This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a 16×12 rectangular pavilion – free diy plans. This must be one of the most requested plans because this shelter has the perfect size and a very wide opening, making it perfect for covering a jacuzzi, a serving area or a bbq grill. The roof has a 6:12 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. See all the gazebo plans HERE.
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.
Made from this plan
16×12 Gable Rectangular Gazebo – Free DIY Plans
Building-a-16×12-gazebo
Materials
- A – 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft long POSTS
- B – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 16 ft long TOP RAILS
- C – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 160″ long, 1 piece – 12 ft CROSSBEAMS
- D – 14 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 36″ long BRACES
- E – 3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 41 1/4″ long RIDGE BEAM SUPPORTS
- E – 1 piece of 6×6 lumber – 160″ long RIDGE BEAM
- 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft
- 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 16 ft
- 3 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 14 ft
- 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12 ft
- 6 concrete form tube
- 6 post anchors
- 4 L brackets
- 24 pieces of 8″ screws
- 60 pieces of 5 1/2″ screws
- 500 pieces of 1 5/8″ screws
- wood glue, stain/paint
- 4 pieces of post to beam connector
- 2 1/2″ structural 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
Time
- One Week
How to build a 16×12 pavilion – PDF Download
Laying-out-the-posts-for-the-pavilion
The first step of the HowToSpecialist.com project is to layout the rectangular grill gazebo. Therefore, select the location for the outdoor pavilion and level the surface with attention. Make sure you remove the vegetation layer and even out the surface. Use batter boards and string to layout the location of the legs. Apply the 3-4-5 rule to each corners, so you make sure they are square. Measure the diagonals and make adjustments so they are equal.
Setting the posts
After marking the location of the posts, you need to dig 3-4′ deep holes in the ground and 12″ in diameter, using a post hole digger. Install tube forms and fill them with concrete. Secure the anchors. For this project we will use post anchors, so you don’t need to set the posts into concrete.
After installing the posts you need to check the tops are aligned one with another. Use a laser level / water level to mark the horizontal line to the top of the posts. Use a circular saw to make the cuts if necessarily.
Building the top plates
Top-plates—large-rectangular-gazebo
Use 6×6 lumber for the top plates. Make notches to the beams, using a circular saw. Set the saw depth at 2 3/4″. Make the notches to the plates using a saw and a chisel. Make parallel cuts and then remove the excess with a hammer and a chisel. Smooth the recesses with sandpaper.
We need the cut outs so we can join the beams together and create a rigid and durable top frame for the pavilion.
Fitting-the-side-plates
Fit the plates to the sides of the pavilion. Align the plates to the posts, making sure both ends are flush with the posts. Drill pilot holes and insert 8″ screws to lock them into place. Plumb the posts with a spirit level and check if the top plate is perfectly horizontal. Make sure the corners are square. Use 2 screws for each joint.
Fitting-the-crossbeams
Fit the crossbeams to the top of the pavilion. Drill pilot holes and insert 8″ screws, to assemble everything together tightly. Use a spirit level to make sure the plates are horizontal. Use a carpentry square to make sure the corners are right angled.
Fitting-the-braces-to-the-frame-of-the-pavilion
Use 6×6 lumber for the diagonal braces. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of braces and then fit them to the frame of the gazebo, as shown in the diagram. Plumb the posts, drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 5 1/2″ screws into the posts and top plates. Use 2 screws for each joint.
Fitting the ridge beam
Fitting the supports
Use 6×6 lumber for the ridge beam supports. Secure the middle supports to the cross plates with 2 1/2″ structural screws and post to beam connector. Plumb the posts with a spirit level before setting the supports into place.
Use 2 L brackets for the front and back supports and insert 2 1/2″ structural screws to lock everything together tightly.
Fitting the ridge beam
Use 6×6 lumber for the ridge beam. Notice the 8″ front and back overhangs. Place the ridge beam to the supports and make sure the corners are square. Use post to beam connectors and 2 1/2″ structural screws to secure the beam into place tightly.
Fitting the ridge beam braces
Use 6×6 lumber for the top ridge braces. Make 45 degree cuts at both ends of the braces and then secure them to the ridge beam. Drill pilot holes and insert 5 1/2″ screws to lock them into place.
How-to-build-a-16×12-pavilion—side-view
This is a medium sized gazebo with a gable roof. This shelter makes for the perfect choice if you want to cover a hot tub or a small pool. I had many requests for this size, so you should find these plans really useful. I recommend you to take a look over the rest of my designs, for example this 20×24 pavilion or this 12×16 pavilion.
16×12-gable-pavilion—dimensions
I had a lot of fun designing this shelter and this is the one I would chose for my grill / pizza oven. I like the increased roof pitch and the gable roof with generous overhangs on all sides. This is a simple structure so can build it by yourself and keep the costs down. Make sure you take a look over PART 2 of the project, so you learn how to build the roof of the gazebo.
16×12-gable-pavilion-plans
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 shed and to protect the components from decay. Since you are here, you might as well take a look over over my screened gazebo plans.
If you want to download the plans. just click on the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
Thank you for reading my project about 16×12 rectangular pavilion 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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