Building a garden pavilion is a straightforward weekend project if you have the right lumber and a level site. These structures are free-standing and open-sided, offering shade and a defined space without enclosing the room. While the classic design is octagonal, you can build any shape you want. The roof style depends on your preference: lattice slats let dappled light through like a tree canopy, while a solid roof covers you when it rains.
Before you break ground, measure your furniture. The pavilion needs to be big enough to hold your table and chairs comfortably. Location matters too. Find a flat area in the garden. You may need to shovel off some soil to create a level base for the foundation.
Setting the Foundation and Frame
Dig four holes at the corners of your planned structure. Sink four 4-by-4-inch posts into the ground. The height of the exposed post determines the height of your pavilion walls.
- Mix cement to fill the holes around the posts.
- Use a level to ensure each post stands perfectly straight.
- Let the cement cure before proceeding.
Once the posts are set, connect them. Lay four 2-by-8-inch beams horizontally across the top of the posts to create the main frame. This structure needs reinforcement. Attach a V-shaped brace to each post to prevent swaying.
- Cut two 2-by-6-inch beams for each corner.
- Attach one piece from the horizontal beam down to the post.
- This creates a triangular support that adds rigidity to the frame.
Choosing Your Roof Style
The roof is where you decide between aesthetic and utility. Place roofing slats across the top beams.
For a Lattice Roof
Leave a few inches of space between each slat. This allows sunlight to filter through, creating a dappled shadow effect on the ground below.
For a Solid Roof
Place the slats close together with no gaps. This provides full protection from rain.
Use deck screws to attach the slats securely to the beams. A solid roof makes the pavilion a handy shelter during storms, while a lattice roof keeps it airy.
Finishing Touches
You have two options for the floor.
- Natural Ground: Leave the dirt or grass as it is. This is the cheapest and fastest option.
- Slate Slabs: Lay down flat slate tiles for a more polished, durable surface that is easy to clean.
Once built, decorate the structure with hanging plants and baskets. The open sides make it easy to see the garden from inside while staying protected from the elements.
A pavilion is not a house. It is a frame for your outdoor life.
Consider how you will use the space. Will it be a dining nook? A reading spot? The roof style you choose should match that intent. If you get rain in spring, a solid roof saves your dinner party. If you get sun all day, a lattice roof keeps the air moving.
Check your local building codes before pouring cement. Some areas require permits for permanent structures. Others do not. A quick phone call to your local office saves headaches later.
