This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 16×18 outdoor gable pavilion plans. This is a large pavilion built on a sturdy 6×6 and 6×8 framing, so you can enjoy your garden and still have a roof that protects you from the sun or from the rain. The roof for this pavilion has a pitch of 6:12. 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.
Projects made from these plans
16×18 Gable Pavilion – Free DIY Plans
Materials
- A – 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′ long POSTS
- B – 4 pieces of 6×8 lumber – 128″ long TOP PLATES
- B – 3 pieces of 6×8 lumber – 16′ long CROSS PLATES
- C – 12 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 42″ long BRACES
- D – 3 piece of 6×6 lumber – 41 1/8″ long TOP RIDGE BEAM
- D – 2 pieces 6×6 lumber – 128″ long RIDGE BEAMS
- E – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 48″ long BRACES
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
Related
- PART 1: 16×18 Pavilion Plans
- PART 2: 16×18 Gable Pavilion Roof Plans
How to build a 16×18 pavilion
First, layout the posts for the 16×18 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 16″ 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.
Building the frame of the pavilion
Next, we will be building the top plates for the large gable pavilion. Therefore, this pavilion requires at least 6x8s, due to the large spans on the front and back. As you can see in the diagram, you need to make 3 5/8″ notches to the beams, so you can lock them together tightly. Use a circular saw to make parallel cuts inside the marked areas and remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the recesses with sandpaper.
Fit the top rails to the sides of the pavilion. Notice the20″ 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.
Next, 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.
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.
Framing the roof structure
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. Insert 2 1/2″ structural screws to lock the beams together tightly, using the connector.
Fit the 6×6 beams to the top of the supports. Notice the 20″ overhangs to the front and back of the pavilion. Use post to beam connectors with 2 1/2″ structural screws to lock everything together tightly. Insert 2 1/2″ structural screws through the connector. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.
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. Use at least 2 screws for each joint. These braces will really reinforce the structure and add extra-support to the ridge beams.
Finishing touches
Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to build the gable roof. You can see in this image the overall dimensions for the gable pavilion. This is really useful because it can shelter a picnic table or even an outdoor entertainment area. It is really cool, but also relatively affordable and easy to build.
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.
This woodworking project was about 16×18 gable 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.