Looking for a rewarding first timber frame build? The 16x20 King Post Timber Frame is an ideal starting point for DIYers and seasoned builders alike. Whether you're envisioning a cozy cabin, a workshop, or an open-air pavilion, this design delivers flexibility, charm, and the satisfaction of raising your own timber structure.
Key Features:
- Footprint: 16'x20' (320 sq ft)
- Ideal For: Garage, workshop, cabin, open pavilion, or outdoor entertaining area
- Design Style: Classic king post truss system with simple joinery and a compact, efficient layout
- Build-Friendly: Scaled just right for first-time timber framers or small crews
With its modest size and accessible construction, this plan lets you fully experience the process of timber framing—without the complexity or time commitment of a larger build. Whether you leave it open to enjoy as a shaded pavilion or finish it out into a woodland cabin, this structure adapts beautifully to your vision.
Buy This Plan
This plan provides detailed, easy-to-follow blueprints, perfect for anyone building their own timber frame.
Customize or Kit
Do you like this plan but need to change it a little, or do you want a complete Ready-To-Raise Kit?
Get An Instant Quote
Use our online calculator to get a quote for a complete Ready-To-Raise™ Kit. Just need your zip code.
What's Included

We take immense pride in our team of exceptionally skilled timber frame designers. Each member is not only equipped with the finest tools but also possesses a profound understanding of how different materials intricately come together to realize your vision. This deep expertise in both design and material synergy is crucial in crafting the ideal timber frame structure tailored just for you.
Our commitment to excellence extends to our engineering team, specialists in timber frame structures, many of whom hold doctorates in their field. Sharing your passion for timber framing, our engineers work closely with you, ensuring that every aspect of the frame's design is customized to suit your specific location. This collaborative process guarantees that you receive all necessary documentation for permits, including detailed engineered reaction diagrams, ensuring your construction proceeds smoothly and stays on schedule.
The culmination of this meticulous process is a comprehensive set of construction drawings. These detailed plans not only provide a clear guide for your kit's assembly but also include a complete list of timbers and fasteners, serving as an invaluable reference throughout the installation of your frame. Our goal is to ensure that every step, from initial design to final construction, is seamless, transparent, and perfectly aligned with your project's needs.
After we've collaboratively chosen the ideal wood type for your project, we proceed to source the highest quality timber through our network of trusted mills. Ensuring that every piece meets our exacting standards, we then transport the timber to one of our cutting facilities. There, the joinery is meticulously crafted using CNC machines. Every joint, drilling, mortise, and tenon is cut with precision, adhering to tight tolerances for impeccable quality and fit.
Following the cutting process, all timbers are systematically labeled according to the production numbers assigned during the creation of your model and plans. This meticulous process ensures that every component of your timber frame is prepared with the utmost attention to detail, ready for the next phase of your project.
Included with your package are all the pegs, fasteners, screws, and connectors you need to put your ready-to-raise frame together. You will also get a detailed list for you to refer to while raising your frame.
We carefully package and securely transport your timber frame and all necessary hardware directly to your location. In sync with you, we'll coordinate the delivery schedule, ensuring that we agree on an approximate time on the designated date. To facilitate a smooth and safe unloading process, it's important to have equipment on hand capable of lifting up to 5,000 lbs. Once everything is delivered and in place, the exciting phase of bringing your project to life begins.

At Timber Frame HQ, we embrace the philosophy of 'One Person, One Project.' This approach ensures that each client is paired with a dedicated Project Manager who will be your point of contact throughout the entire project. We believe in offering personalized, consistent support to make your journey with us as smooth and fulfilling as possible.
Our commitment extends beyond just providing exceptional timber frames. As your construction resource, we'll be by your side for the duration of your project, ready to offer expert advice, support, and answers to all your queries. Our goal is to make the process of raising your timber frame not just successful, but also a deeply rewarding experience.
We invite you to visit our 'About Us' page to learn more about our values, our team, and how we can bring your timber framing vision to life with a touch of personal care and professional excellence.
View Our Interactive 3d Model

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.



Can this be placed on a wooden flooring system similar to this? (https://timberframehq.com/shop/12×16-post-and-beam-cabin/)
And what is the height of the 6:12 roof pitch?
Thank you!
Is there a difference between the King post and Timber frame other than the 4′? They look the same…
Yes, you could place this on a wooden flooring system. The height to the top of the rafters for the 6:12 is 14′-4 3/4″
Thank you Katrina, very helpful!
They are the same, only difference is the 4′ you mentioned.
What additional engineering would you need for the Houston area since we experience hurricanes every summer?
We would recommend that you get the plan looked at by an engineer so he can run the calculations and verify the connections given your location. If you would like us to run that by our engineer, reach out to us at sales@timberframehq.com.
I assume that the 16×20 pavilion uses 8×8 posts? If I built this structure, I would fill in the sides with additional timbers on either side of the doors and windows. If you added additional timbers could be posts be scaled down to 6×6? I am thinking about handling such large timbers
The posts are indeed 8×8. We could never recommend your downsizing the timbers without consulting an engineer.
Is the frame tall enough to do lean to sheds off the sides of the frame with conventional framing?
It is 8′-7″ to the top of the bent girt which is about the same as the bottom of the rafters.
Do you think going 2 ft taller would significantly cause more stress on the posts?
No it will not increase any loads on the building or posts, go for it.
Is the listed dimension of the building size the outside of post?
Yes, it is outside of the post to outside of the post. There is also a two-foot overhang on all four sides, giving you 20×24 under the roof.