12×16 Lean to Pavilion – Free DIY Plans

If you want to learn more about lean to 12×16 pavilion you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. This pavilion is built on a really sturdy 6×6 structure and it features a basic lean to roof, so you can get the job done by yourself. Remember to read the local codes before starting the project and to comply with the local regulations. The codes differ from one area to another, so it is safer to read them thoroughly.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden project. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

12×16 Lean to Pavilion – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-12×16-lean-to-pavilion

Materials

• A – 6 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft long POSTS
• B – 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12 ft long CROSS BEAMS
• C – 1 piece of 6×6 lumber – 16 ft long, 1 piece – 224″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• D – 3 piece of 6×6 lumber – 30 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 224″ long RIDGE BEAM
• E – 16 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 36″ long BRACES
• F – 15 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 ft long TRIMS
• G – 6 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′ long, 3 pieces – 32″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x96″ long, 1 piece – 24″x32″ long ROOF
• G – 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 14 ft long, 4 pieces – 112 3/4″ long TRIMS
• I – 300 sq ft of tar paper, 300 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING

• 7 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12 ft
• 1 piece of 6×6 lumber – 16 ft
• 2 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 20 ft
• 4 pieces of 6×6 lumber – 12 ft
• 15 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14 ft
• 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 14 ft
• 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 10 ft
• 8 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 2’x4′
• 300 sq ft of tar paper, 300 sq ft of asphalt shingles
• 24 pieces of 7″ screws
• 2″ nails
• 6 post anchors
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 5 1/2″ screws
• rafter ties
• 1 1/2″ structural screws
• wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One week

STEP 1: Building the base of the wood pavilion

Laying-out-the-posts

The first step of the garden project is to select the location for the outdoor pavilion. Make sure the ground is level and then layout the 6×6 posts with batter boards and string. Measure the diagonals and apply the 3-4-5 rule to the corners, to make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the posts into concrete

You can set the posts into place with several methods. First of all, you can attach the posts to an already existing concrete slab using metal anchors. Alternatively, you can dig 2-3′ deep holes and pour concrete footing in which you set post anchors. Last but not least, you can dig the holes and set the posts directly into concrete.

For this project, we will assume you will use metal anchors. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts vertically and use temporarily braces to lock them, until you build the roof for the structure.

Top-rail—12×16-lean-to-pavilion

Use 6×6 lumber for the top plates. As you can see in the plans, you need to make notches to the plates. Use a circular saw to make 2 3/4″ deep parallel cuts and then remove the excess with a chisel.

Fitting-the-to-plates

Fit the rails to the top of the posts. Notice the front wall beam overhangs, 16″ on both sides. Fit the plates into place and make sure the corners are square. Drill pilot holes through the beams and insert 7″ screws into the posts. Use at least 2 screws for each joint.

Fitting-the-cross-beams

Fit the cross beams to the top of the structure. Make sure the posts are perfectly plumb and then check if the corners are square. Drill pilot holes and insert 7″ screws to lock everything into place tightly.

Fitting-the-ridge-beam

Next, attach the 6×6 supports to the back of the pavilion. Plumb the posts with a spirit level. Use L ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws to secure the posts to the beams. Next, install the ridge beam to the posts, making sure the side overhangs are equal. Use post to beam connectors to secure the ridge beam into place tightly.

Fitting-the-braces

Use 6×6 lumber for the braces. Use a miter or circular saw to make the 45 degree cuts at both ends. Fit the braces to the posts of the carport and then lock them into place with 5 1/2″ screws. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

STEP 2: Building the roof of the lean to shelter

Rafters-for-12×16-lean-to-pavilion

Use 2×6 lumber for the rafters of the pavilion. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the edges with attention.

Fitting-the-rafters

Fit the rafters to the top of the pavilion, every 16″ on center. Use rafter ties and 1 1/2″ structural screws, to lock the beams to the top plates of the carport.

Fitting-the-roof-sheets—12×16-pavilion

Fit the 1/2″ plywood sheets to the top of the pavilion. Align the edges flush and leave no gaps between the sheets. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the sheets into place, every 8″ along the rafters.

Fitting-the-front-and-back-roof-trims

Use 1×8 lumber for the side roof trims. Align the edges and insert 2″ nails to lock them into place.

Fitting-the-side-roof-trims—12×16-pavilion

Install the trims to the front and back of the roof.

Fitting-the-roofing—12×16-lean-to-pavilion

In order to waterproof the carport, you have to cover the roofing sheets with felt. Make sure the strips of roofing felt overlap at least 2-3″ and staple them to the plywood sheets every 8″. Continue the project by installing the asphalt shingles. Place the starting course at the bottom of the roof, before fitting the rest of the shingles.

PRO TIP: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions, before installing the shingles. They provide essential information about the installation of the shingles.

Lean-to-pavilion-plans—front-view

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper.

Build-a-12×16-lean-to-pavilion

This lean to pavilion is super easy to build, if you have an extra pair of hands to help you. This pavilion is the ideal choice if you want to create a relaxation area in your backyard.

Back-view—12×16-lean-to-pavilion

Make sure you take a look over my 20×30 pavilion plans. Also, I have free plans to build a 16×20 gable pavilion.

This diy project was about lean to pavilion 12×16 plans. If you have enjoyed the free project, I recommend you to share it with your friends, by using the social media widgets. You can always save the plans as PDF or Print them using the floating widget on the left side of the screen (working only on PC or laptop).