20×40 Gable Gazebo Plans – PDF Download

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 20×40 gable pavilion plans. This is a wide pavilion built on a sturdy 6×6, 6×8, with 6 posts and a 20 ft x 40 ft base. The roof for this pavilion has a pitch of 6:12 and features large opening 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.

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20×40 Gable Gazebo Plans – PDF Download

Building-a-20×40-pavilion

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Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Post hole digger

Time

One week

Related

• PART 1: 20×40 Pavilion Plans
• PART 2: 20×40 Pavilion Roof Plans

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How to build a 20×40 shelter

20×40-layout-for-posts

20×40-Pavilion-Plans—axis

First, layout the posts for the large 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.

Setting the posts in concrete

Dig 3 ft holes into the ground, making sure they have about 14″ in diameter. Fit the tubes then fill them with concrete and set the anchors. Align the anchors one to another and let the concrete dry out for several days. Next, attach the 6×6 posts to the anchors and plumb them with a spirit level. Use temporarily braces to lock the posts into place till you assemble the whole frame of the pavilion. 

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

Top-beams

Next, we will be building the top plates for the large gable pavilion. Therefore, this pavilion requires 6×8 beams, due to the large spans on the sides.

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.

Attaching-the-top-side-beams

Fit the top rails to the front and back of the pavilion. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square. Notice the 16″ overhangs to the front and back of the pavilion. Plumb the posts with a spirit level before inserting the screws (make cuts to the top of the posts, if needed). 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.

Installing-the-crossbeams

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.

Fitting the braces

Fitting-the-braces-to-the-pavilion

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. Insert at least 2 screws for each joint. 

Fitting-the-supports

Center the 6×6 supports to the top of pavilion. Plumb the supports with a spirit level. Use 6×6 Post to Beam connectors to secure the posts to the support beams, as shown in the diagram. Plumb the supports before attaching the connectors. Insert 2 1/2″ structural screws to lock the supports. 

Fitting-the-ridge-beams

Fit the 6×8 beam to the top of the supports (depending on your local codes, you might be required to use 6×10 lumber for the ridge beams, as well – in that case, make the supports 2″ shorter). Notice the 16″ 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 structural screws through the connector. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush.

Braces-for-ridge-beams

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

20×40-Pavilion-Plans—dimensions

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 large gable pavilion. This is a large gazebo with a gable roof that makes for the perfect rain cover, if you cook outdoor or have a hot tub / jacuzzi.

20×40 Pavilion Plans

20×40 Pavilion Plans – side 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. Check out the Shop, as well, for full list of Premium Plans. If you want to get this project will full CUT and SHOPPING lists and 1 single PDF file, please check the GET PDF PLANS button bellow!

This woodworking project was about 20×40 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.

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