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This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 16×16 outdoor gable pavilion plans. I have designed this square pavilion with a gable roof so you can create some nice shade in your garden. This large pavilion features 4 posts, so you have large openings on all sides. Make sure you take a look over the local building codes, so you comply with the regulations. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Premium Plans for this project available Here. Check out the Shop, as well, for full list of Premium Plans.
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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Projects made from these plans
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16×16 Pavilion – Free DIY Plans
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Cut + Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′ long POSTS
- B – 2 pieces of 6×8 lumber – 224″ long TOP PLATES
- C – 2 pieces of 6×8 lumber – 16′ long TOP PLATES
- D – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 39 1/2″ long TOP RIDGE SUPPORTS
- E – 1 piece of 6×8 lumber – 224″ long TOP RIDGE BEAM
- F – 8 pieces 6×6 lumber – 36″ long BRACES
- G – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 48″ long BRACES
- 3 pieces of 6×8 lumber – 20 ft
- 2 pieces of 6×8 lumber – 16 ft
- 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft
- 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12 ft
- 5 1/2″ screws
- 8″ screws
- 10″ 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
Related
- PART 1: 16×16 Pavilion Plans
- PART 2: 16×16 Pavilion Roof Plans
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It’s that easy to build a gable pavilion!
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How to build a 16×16 pavilion – laying out
First, layout the posts for the 16×16 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. Make sure the diagonals 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.
Dig 3 ft holes into the ground, making sure they have about 12″ in diameter. Fit the tubes then the posts into the ground and plumb them with a spirit level. Use temporarily braces to make sure the posts are locked into placed while filling the holes with concrete. Let the concrete dry out for several days. Read the local codes for more details on how to secure the posts.
Use lag screws to secure the posts to the anchors. Before pouring the concrete you need to make sure the top of the posts are horizontal one to another. Use a laser to mark the level to the top of the posts and use a circular saw, if you need to make cuts.
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Building the frame of the pavilion
Use 6×8 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 6×8 lumber for the other rails. Set the circular saw at 3 5/8″ and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Clean the recess with a chisel and sandpaper.
Fit the top rails to the sides of the pavilion. Notice the 16″ 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.
Fit the cross plates to the pavilion. Align the edges flush and drill pilot holes. Insert the 10″ screws to lock the cross plates into place tightly.
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.
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Building the roof of the pavilion
Center the 6×6 supports to the top of pavilion. Plumb the supports with a spirit level. Use post to beam connectors to secure the supports to the frame of the pavilion. Fit the 6×8 ridge beam to the supports with post to beam connectors. Make sure the corners are square. Use 2 1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors into place.
Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the braces. Secure the braces into place with 5 1/2″ screws. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws.
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Finishing touches
Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to build the gable roof.
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 for this project available Here. Check out the Shop, as well, for full list of Premium Plans. 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.
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This woodworking project was about 16×16 4 post 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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10 comments
Is it possible to do this but with 4×4 posts instead of the 6×6?
No
Will the 16×16 gable roof plan support roof tiles instead of asphalt shingles?
No
We should be buying 5 pieces of 6×8 lumber – 20 ft and not 3 right?
You need 3 pieces at 20 ft and 2 pieces at 16 ft
On the material list it reads use 6x8x20 and 6x8x16 for the top rails. In the instructions it says to use 6×6 and cut them 2 3/4. Do I need to use 6 x 6 or 6 x 8 for the 16 x 16 pavilion? Also the 2 3/4 cut won’t work.
The cut list is correct. Lumber is not nominal in size, but actual. Read this: https://myoutdoorplans.com/woodworking-101/ and you will understand
Do you have plans available for the 16×16 Pavillion with a 3rd gable
What size pad would be best for underneath a 16×16 pavilion?