. The garden pavilion has a roof with a 4:12 pitch and generous overhangs on all sides. Its sleek design maximizes space and style, creating an inviting focal point for your garden.
The dimensions for this project refer to the base, outside post to outside post. An 18×12 gable pavilion with four posts provides a spacious and open area, perfect for outdoor gatherings and events. The minimalistic design, featuring just four sturdy posts, ensures unobstructed views and easy access from all sides. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. 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
18×12 Gable Pavilion Plans – 4 Post Gazebo
Building-a-18×12-gable-pavilion
Cut + Shopping Lists
A – Posts – 6×6 lumber 90″ long – 4 pieces
B – Top frame – 6×10 lumber 18′ long – 2 pieces
C – Crossbeams – 6×10 lumber 14′ long – 2 pieces
D – Supports – 6×6 lumber 29 7/8″ long – 2 pieces
D – Ridge beam – 6×8 lumber 14′ long – 1 piece
E – Braces – 6×6 lumber 36″ long – 6 pieces
E – Braces – 6×6 lumber 40 1/4″ long – 4 pieces
F – Rafters – 2×6 lumber 126″ long – 16 pieces
G – Roof sheets – 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′ – 4 pieces
G – Roof sheets – 3/4″ plywood – 4’x4′ – 2 pieces
G – Roof sheets – 3/4″ plywood – 4’x6′ – 2 pieces
G – Roof sheets – 3/4″ plywood – 4’x2′ – 2 pieces
G – Roof sheets – 3/4″ plywood – 30″x2′ – 2 pieces
G – Roof sheets – 3/4″ plywood – 30″x4′ – 2 pieces
G – Roof sheets – 3/4″ plywood – 30″x8′ – 2 pieces
H – Trims – 1×8 lumber 127″ long – 4 pieces
H – Trims – 1×8 lumber 14′ long – 2 pieces
I – Roofing – Underlayment & Asphalt Shingles – 350 sq ft
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One week
Related
- PART 1: 18×12 Pavilion Plans
- PART 2: 18×12 Pavilion Roof Plans
It’s that easy to build a large gable pavilion!
How to build a 18×12 pavilion – laying out
Laying-out-the-posts-for-the-pavilion
First, layout the posts for the 18×12 gable 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 and make adjustments if necessarily.
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. The premium plan has another diagram for the layout, showing the distance between the axes.
Setting the posts in concrete
Dig 3 ft holes into the ground, making sure they have about 14″ in diameter. Fit the tubes then the posts into the ground 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. Let the concrete dry out for several days. Read the local codes for more details on how to secure the posts.
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 large pavilion
Top-plates
Use 6×10 lumber for the top plates. 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 3 1/8″ and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Clean the recess with a chisel, a hammer and sandpaper. We need to use 6×10 lumber because of the large opening on all sides of the pavilion.
Top-plates—front-and-back
Fit the crossbeams to the top of the posts, at the front and at the back. 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. Use a spirit level to check if the beams are horizontal.
Attaching-the-top-side-plates
Fit the top plates to the sides of the pavilion. Align the edges flush and drill pilot holes. Insert the 10″ screws to lock the cross plates into place tightly. Notice the front and back overhangs.
Fitting-the-braces
Build the braces for the front and back of the pavilion from 6×6 lumber. Use a miter saw to make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces. 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. Insert 2 screws for each joint. We need these braces to add rigidity to the pavilion and make it stiff against strong winds.
Building the roof of the pavilion
Front-and-back-roof-supports
Center the 6×6 supports to the top of pavilion, at the front and back. Plumb the supports with a spirit level. Use post to beam connectors and 2 1/2″ structural screws to secure the supports to the frame of the pavilion.
Remember that the height for these posts is designed for a corresponding 4:12 pitch. If you want a different pitch for your project you need to start by changing the height of these supports.
Fitting-the-ridge-beam
Fit the 6×8 ridge beam to the supports with post to beam connectors. Make sure the corners are square. Notice the 12″ overhangs to the front and back, similar to the side plates. Use 2 1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors into place.
Top-braces
Use 6×6 lumber for the top 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. As usual, use 2 screws for each joint.
Finishing touches
18×12-pavilion—dimensions
Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to build the gable roof. The above diagram of the 18×12 gable pavilion details precise dimensions, showcasing a design with four posts strategically placed for optimal stability. This layout ensures a spacious and functional area, ideal for various outdoor activities.
18×12 gable pavilion
DIY 18×12 pavilion plans
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. Consider adding decorative trim and stain or paint to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and protect it from the elements. Incorporate lighting fixtures and comfortable outdoor furniture to create a welcoming and functional space for relaxation.
Top Tip: Check out the Shop, as well, for full list of Premium Plans. Press the GET PDF PLANS button bellow, if you want to get the Premium Plans with the full Cut and Shopping lists included, as well as with the cut layout diagram.
This woodworking project was about 18×12 gable pavilion plans. 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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1 comment
Awesome design, I want to build one right now.