This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a roof for a 12×16 pavilion. This pavilion is the perfect addition to you backyard, because it will create enough shade for a table and a few chairs. The lean to roof has a 5:12 pitch and it features 2×6 rafters every 16″ on center. This structure is heavy duty, but please follow the building codes and hire a professional contractor if you don’t have the right skills to undertake the project on your own. I have spent a lot of time creating a rigid structure for the pavilion, so most likely it will be good enough for most areas with snow.
We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pressure-treated lumber, cedar or redwood. If you use regular pine, I recommend you to apply the appropriate products to enhance its durability. 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 HERE [1].
Made from this plan
12×12 Outdoor Pavilion – Free DIY Plans
Building a lean to pavilion
Materials
- G – 15 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 168″ long RAFTERS
- H – 6 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 48″x96″ long, 3 pieces – 32″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x96 long, 1 piece – 24″x32″ long ROOF
- F – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 168″ long, 4 pieces – 112 3/4″ long TRIMS
- H – 280 sq ft of tar paper, 280 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
- 15 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 14 ft
- 9 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
- 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 14 ft
- 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 10 ft
- 1 5/8″ screws
- 2″ nails
- 280 sq ft of tar paper, 280 sq ft of asphalt shingles
- rafter ties
- wood glue, stain/paint
- Screws for Strong ties
- 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 pavilion
- Secure the roofing slats to the structure with galvanized screws
Time
- One Week
How to build a 12×12 pavilion
Rafters for 12×16 pavilion
Use 2×4 lumber for the rafters. Make the birdsmouth cuts, as shown in the diagram. Mark the cut lines on the rafters and get the job done with a circular saw.
Fitting the rafters
Fit the rafters to the top of the pavilion. Use the info from the diagram to space the rafters every 16″ on center. The number you see in the plans represents the distance between the rafters. Use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to lock the rafters into place tightly.
Roof sheets – 12×16 lean to pavilion
Use 1/2″ plywood for the roof sheets. Make cuts to the sheets and lay them on top of the roof structure. Leave no gaps between the sheets and align everything with attention. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws, every 8″ along the framing.
Front and back roof trims – 12×16 pavilion
Use 1×6 lumber for the side roof trims. Align the edges flush and insert 2″ nails to lock them to the end of the rafters.
Side trims – 12×16 pavilion
Use 1×6 lumber for the front and back roof trims. Attach the trims to the rafters and insert 2″ nails to lock them into place tightly. Leave no gaps between the trims.
Fitting the roofing – 12×16 lean to shed
You could fit asphalt shingles to protect the pavilion, as it is a straight forward solution. Therefore, install roofing felt over the roofing sheets, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. Place a starting course at the bottom of the roof, before installing the asphalt shingles. Always read the manufacturing instructions before starting the installation, as there are several aspects that differ.
The first course should star with a 3 tab shingle, the second course with a 2 1/2 tab , the third course with a 2 tab, the forth course with a 1 1/2 tab, the fifth course with a 1 tab, the sixth course with a 1/2 tab. Repeat the process from the beginning, starting with the seventh course. Don’t forget that the shingles should overhang from the drip edge about a 1/4″. In addition, secure the asphalt shingles to the roof decking with tacks.
12×16 Lean to pavilion – free diy plans
This pavilion is built on a sturdy 6×6 structure and it features a roof with a 5:12 pitch. You can adjust the slope of the roof to suit your needs.
12×16 Lean to pavilion – back view
This pavilion makes for the perfect addition to a small backyard, because it has a footprint of 144 sq ft (larger for the roof). This is enough for taking dinner or for relaxation and hangout with friends. As you can see it’s not that complicated to build this pavilion and you can get the job done in one week with the help of a friend. I have tons of other pavilion designs on the blog, so please make sure you check all of them HERE [3]. I also recommend you to use the search function on the blog.
How to build a 12×16 pavilion
Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with sandpaper. Apply a few coats of paint or stain over the components to enhance the look of the pavilion and to protect the components from decay.
Thank you for reading my project about 12×16 rectangular pavilion with lean to roof plans and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.
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