8×12 Outdoor Pavilion – Free DIY Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about a 8×12 outdoor pavilion plans. This is a small pavilion that anyone can build in a few days and save tons of money, as compared to buying a retail one. This pavilion is built on a sturdy 6×6 framing and it features 2×6 rafters. My plans come with a complete cut / shopping list and they are PDF dowmload and Print friendly. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.

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

 

8×12 Outdoor Pavilion – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-8×12-pavilion

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 84″ long POSTS
• B – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 168″ long TOP PLATES
• C – 10 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 32″ long BRACES
• D – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber –  17 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 168″ long RIDGE BEAM SUPPORTS
• E – 24 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long RAFTERS
• F – 2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 2 pieces – 48″x72″ long, 2 pieces – 21 1/4″x80″ long, 2 pieces – 21 1/4″x88″ long  ROOF SHEETS
• G – 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 88″ long, 2 pieces – 80″ long, 4 pieces – 73 3/4″ long TRIMS
• H – 180 sq of tar paper, 180 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING

• 11 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8′
• 3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 14′
• 12 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
• 8 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 8′
• 6 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 180 sq of tar paper, 180 sq ft of asphalt shingles
• 5″ screws, 8″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• post hole digger
• post anchors
• beam to post connectors
• structural screws for connectors
• strong tie T

Tools

Miter saw, Circular saw

Drill machinery, drill bits

Safety gloves, glasses

Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil

Time

 One day

Related

• 12×12 Pavilion Plans
• 20×20 Shelter plans

It’s that simple to build your own pavilion!

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How to build a 8×12 pavilion

Laying out the posts for the backyard pavilion

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. You can build this pavilion to an already existing concrete slab, or you can start from scratch.

Layout the posts for the 8×12 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.

Setting the posts in concrete

You can set the posts in concrete or you can pour footings and attach the wooden posts into place with an anchor. Dig 2-3′ deep in the ground and 12″ in diameter and pour the footings. Set the anchors and then attach the posts with temporarily braces. Insert the screws through the anchors into the post.

Top-plates-pavilion

Use 6×6 lumber for the side top plates. Use a circular saw to make the notches to the beams. Make parallel cuts and then use a hammer to remove the excess. Smooth the recess with a chisel and sandpaper.

Fitting the top plates

Fit the plate beams to the pavilion, as shown in the diagram. Make sure the joint falls to the middle of the center post. Align the edges with attention, drill pilot holes and insert 8″ screws to lock the beams into place.

Braces for the pavilion frame

Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces.

Fitting the braces to the frame of the pavilion

Double check if the posts are plumb and if the corners are square. Secure the braces 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. In addition, the braces have a design purpose as they add to the overall masculine look of the pavilion.

Fitting the ridge beam to the small pavilion

Use 6×6 lumber for the ridge beam. Use a spirit level to plumb the supports and secure them into place with corner brackets. Center the supports to the front and to the back of the pavilion plates. 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. The ridge beam should have 12″ overhang on both sides.

Braces for the ridge beam

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 5″ screws.

Rafters-for-8×12-gable-pavilion

Use 2×6 lumber for the rafters. Use a miter saw to make 26.5 degree cuts at both ends of the beams. In addition, mark the cut lines on the rafters and make the birdmouth cuts with a circular saw.

Fitting the rafters to the 8×12 pavilion

Fit the rafters to the top of the pavilion, every 16″ on center. Use the rafter ties to lock the rafters to the framing of the pavilion.

Roof-sheets-for-8×12-pavilion

Use 1/2″ plywood for the roof of the gable pavilion. Cut the sheets at the right dimensions and lay them over the roof structure, following the pattern described in the shed diagram. Leave no gaps between the sheets and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the framing.

Side roof trims – 8×12 pavilion

Use 1×8 lumber for the roof trims. First, attach the trims to the sides of the backyard pavilion. Use 2″ nails to secure the trims into place.

Fitting the end roof trims

Use 1×8 lumber for the front and back roof trims. Make the angle cuts to the trims and then secure them into place tightly with 2″ nails.

Fitting the roofing – 8×12 pavilion

Cover the roof of the pavilion with tar paper and then install the asphalt shingles. Use drip edges to make sure the roof is waterproof.

8×12 Pavilion Plans – side view

Make sure you read the local building codes and make modifications to suit your local meteorological conditions (strong winds, snow load).

8×12-gable-pavilion–plans

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. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.

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This woodworking project was about 8×12 backyard 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.

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