How to build a pavilion

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a 10×20 pavilion. Building a wooden pavilion is a complex project that will create an ideal place for dinning. Always adjust the size and design of the pavilion to your needs and budget, but use the instructions and the tips shown in the project. A steep roof will enhance the look of your construction, but it will require a larger investment and more materials.

If you want to build a simple place for taking dinner with your family and friends, there are several alternatives you could choose from. On one hand, you could build a gazebo or you could build a simpler structure, such as a wooden pavilion. A garden pavilion can be built by any person with basic woodworking skills, but you need to plan every step of the construction from the very beginning.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pressure-treated lumber, pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a pavilion

Materials

A – 10 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long POSTS
B – 2 pieces of 6×6 – 240″ long, 2 pieces – 120″ long TOP PLATE
C – 2 pieces of 6×6 – 53 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 240″ TOP RIDGE
D – 22 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 92″ long RAFTERS
E – 2 piece of 1×4 lumber – 240″ long TRIMS
F – 48 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 244″ long ROOFING
G – 8 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 74 3/4″, 8 pieces – 54 3/4″, 2 pieces – 76 3/4″ RAILS
G – 8 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 74 3/4″, 8 pieces – 54 3/4″, 2 pieces – 76 3/4″ CLEATS
H – 200 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 26 1/2″ long BALUSTERS

20 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 10 ft
3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 20 ft
3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 10 ft
22 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 20 ft
96 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 12 ft
85 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
post anchors, concrete
rafter ties
2 1/2″ brad nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
concrete form tube
20 pieces of 8″ screws
20 pieces of 5″ screws
100 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
wood glue, stain/paint
T strong tie
L strong tie
Screws for Strong ties
50 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Add trims to the bird feeder
Secure the walls to the floor frame with galvanized screws

Time

One Week

Building a pavilion

Attaching the posts

The first step of the project is to attach the wooden posts into concrete. Nevertheless, it is essential to lay out the pavilion in a professional manner, by using batter boards and string. Check if the corners are right-angled and measure the diagonals, before digging the holes.

Fitting the top rails

If you want to build a rigid structure, we recommend you to build the top plates from 6×6 lumber. As you can notice in the plans, you need to cut small notches at both ends of the components, as to create rigid joints. Place a spirit level on top of the plates to check if they are perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes trough the plates and insert galvanized screws into the posts. Check if the corners are right-angled after fitting each component.

Installing the top ridge

Continue the woodworking project by fitting the top ridge. Cut the components at the right size and lock them into place with galvanized screws, after drilling pilot holes. Plumb the supports with a spirit level and check if the top ridge is horizontal, before fitting the braces.

Building the rafters

The next step of the outdoor project is to build the rafters and to lock them into place, as in the above image. Build the rafters from 2×4 lumber and cut their ends at 45º, by using a circular saw. Cut small notches in the rafters, otherwise they won’t fit into place properly.

Attaching the rafters

You need to space the rafters every 24″ on center, otherwise the structure won’t be able to support the weight of the roofing properly. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the rafters and insert 3 1/2″ galvanized screws into the plates and into the top ridge.

Attaching the trims

If you want to add style to your pavilion, we recommend you to attach 1×4 trims to the ends of the rafters. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to align the trims at both ends and to lock it to the rafters with finishing nails.

Attaching the roofing slats

In order to protect the construction from bad weather, we recommend you to attach 1×6 slats to the rafters. Start with the bottom of the roof and continue the installation towards the top of the roof. Align the boards at both ends, making sure they overhang at least 2″ and lock them to the rafters with 2 1/2″ wood screws.

Attaching the rails

If you want to enhance the look of the wooden structure, we recommend you to build simple railings. The first step is to install the top and bottom rails, made out of 4×4 lumber. Place them between the posts, check if they are horizontal and lock them to the posts with galvanized screws. Use a jig to drill pocket holes, before driving the screws into the posts. Always adjust the size of the railing s to your needs, making sure they comply with the local building codes.

Attaching the cleats

Continue the project by attaching the 2×2 cleats to the rails, as in the image. Cut the cleats at the right size and lock them to the posts with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws, after drilling pilot holes, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Attaching the balusters

One of the last steps of the project is to fit the 2×2 balusters to the cleats. Cut them at the right size and attach them to the cleats with screws. Make sure you place the balusters equally spaced, leaving about 2″ between them. Place a piece of wood between the balusters, in order to get consistent gaps between them.

How to build a pavilion

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary.

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