18×18 Lean to Pavilion Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 18×18 outdoor gable pavilion with lean to roof plans. This is a large pavilion with a lean to roof, built on just 4 posts. The framing is built with 8x8s and 8x12s. Make sure you take a look over the local building codes, so you comply with the regulations. The roof has a 3:12 roof pitch. 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.

Projects made from these plans

 

18×18 Lean to Pavilion Plans

Building-a-18×18-lean-to-pavilion

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 8 ft long POSTS
• B – 1 piece of 8×12 lumber – 22 ft long, 1 piece – 18 ft long TOP PLATES
• C – 2 pieces of 8×12 lumber – 18′ long TOP PLATES
• D – 8 pieces 8×8 lumber – 36″ long BRACES
• E – 2 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 14 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 42 3/4″ long RIDGE BEAM SUPPORTS
• F – 2 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 48″ long BRACES

• 7 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 12 ft
• 3 pieces of 8×12 lumber – 18 ft
• 3 pieces of 8×12 lumber – 22 ft
• post to beam connectors
• L strong tie brackets
• 5 1/2″ screws
• 10″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• post hole digger
• post anchor
• structural screws for connectors

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• PART 1: 18×18 Lean to Pavilion Plans
• PART 2: 18×18 Lean to Pavilion Roof Plans

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18×18 Lean to Pavilion Plans

Laying-out-the-posts-for-the-pavilion

First, layout the posts for the 18×18 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. Use 8×8 lumber for the posts. 

Anchoring the post into concrete

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. Let the concrete dry out for several days. Read the local codes for more details on how to secure the posts. Install the anchors. 

Fit the posts to the anchors 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. 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.

Plates-fot-18×18-pavilion

Use 8×12 lumber for the top 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. Set the circular saw at 5 5/8″ and then make parallel cuts inside the marked areas. Clean the recess with a chisel and sandpaper.

Fitting the plates

Fit the top rails to the sides of the pavilion. Notice the 24″ overhangs to the front and back of the pavilion. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 10″ screws to lock them to the posts. Use 2 screws for each joint. Make sure the corners are square and plumb the posts vertically.

Fitting the cross beams

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.

Braces

Build the braces for the front and back of the pavilion from 8×8 lumber. Use a miter saw to make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces.

Fitting the braces to the pavilion

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.

Fitting-the-ridge-beam-supports

Fit the 8×8 supports to the top of the pavilion. Use post to beam connectors to lock them into place tightly. Secure the connectors with 2 1/2″ structural screws. Plumb the posts with a spirit level before locking them into place.

Use post the beam connectors for the middle supports. Use 2 L shaped connectors to secure the side supports. Insert 2  1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors into place. Plumb the supports with a spirit level before securing them into place tightly.

Fitting the ridge beams

Fit the 8×12 beams to the top of the supports, making sure the overhangs are equal on both sides. Use post to beam connectors to secure the beams into place. Use a spirit level to check if the beams are perfectly horizontal. 

Braces for ridge beam

Use 8×8 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,

18×18 lean to pavilion plans

Check out PART 2 of the project to learn how to build the lean to roof.

Build-a-pavilion-18×18

18×18 lean to pavilion plans – back 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. 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 18×18 4 post pavilion with lean to roof 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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