16x18 Pavilion Plans - Free Diy Guide

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 16×18 outdoor pavilion plans. I have designed this gable pavilion so you can create a place where to take dinner with your family in your very own garden. Make sure you read the local codes before starting the project, so you comply with the legal regulations. 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.

Projects made from these plans

16×18 Pavilion Plans – Free Diy Guide

Building-a-16×18-pavilion

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 96″ long POSTS
B – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 108″ long, 3 pieces – 168″ long TOP PLATES
C – 12 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 36″ long PLATES
D – 3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 44 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 110 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 56 5/8 “long BRACES

8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
8 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 10′
3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 14′
3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12′
6″ screws, 8″ screws
wood glue, stain/paint
post hole digger

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

PART 1: 16×18 Pavilion Plans
PART 2: 16x18 Pavilion Roof Plans

How to build a 16×18 pavilion

Laying-out-the-posts-for-the-16x18-pavilion

Laying-out-the-posts-for-the-16×18-pavilion

The first step of the project is to layout the posts for the 10×16 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. 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.

Anchoring the posts of the anchor

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. Setting the pressure treated/cedar posts in concrete is a lot better than using post anchors, as the posts will be locked in the concrete footers. *The materials list is made considering you will set the posts into concrete.

Side top plates – 16×18 pavilion

Use 6×6 lumber for the side top plates of the pavilion. Use a circular saw to make the notches to beams, as shown in the diagram. Make parallel cuts inside the marked areas and then remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth the surface with sandpaper.

Fitting the side plates

Fit the side pates to the top of the posts. Align the plates with attention and make sure the corners are square. Plumb the posts perfectly vertical before attaching the plates. Drill pilot holes and insert 6″ screws.

Plates – 16×18 Pavilion

Make the rest of the top plates for the pavilion using the diagram above. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then make 2 3/4″ deep parallel cuts. Remove the excess material with a chisel and a hammer.

Fitting the perpendicular top plates

Fit the top plates to the top of the posts. Plumb the posts with a spirit level and make sure the plates are horizontal. Check if the corners are square and align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 8″ screws into the top of the posts.

Fitting the braces

Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Double check if the posts are plumb and if the corners are square. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and then secure them into place with 5″ 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.

Ridge beam – DIY

Use 6×6 lumber for the ridge beams. Make the notch to one end and clean the recess with a chisel and sandpaper.

Fitting-the-ridge-beam

Use 6×6 lumber for the ridge beam supports and for the beam itself. Use a spirit level to plumb the supports and secure them into place with corner brackets. Fit the top ridge into place and use corner brackets to lock them into place, as well. Check if the corners are square and align the edges with attention. Use 8″ screws to reinforce the joists.

Ridge beam braces

Last but not least, you need to attach the 6×6 braces to the structure of the pavilion, so you can enhance the rigidity. Cut both both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and then secure them into place tightly, with 6″ screws.

16×18-pavilion-plans-free

You should check out PART 2 of the 16×18 pavilion plans, so you learn how to build the gable roof.

16×18 Pavilion Plans – Front 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. 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.

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This woodworking project was about 16×18 outdoor 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.