16×20 Picnic Shelter Railings

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build picnic shelter railings. This is PART 3 of the picnic shelter project, where I show you how to build the railings. Moreover, we recommend you to adjust the height and the design of the balusters as to fit the rest of the constructions on your property. Countersink the head of the screws and fill the holes with wood putty.

We strongly recommend you to build the components for the railings of the octagonal gazebo from quality materials, such as redwood, cedar or pine. Make sure you take accurate measurements and use a sharp saw to cut the components, otherwise they won’t lock together properly. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Building gazebo railing

Building-a-16×20-pavilion

Cut & Shopping Lists

• G – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 87 3/4″ long, 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 87 3/4″ long, 19 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 28″ long 4xRAILS
• G – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72 3/4″ long, 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 72 3/4″ long, 16 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 28″ long 4xRAILS

• 36 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 10′
• 16 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 16 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Part 1: 16×20 Picnic Shelter Plans
• Part 2: 16×20 Picnic Shelter Roof Plans
• Part 3: 16×20 Picnic Shelter Railings

How to Build Gazebo Railings

Building-the-railings—16×18-pavilion

Use 2×6 lumber for the top and bottom rails. Use 2×2 lumber for the cleats and 1×4 lumber for the slats. Use a wood block to create even gaps between the slats. Drill pilot holes through the cleats and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the rails.

Building-the-rails

Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the 1×4 slats to the cleats

Fitting the railings

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the 2×6 rails and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the posts. Use a spirit level to make sure the railings are horizontal.

16×20 Pavilion Plans

Last but not least, you have to take care of the final touches. Check if the components are locked together tightly and if the screws are at the same level with the wooden surface.

Top Tip: Fill the holes with wood putty and sand the surface with medium-grit sandpaper, along the wood grain. Cover the wooden components with paint, in order to protect them from decay and to enhance the look of the gazebo.

This woodworking project was about how to build picnic shelter railings. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.  LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest updates and submit pictures with your DIY projects.

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