Timeless Design. Endless Possibilities. Ready-to-Raise™.
Looking to add shade, beauty, or flexible living space to your property? The 12x16 King Post Timber Frame delivers a classic design in a manageable size that fits most backyards or small lots. Whether you're creating an open pavilion, outdoor kitchen, or even a compact tiny home or greenhouse, this timber frame provides a beautiful and functional solution.
Design Highlights:
- Footprint: 12' x 16' (192 sq ft between posts)
- Roof Pitch: 8:12—creating generous ceiling volume and architectural presence
- Overhangs: 2-foot overhangs on all sides for added protection and shade
- Versatile Roofing Options:
- Leave purlins exposed for an arbor effect
- Apply shingles or metal roofing for weather protection
- Classic Joinery: King post design offering strength, beauty, and traditional timber craftsmanship
Endless Possibilities:
- Outdoor Pavilion: Perfect for seating, outdoor dining, or hot tub lounging
- Garden Shed or Workshop: Enclose the frame with siding or reclaimed wood
- Greenhouse: Add clear panels to create a sun-filled growing space
- Tiny Home Foundation: Adapt the frame to create a cozy and efficient small living space
The flexible design makes it easy to customize the structure to your lifestyle and future needs.
Buy This Plan
This plan provides detailed, easy-to-follow blueprints, perfect for anyone building their own timber frame.
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Do you like this plan but need to change it a little, or do you want a complete Ready-To-Raise Kit?
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We understand that every project is unique, so we offer extensive customization options for our plans and kits. Choose from various sizes, roof styles, and finishes to match your style and landscape. Our design team is dedicated to helping you create the perfect plan that reflects your vision.
Here's How You Can Get Started:
- Phone: Call us at 888-552-9379 (9–5, M–F) to speak with one of our experts.
- Email: Send your questions to projects@timberframehq.com, and we will respond within two business days
- Online Form: Please complete the form below, and we will respond promptly.
How hard would it be to add a floor to this design. I’m looking at making an outdoor living space but I want to have it off the ground so I don’t have to poor a concrete slab and spring drainage isn’t as much of an issue.
It would not be that hard. If you purchase this plan we will also send you this one that has a floor system, https://timberframehq.com/shop/12×16-king-post-truss-plan/ between the two you will be good to go.
Good Morning. Two questions:
1. I believe the City where I live will require an engineers certification. Have yo ever obtained one in any location for this plan?
2. I want to add a shingle roof. Looking at the plan, seems I can do this by adding fascia boards to the edges of the rafters down the 16′ sides and adding roof sheathing on top. Seem doable?
Yes, this set of plans has been reviewed by an engineer, every location is slightly different though. Where are you planning on building it? We can work with you and the engineer to get you a sealed set of drawings for you and your location.
I would recommend that you put 1 1/2″ tongue and groove or 3/4″ tongue and groove then 3/4″ sheathing on the ceiling and then you will have 1 1/2″ of material to nail your shingles to.
That sounds great. How do we set this into motion?
Are the Measurements of 12 x 16’ taken at the total outside of the rafters or is that post to post
I need plans for a 12×16 plus the overhang
Thx
Jim
Post to post, most of our plans have a 2 foot overhang.
Where do we purchase Lumber?
is this a Kit?
I’ve raised the two bents and will fell trees for the 20 foot beams soon. Thinking ahead to the rafters, are they fastened with nails and screws, or is it possible to stick with pegs?
All three will work, I strongly recommend using a good structural screw with min. 4″ embedment into the opposing timber, ASSY, GRK or Rothoblass TBS (we carry in the shop), a peg or a nail would be a draw for 2. This frame can stand for the next 100+ years and may be taken down and put back up during its life span. Screws make all that a lot easier.
Can this structure be built using 6×6 posts and 6×8 beams, both of Douglas fir, or do they have to be 8×8 and 8×10 or 8×12?
It can be built with 6x material. You may also take a look at our 10x version that uses 6x material. It can be found at https://timberframehq.com/shop/10×10-king-post-truss-plan/.
This plan is “perfect” for except I only have space for a 10X16. Can you modify the plans for that? Also, are these timbers full dimension or nominal size?
Have you seen the plans at https://timberframehq.com/shop/10×14-king-post-plan/?
I would like to build a small blacksmith shop. Can the plans be shortened pit on a stone knee wall with a bottom timber to fasten to top of wall
Absolutely! Perfect little frame for a blacksmith shop.
I’d love to see a design based on this or the 10×14 king post plan which adds a 3rd gable in a T shape as long as it is wide. This would make a great backyard pavilion to cover a large table as well as an outdoor kitchen area.
Great idea Doug, I will get one in the pipeline.
Does it come with a lumber take off?
Yes, that and all of our plans come with a complete material list.
Brice
Love the design. Can you tell me the roof snow load rating?
Most of our plans are rated for 40 psf but that depends on other factors like seismic areas, wind load, wind exposure, timber species and more. When in doubt we recommend that you consult an engineer. We do offer engineering services as an add-on to our standard plans.
Which plan do you think would be easier to modify? I’m limited to 12×9. I like the simplifications in the 10×10 king post using the Rothoblass Alumini connectors, but this one (12×16) would just need the front 12’x8′ section and make it 9′.
Also the 10×10 says it is using 6″ material is this one 8″?
This plan uses 8x material. It would definitely be easier to shorten this in the ridge direction than to modify both dimensions of the 10×10.
I am planning on building a gazebo then fitting it out as an outdoor kitchen. I would like to know if this design can be modified to allow for 8 metres in length and 4 metres in width? This would be the overall length of the roof and as the roof does overhang the posts on the length the post centres would be approx 7 metres. I can modify the plans of course as my required dimensions differ from your design my major concern is that I may have to fit another post due to the length. Are there other options like upsizing the beams/posts to allow for the load as I would prefer not to have to add additional posts.
Yes, we can modify that plan to your needs and even convert it to metric for you. You can find out more information at https://timberframehq.com/custom-design/.
What carpentry tools are required to build this?
Please check out this page for more complete information than we can give you here.
Is this plan available in a 12′ wide x 20′ deep? I am planning on building a carport and like this design. The 12′ width is perfect. Also, any alternative for the roof pitch on this design (lower pitch).
Thanks!
We don’t have that exact plan in 2×20 but we do offer this 12×20 Timber Frame. For alternate roof pitches and other modifications, please visit our Custom Design page.
We don’t have this plan in 12×20 but we do offer this 12×20 Timber Frame. For modifications, please visit our Custom Design page.
The sample plan is not available, can you tell me the height of the beam?
The top of it is 8’8″ from the ground. You can just the height by increasing or decreasing the post heights.
Can I get a version of this with a timber floor and shed dormer for 12’ of the 16’ length?
That would be a custom design- you can find out more information on those services here.
We would be interested in your 12’x16′ Cabana Kit and trying to put a budget plan which would have to include all the hardware like screws and bolts etc. Is there a list on web site to maybe get an idea of how many bolts etc, to include in our budget?
They are included in the plans.