Summer Days: Build A Timber Frame Pavilion With These Essential Tips
Marilyn Bradham 
Summer is the perfect time to build a timber frame pavilion. It is easy to build a timber frame pavilion with a few basic tools and techniques. The process of building a timber frame pavilion is a little more involved than laying a deck or a porch.
A timber frame pavilion is made up of many layers of lumber, not unlike a house. Each layer is placed on top of the layer below, and the structure grows vertically as you go. This process is also referred to as “layering wood” and is actually how timber frame homes are built.
Select A Location
The first step in choosing a location for your timber frame pavilion is to select the appropriate location. You want to select an area in your backyard where there is enough space for your structure.
You can build your pavilion on the ground, or you can build it on a deck or a patio. If you decide to build it on the ground, you will need to dig a hole for your structure. If you decide to build it on a deck or patio, you can install a simple steel frame around the perimeter of your deck or patio and then build your timber frame pavilion on top of it.
Scope The Area
The next step in choosing a location for your timber frame pavilion is to scope out the area. What you want to do is get an idea of what kind of shape your timber frame pavilion will take. You want to make sure that you have enough room to build it without running out of space.
Once you have decided on a location, you will need to excavate and grade the area so that it is level. You can do this by using a shovel or by using a wheelbarrow. When excavating, you want to make sure that the ground is level and that the area is not too small. It is best if you have at least 5 feet of space between the structure and the edge of the property.
Excavate And Grade The Area
Once you have decided on a location and have excavated and graded the area, the next step in building your timber frame pavilion is to lay down the foundation layer. This layer should be at least 4 inches thick and be made up of 4×4 lumber. Once this layer is laid down, you can build the structure on top of it.
Construct A Foundation Layer
Once you have laid down a foundation layer, it is time to start building your timber frame pavilion. The first step in building your timber frame pavilion is to install the first layer of cladding lumber on the foundation layer. You can use regular 2x4s for this step, or you can use pressure-treated lumber for extra strength.
Once this first layer is installed, you can start building the structure by placing boards on top of it. The boards should be spaced every 16 inches, and you should end up with at least 16 inches between each board. You can then build up the walls by placing these boards one at a time as you go up.
When you are building your timber frame pavilion, you want to make sure that each layer is level with the one below it and that there are no gaps between boards. You should also make sure that there are no nails sticking out of any board in your structure because once nails are in the wood, they are very difficult to remove later.
Install The Roofing Sheeting On Top Of Your Timber Structure
When you are building your timber frame pavilion, you want to make sure that all the boards are properly aligned with each other. You can do this by using a level or by using a string or rope as a guide for each board. You can also use a carpenter’s square or a straight edge to make sure that all the boards are aligned correctly. Once you have finished installing all the boards, you can then install roofing sheathing on top of your structure and begin installing shingles over each board.
Install Additional Framing Planks On The Sides And Front Of Your Structure
Once the roofing sheathing has been installed on all sides of your timber frame pavilion, it is time to install additional framing planks on the sides and front of your structure. You want to make sure that these additional planks are installed parallel with each other and with each other touching each other at every joint. When you are installing these planks, it is important that they are placed snugly against each other so that they do not move when water gets inside of them during heavy rains.
Building a timber frame pavilion is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. If you follow these simple instructions, you will be able to build a timber frame pavilion in no time at all.
