Introduction
If you treasure your time outdoors, this simple shelter is the perfect retreat for you. It’s open and airy, yet it’ll shade you from that hot afternoon sun as well as keep you dry when it rains. We designed it so you can easily connect it to your existing deck. Or you could build it freestanding in your yard. In either case, it’ll quickly become your favorite destination!
In this article, we’ll show you how to assemble this structure step by step. Don’t be intimidated by the “post and beam” design. It’s not difficult to build, and we’ll walk you through the key details. We’ve simplified the difficult steps with goof-proof techniques—like positioning the posts with a 2x4 frame and shaping the ends of beams with a circular saw. If you’ve tackled jobs like basic deck building or wall framing, you can build this shelter. You’ll need a miter saw and a table saw to make the angle cuts on the walls. A brad nailer will save you time but isn’t absolutely necessary.
You’ll need at least three full weekends and occasional help from a friend to complete the job. Our total materials cost was almost $3,000, but you can save a bundle by choosing different building materials.
Materials Required
- 10d galvanized nails
- 1x12 x 8' cedar (wall boards) (12)
- 1x2 x 8' cedar (rails & battens & fascia) (30)
- 2-in. deck screws
- 2x10 x 12' (sister joists) (2)
- 2x10 x 8' pressure-treated (rim joists) (4)
- 2x12 x 12' cedar (collar ties) (3)
- 2x2 x 8' (wall plates and studs) (13)
- 2x4 x 12' (diagonal brace) (1)
- 2x4 x 14' (frame) (3)
- 2x4 x 8' (frame & bracing & stakes; see Photo 3) (6)
- 2x4 x 8' (joist ledgers) (2)
- 2x6 x 8' (floor joists) (5)
- 2x6 x 8' cedar (wall bases and caps and rafters) (19)
- 3" galvanized nails
- 4' x 8' T1-11 plywood (wall sheathing) (3)
- 4x6 x 8' cedar (short wall posts) (1)
- 5/4x6 x 10' (decking & roof sheathing) (49)
- 5/8" x 2-1/2" bolts and nuts (48)
- 5/8" x 2" lag screws (48)
- 6d galvanized finish nails
- 6x6 cedar (corner posts; lengths vary) (4)
- 6x6 x 10' (beams) (2)
- 8" tube forms (4)
- Anchor bolts (4)
- Angle brackets
- Concrete mix
- Construction adhesive
- Joist hanger nails
- Joist hangers (8)
- Post bases (4)
- Straps (24)
- T-straps (8)
Project Plans
Family Handyman
Family Handyman
Family Handyman
Planning Your Shelter
The floor can stand as little as 14 in. above ground to about 8 ft. above ground. But if you build it more than 4 ft. above ground, you’ll have to add diagonal “knee braces” between the posts and the floor (consult a structural engineer on this detail). The floor can be level with the deck or stand higher or lower and include stairs.
When you apply for a building permit, ask your inspector about local requirements, including how deep to dig the footings. Be sure to include bridge plans. For a bridge more than 4 ft. long or 4 ft. wide, your inspector may require that you strengthen the deck itself. A few days before you dig the footing holes, call (888) 258-0808 to have utility lines marked.
Most home centers carry 6x6s only as treated lumber. If you want a different wood, you may have to special-order it.
