This step by step diy project is about 8×12 lean to patio cover plans. This lean to has a 2:12 pitch and it can a great addition to your home. After assembling the structure, you can pour a concrete slab, or you can build a beautiful wooden deck. This small home extension is the ideal project if you want to sip your coffee in the fresh air, looking to your cute garden. If you like a simplistic design, this project will help you get the job done and save tons of money. Premium Plans also available in the Shop. Take a look over the rest of my 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.
Projects made from these plans
8×12 Lean to Patio Cover Plans – PDF Download
![Building-a-8x12-lean-to-patio-cover](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Building-a-8x12-lean-to-patio-cover-600x352.jpg)
Building-a-8×12-lean-to-patio-cover
Cut List + Shopping List
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Concrete mixer, Post hole digger
Time
Related
Building an attached carport – 8×12 DIY Plans
![Laying-out-the-posts](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Laying-out-the-posts-3-600x352.jpg)
Laying-out-the-posts
The first step of the project is to determine the location for the wooden posts of the lean to patio cover. Use batter boards and string to layout the posts for the lean to attached patio cover.
![Anchoring the posts of the anchor](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Anchoring-the-posts-of-the-anchor-600x342.jpg)
Anchoring the posts of the anchor
You can set the posts in concrete or you can pour 3′ deep footings and use posts anchors. Considering this is a light outdoor project, you can set the posts to anchors. That is why, these plans are designed having that assumption in mind (concrete anchors).
Dig the holes and set the 14″ tube forms. Fill the tubes with concrete and set the post anchors. Make sure you let the concrete to dry out for a few day, before installing the posts into place. Use temporarily braces to secure the posts until you attach the plates.
![Installing the posts](http://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Installing-the-posts1-600x342.jpg)
Installing the posts
After setting the posts into place, check if they are level and user a circular saw to make corrections. Notice the temporarily braces that hold the posts plumb. Leave the braces into place until you finish the assembly of the pergola. The temporarily braces will give support to the structure.
![Installing-the-top-support-beam](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Installing-the-top-support-beam-600x352.jpg)
Installing-the-top-support-beam
Continue the project by attaching the support beam to the top of the posts. See the 12″ overhangs on both sides. Plumb the posts and make sure the beams are horizontal. Fit two post to beam connectors to each post. Insert 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the connectors together tightly.
![Fitting-the-braces](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fitting-the-braces-1-600x352.jpg)
Fitting-the-braces
Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the braces and then secure them into place with 5 1/2″ screws (at least 2 screws for joint). Make sure the corners are square before setting the braces into place.
![Fitting the ledger boards](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fitting-the-ledger-boards-1-600x352.jpg)
Fitting the ledger boards
Next, we need to attach the ledger to the house. Make sure you set the 2×8 ledger directly into the framing structure with 4 1/2″ lag screws with washers (or longer, depending to the house structure). Use a spirit level to check if the ledger is horizontal. Drill pilot holes and insert the screws to lock it into place tightly.
Insert at least 3 screws into each stud. Countersink the head of the screws, so you can set the rafters properly. See your local codes for more info on how to secure the ledger.
Building the lean to roof
![Rafters](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rafters-1-600x352.jpg)
Rafters
Use 2×8 lumber for the rafters. Make a 10 degree cut to one end of the rafters. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Mark the cut lines to the beams and make the notches with a circular saw.
![Fitting-the-rafters](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fitting-the-rafters-3-600x352.jpg)
Fitting-the-rafters
Fit the rafters to the attached carport, every 24″ on center. Fit the rafters to the ledger using rafter hangers and 1 1/2″ structural screws / nails (see next diagram for reference). Use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the rafters to the support beam, as well.
![Rafter-hangers](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rafter-hangers-600x352.jpg)
Rafter-hangers
See the rafter hangers needed to secure the rafters to the ledger beam.
![Fitting-the-roof-sheets](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fitting-the-roof-sheets-2-600x352.jpg)
Fitting-the-roof-sheets
Use 3/4″ plywood for the roof sheeting. Lay the sheets and align the edges flush. Leave no gaps between the sheets. Insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the sheets into place tightly, every 8″ along the framing.
![Front-roof-trim](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Front-roof-trim-600x352.jpg)
Front-roof-trim
Fit the 1×8 trim to the front of the patio cover. Align the edges and insert 2″ into the ends of the raters, to lock the trim into place properly.
![Side-roof-trims](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Side-roof-trims-2-600x352.jpg)
Side-roof-trims
Cut and fit the trims to the sides of the carport. See the 10 degree cuts to one end of the trims. Insert 2″ nails to secure the trims into place.
![Setting-the-roofing](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Setting-the-roofing-600x358.jpg)
Setting-the-roofing
Cover the roof with tar paper, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Then install the asphalt shingles starting with the bottom of the roof. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, so you can install the roofing properly.
Install drip edges to the front and side edges.
![Installing-the-roof-flashing](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Installing-the-roof-flashing-600x358.jpg)
Installing-the-roof-flashing
In addition, install a flashing at the intersection of the roof to the wall. The flashing will waterproof the joint and prevent water leaks. Make sure you ask directions from the roof manufacturer, so you use the best solution to seal the wall to roof joint.
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.
![8x12 lean to patio cover](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8x12-lean-to-patio-cover-600x352.jpg)
8×12 lean to patio cover
You should take a look over my 24×24 garage plans and 16×24 garage plans, because you can easily add this carport to them. In this manner, you will have a garage with a side carport and shelter mare than one car.
![8x12 lean to patio cover - front view](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8x12-lean-to-patio-cover-front-view-600x352.jpg)
8×12 lean to patio cover – front view
![8x12 lean to patio cover - side view](https://myoutdoorplans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8x12-lean-to-patio-cover-side-view-600x352.jpg)
8×12 lean to patio cover – side view
This project can be built in less than one week and it can also be used as a patio cover. I recommend you to read the local building codes before starting the project, so you make sure you comply with the local building codes. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
If you build this carport attached to the double garage, you will have a nice shaded area that will be perfect for a car or for woodworking outside. If you want to get the Premium Plans, see the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
This woodworking project was about small 8×12 patio cover 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.