12×20 Pavilion – Free DIY Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 12×20 outdoor pavilion plans. This is a large pavilion built on a sturdy 6×6 structure and with a gable roof. This roof has a 6:12 pitch and it is really easy to build with my free set of plans. This pavilion is sturdy, but I recommend you to take a look over the local building codes, so you can comply with the legal requirements. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

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.

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12×20 Pavilion – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-12×20-pavilion-plans

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 96″ long POSTS
• B – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 264″ long TOP PLATES
• C – 3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 144″ long BRACES
• D – 1 piece of 6×6 lumber – 264″ long, 3 pieces – 29 1/8″  long RIDGE BEAM
• E – 16 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 36″ long BRACES

• 7 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
• 3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 22′
• 7 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12′
• 5 1/2″ screws
• 8″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• post hole digger
• post anchors
• beam to post connectors
• structural screws for connectors

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• PART 1: 12×20 Pavilion Plans
• PART 2: 12×20 Pavilion Roof Plans

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How to build a 12×20 gable pavilion

Laying-out-the-posts

The first step of the project is to layout the posts for the 12×20 large 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. Moreover measure the diagonals and make sure they 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.

Locking the posts into place

Dig 3′ deep holes into the ground with a post hole digger. Align the holes with attention and then fit form tubes. Fit the 6×6 posts with attention and align them using string. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts and then lock them into place with temporarily braces. Fill the tube forms with concrete and let it dry out for a few days.

Plates

Use 6×6 lumber for the 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. Use 6×6 lumber for the other rails. Set the circular saw at 2 3/4″ and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Clean the recess with a chisel and sandpaper. We will need 2 pieces of the 22′ long plates and 3 pieces of the 12′ long beams.

Fitting the side top plates

Fit the top rails to the sides of the pavilion. Notice the 12″ overhangs to the front and back of the pavilion. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 8″ 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-cross-beams

Fit the cross plates to the pavilion. Align the edges flush and drill pilot holes. Insert the 8″ screws to lock the cross plates into place tightly.

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.

Fitting-the-ridge-beam

Center the 6×6 supports to the top of the front and back plates. Plumb the supports with a spirit level. Use a post to beam connector to lock the supports into place. Fit the ridge beam to the supports. Use post to beam connectors and 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the supports to the beam. Make sure the corners are square.

Ridge beam braces

Fit the braces to the top ridge. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and then secure them into place with 5 1/2″ screws.

12×20-gable-pavilion-plans

Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to build the gable roof for the pavilion.

12×20 Pavilion – side 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 available in the Store, if you need more info on the project (cut plan, ads-free, pdf download). 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 12×20 backyard 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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