Building Your Pavilion: A Step by Step Visualization
Step 1: Plan Your Pavilion
The first step is a great plan. Start by choosing a location that will be functional year-round. Make sure it’s flat, accessible, and not too close to trees or utility lines. Then decide on the pavilion size and draw up a simple plan (Timberscapes can help with this step if you need guidance).
Tip: A common size is 16’x16’, but scale based on your space and purpose.
Step 2: Mark & Prepare the Site
Mark the corners of the pavilion using stakes and string.
Use a square to make sure your layout is even.
Clear the area of grass, rocks, or debris.
Step 3: Dig Footer Holes
Use a post hole digger or auger to dig holes at each corner—about 3 feet deep (or deeper, depending on your local frost line).
Space them according to your design
For Footer First Construction: Fill each hole with concrete until the finished height is close to, but not above, the height of your finished pad or pavers.
For Pad Construction: Prep holes and pad forms to be filled at once when planning to build on a pad with footings.
Step 4: Set the Posts
Place 8x8 posts on each footer or reinforced area.
Make sure they’re close to plumb (you can tweak them a bit later)
Step 5: Drop in Beams
Once the posts are set, attach 6x10 support beams along the top using provided 12” timber lags.
Use a level to make sure everything is straight. Shimming a post slightly may be necessary depending on your pad.
Step 6 : Install Braces
Braces will hold post and beams in place and can be used to level the structure.
Step 7: Set the Ridge Pole and Ridge Beam
The ridge poles are the two 6x8s that hold up the ridge beam.
Ensure proper overhangs and secure the ridge beam in place with provided 10” timber lags.
Step 8: Frame the Roof
The main rafters are 6x6s, with the four outside rafters not having any birds-eye cut.
The rafters that make up the “truss” are 6x8s.
Secure them in place with 2–6” timber lags on top and 2–6” lags through the birds-eye on the bottom.
Attach gutter boards with 3” nails or screws.
Step 9: Roof
Attach tongue & groove using 2-3 inch screws or nails.
Then install your roof: metal for a modern look, or shingles for a classic finish.
Step 10: Webbing
Add in the remaining pieces to complete the trusses.
These pieces are not structural so waiting until the end is common practice.
Step 11: Finishing Touches
Stain any rough edges
Add decorative elements like ceiling fan, pendants, privacy walls, etc.
🌿Landscaping
Hanging planters or vines are a great option
Mulch or gravel borders are popular finishing touches.
🎉 You're Done!
Step back and admire your brand-new pavilion. Not only have you added a functional feature to your yard, but you’ve also created a space that’ll host countless memories.
📌 Final Tips:
Always check local building codes and HOA rules.
Always anchor your pavilion to concrete
Grab a buddy or two—it’s easier and safer with more people!
