This step by step diy project is about 12×36 lean to pavilion plans. This lean to has a 4:12 pitch and it can be both used as a carport or as a patio cover. If you like a simplistic design, this project will help you get the job done and save tons of money. 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.
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
12×36 Lean to Patio Cover Plans – PDF Download
Building-a-12×36-lean-to-pavilion
Cut List + Shopping List
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Concrete mixer, Post hole digger
Time
One week
Related
Building an attached carport – 12×36 DIY Plans
Laying-out-the-posts
The first step of the project is to layout the posts for the wooden lean to pavilion. Use batter boards and string to layout the location for the posts. Measure the diagonals and make adjustments until they are perfectly equal. .
Anchoring the posts of the anchor
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.
Installing the posts
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.
Now is the time when you can also adjust the height of the posts. If 8 ft is too tall for your needs, you can make them 7 ft, for example.
Cutting-the-top-side-plates
Mark the cut lines to the 6×8 beams and get the job done with a circular saw. Set the depth of the blade at 3 5/8″ and make parallel cuts inside the marked area. Remove the lumber from the notch with a hammer and then clean it with a chisel and sandpaper.
*Diagram with full measurements available in the Premium Plan
Fitting-the-side-top-plates
Continue the project by attaching the support beams to the top of the posts. See the 24″ overhangs on the sides. Plumb the posts and make sure the beams are horizontal. Fit post to beam connectors to the top of each post. Insert 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors together tightly.
In addition, insert 8″ screws to reinforce the joints. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws to prevent the wood from splitting. Notice the beams should join together to the middle of the center posts.
Crossbeams
Use 6×8 lumber for the crossbeams. Make the notches to both ends of the beams, as described in the diagram.
Fitting-the-crossbeams
Next, we need to attach the crossbeams to the structure of the pavilion. Attach the beams to the pavilion and align everything. Drill pilot holes and insert 8″ screws to lock the crossbeams into place. Use 2 screws for each joint.
Attaching-the-braces
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).
Top-supports
Fit the 6×6 supports to the top of the pavilion. As you can see in the diagram, you need to use to L strong ties for each support. Plumb the supports with a spirit level and then attach the L ties with 1 1/2″ structural screws.
Fitting-the-top-plates
Fit the ridge beams to the top of the supports. Notice the 24″ overhangs on both sides. Use post to beam connectors to lock ridge beams to the supports. Insert 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors into place.
Fitting-the-braces-to-the-top-ridge
Attach the 6×6 braces to reinforce the structure.
Building the lean to roof
Rafters—12×24-lean-to
Use 2×6 lumber for 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.
Fitting-the-rafters
Fit the rafters to the lean to pavilion, every 24″ on center. Fit the rafters to the top of the structure using rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws. Use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the rafters to the support beam, as well.
Fitting the roof sheets
Attach the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the top of the pavilion. Start laying the sheets from the bottom left to the right and to the top of the pavilion. Align the edges flush and make sure the plywood sheets meet on a rafter. Leave no gaps between the sheets. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the sheets into place tightly, every 8″ along the rafters.
Fitting-the-front-and-back-roof-trims
Fit the 1×8 trims to the front and back of the roof. Align the edges flush and leave no gaps between them. Insert 2″ nails to secure the trims to the ends of the rafters.
Side-roof-trims
Fit the trims to the sides of the pavilion, as well.
Fitting-the-roofing
Cover the roof with tar paper, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Then install the asphalt shingles starting with the bottom of the roof. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, so you can install the roofing properly.
Install drip edges to the edges, to protect the trims from the elements.
12×36 Lean to Pavilion Plans – side view
12×36 Lean to Pavilion Plans
You should take a look over my pavilion 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.
12×36-Lean-to-Pavilion-Plans—dimensions
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 requirements. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
This pavilion is a free standing construction, but you can make a few changes to the roof and attach it to an already existing building. If you want to get the Premium Plans, see the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
This woodworking project was about small 12×36 lean to 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.
- EXPLORE MORE IDEAS FOR -
 |
 |
 |
 |
1 comment
Hi i bought your 12/30 plans but kinda want to go larger Can i use 6/6 for crossbeams if im going with metal roof and can i also go with a lower pitch? thank you for any help