12×8 Outdoor Gable Pavilion

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 12×8 outdoor pavilion plans. This is a small pavilion with a gable roof that anyone can build in a few days and save tons of money, as compared to buying a retail one. This pavilion is built on a sturdy 6×6 framing and it features 2×6 rafters. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Premium Plans for this project available 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.

Projects made from these plans

12×8 Outdoor Gable Pavilion – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-12×8-pavilion

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 84″ long POSTS
B – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 128″ long TOP PLATES
C – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 144″ long CROSS-BEAMS
D – 10 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 36″ long BRACES
E – 24 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 29 1/4″ long SUPPORTS
F – 1 piece 6×6 lumber – 128″ long RIDGE BEAM

Tools

Miter saw, Circular saw

Drill machinery, drill bits

Safety gloves, glasses

Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil

Time

One weekend

Laying-out-the-posts

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. You can build this pavilion to an already existing concrete slab, or you can start from scratch.

Layout the posts for the 12×8 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.

Setting the posts in concrete

You can set the posts in concrete or you can pour footings and attach the wooden posts into place with an anchor. Dig 2-3′ deep in the ground and 16″ in diameter and pour the footings. Set the anchors and then attach the posts with temporarily braces. Insert the screws through the anchors into the post.

After the concrete dries, you need to make sure the top of the posts are perfectly horizontal one with another. If they are not, mark the cut lines and get the job done with a circular saw.

Top-plates—outdoor-pavilion

Use 6×6 lumber for the top plates. Use a circular saw to make the notches to the beams. Set the saw at a depth of 2 3/4″ and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Remove the excess with a hammer and a chisel and smooth the surface with sandpaper.

Fitting-the-side-plates

Fit the plate beams to the pavilion, as shown in the diagram. Notice the 16″ overhangs on both sides and check if the corners are square. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 8″ screws to lock the beams into place.

Fitting-the-cross-beams

Fit the crossbeams to the top of the pavilion frame. Align the edges and make sure the corners are square. Use a spirit level to check if the beams are horizontal. Drill pilot holes and insert 8″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Braces—to-the-pavilion-frame

Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces. Double check if the posts are plumb and if the corners are square. Secure the braces into place with 5 1/2″ screws, after drilling pilot holes. These braces will really enhance the rigidity of the pavilion, so make sure you don’t take shortcuts and install them properly. In addition, the braces have a design purpose as they add to the overall masculine look of the pavilion.

Fitting-the-ridge-beam-supports

Use 6×6 lumber for the ridge beam supports. Use a spirit level to plumb the supports and secure them into place with post to beam connectors and 2 1/2″ structural screws. Center the supports to the front and to the back of the pavilion plates.

Fitting-the-ridge-beam

Fit the top ridge into place and use post to beam connectors to lock them into place, as well. Check if the corners are square and align the edges with attention. The ridge beam should have 16″ overhang on both sides.

Ridge-beam-braces

Make sure you read the local building codes and make modifications to suit your local meteorological conditions (strong winds, snow load). Set braces to secure the ridge beam to the supports. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces, drill pilot holes and insert 5 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

How-to-build-a-12×8-pavilion

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the edges with 120-220 grit sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint / stain to enhance the look of the pavilion and to protect the components from the elements.

12×8-gable-pavilion-plans—front-view

This is a nice pavilion that can be the best choice for your bbq grill or pizza oven. This shelter is made out of wood and it features a plywood roof covered with asphalt shingles. The pitch of the pavilion is 6:12.

Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project. Make sure you take a look over the rest of my pergola/gazebo/pavilion plans HERE. See all my free woodworking plans (over 1000) HERE. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.

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This woodworking project was about 12×8 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. Feel free to SHARE my plans with your friends.