20×20 Picnic Shelter Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 20×20 picnic shelter plans. This article features easy to follow instructions for building an outdoor picnic shelter using 6×6 lumber for the structure and 2×6 beams for the rafters. Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to frame the roof for the square shelter. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Premium Plans for this pavilion size in the Shop.

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

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It’s that easy to build a picnic shelter!

 

 

20×20 Picnic Shelter Plans

Building-a-20x20-pavilion

Building-a-20×20-pavilion

 

[tabs tab1=”Materials” tab2=”Tools” tab3=”Time” tab4=”Related Plans”] [tab id=1]

  • A – 8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 96″ long POSTS
  • B – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 240″ long TOP RAILS
  • C – 16 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 39 1/4″ long BRACES
  • D – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 65″ long, 1 piece – 240″ long TOP RIDGE

  • 20 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
  • 5 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 20′
  • concrete form tube
  • 8 post anchors
  • 20 pieces of 8″ screws
  • 20 pieces of 5″ screws
  • 100 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
  • wood glue, stain/paint

[/tab] [tab id=2]

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

[/tab] [tab id=3]

 One day

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Building a picnic shelter

Laying-out-the-20x20-pavilion

Laying-out-the-20×20-pavilion

The first step of the project is to layout the posts for the pavilion. Remove the vegetation layer on the site you chose. Use batter boards and string to lay out everything in a professional manner. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to every corner, to make sure they are right-angled. In addition, measure the diagonals and make adjustments until they are perfectly equal.

Anchoring the posts of the anchor

Anchoring the posts of the anchor

There are several ways to lock the posts into place. Therefore, you could dig 2′ holes in the ground and set the posts into concrete, or you could use post anchors. Use tube forms so that the footings will be really strong.

Fitting the posts

Fitting the posts

If you want to set the posts in concrete, then you need to use temporarily braces. Plumb the posts with a spirit level, before attaching the braces. Read the local building codes for finding the right depth of the footings. It is essential to set the footing at the right depth to avoid them being heaved by the Winter freeze/thaw cycle.

Building-the-top-rails

Building-the-top-rails

Build the side top rails from 6×6 lumber. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to make notches to the ends of the beams. Use a circular saw to make 2 3/4″ deep cuts to the marked area. Make parallel cuts to the marked areas and clean the notches with a chisel. Smooth the surface with sandpaper.

Fitting the top rails

Fitting the top rails

Fit the rails to the sides of the outdoor pavilion. Make sure the posts are plumb and check if the corners are square. Drill pilot holes and insert 5-6″ screws to lock the components into place. Fit the front and back rails to the frame of the shelter, making sure you keep the corners square.

Building the braces

Building the braces

Build the braces of the picnic shelter from 6×6 lumber. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees.

fitting-the-ridge-beam

fitting-the-ridge-beam

Fit the 6×6 supports to the top rails, as shown in the diagram. Fit the bottom of the supports into the notches made in the top rails. Use corner brackets to lock them into place tightly. Use a spirit level to make sure the supports are perfectly vertical.

Next, attach the top ridge to the supports. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges before inserting the screws. Use corner brackets to add strength to the joints.

Fitting the braces

Fitting the braces

Make sure the corners are square and plumb the posts before attaching the braces into place. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them into place. Countersink the head of the screws for a professional result.

Fitting the top ridge beaces

Fitting the top ridge braces

Cut longer braces for the top ridge. Cut both ends of the components at 45 degrees and fit them into place. Make sure the supports are plumb and check if the top ridge is perfectly horizontal. Use 3 1/2″ screws to secure the braces into place tightly.

20x20 Picnic Shelter Plans

Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to build the roof for this large picnic shelter.

Building a picnic shelter

Building a picnic shelter

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. Premium Plans for this pavilion size in the Shop.

Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project. Check out PART 2 of the project so you learn how to build the roof for the gable shelter.

 

 

This woodworking project was about 20×20 picnic shelter 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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