The 16×24 Timber Frame Plan offers a versatile design that fits seamlessly into an array of settings—whether you’re dreaming of a cozy cabin by the lake, a studio for art or music, or a welcoming guesthouse. With its classic exposed-beam aesthetic and sturdy mortise-and-tenon joinery, this compact frame provides both the warmth of traditional construction and a durable structure you can count on for decades.
Thoughtful Design & Adaptability
Measuring 16×24, the layout strikes an ideal balance between manageable size and functional space. High ceilings and ample interior room make it easy to customize the plan to your exact needs—add windows to capture natural light, incorporate built-in storage, or create an open-concept living area. The carefully placed posts and beams also allow for potential lofts or additional sleeping nooks.
Craftsmanship & Quality
Each timber in this plan is meticulously designed to enhance the look and feel of real wood construction. Traditional mortise-and-tenon connections add authenticity while ensuring rock-solid stability. The exposed beams become a centerpiece of the structure’s character, imbuing the interior with a warm, rustic charm that’s hard to replicate with conventional building techniques.
Streamlined Building Process
Clear, detailed instructions accompany every step of the build, making this plan accessible to both DIYers and professional crews. The layout is easy to follow, cutting down on guesswork and wasted materials. With the right tools (and a bit of patience), you can create a striking timber frame that reflects your personal style—without the complexity often associated with custom construction.
A Lasting Investment
From backyard offices to intimate weekend getaways, this 16×24 footprint is as flexible as it is beautiful. You’ll be investing in a piece of architecture designed to age gracefully, becoming a long-term asset to your property. The timeless appeal of exposed beams, coupled with the lasting strength of wood joinery, ensures that your 16×24 Timber Frame will continue to charm and serve its purpose for generations to come.
For more information about this plan please visit its shop page at 16x24 King Post Plan. This plan is included in our Plan Bundle.
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Great selection of nice timber frame plans. Very thorough plans clearly showing joint details. Quality computer generated drawings and an accurate cut list.
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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.
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Can this plan be extended to 16’x48′?
Yes, you can easily double the plan or we can work with you to customize this plan.
Hello,
What is the height from floor to bottom of cross beam? Thanks!
Dan
It is 7’8 and you can raise it by adding to the posts.
Will these plans be used for steel framing instead of lumber, or would adjustments be needed to be valid from a structural / engineering perspective?
What is the interior clearance between the posts? I’m considering this as a boat shed but the trailer has to be accommodated. Thanks
They can be converted without much trouble, I do think that the size of the steel will not have to be as large as what is posted for the timber sizes.
The posts measure 7 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ and there is 14’9″ clearance between the posts. Would be a great home for a boat.
How about 20’x24′ or 24’x24′ Timber Frame Plans? that’s same kind
We don’t have anything ready. We are working on a 20′ king post plan currently. In order to make this wider you would need to add a post or two to help carry the roof loads.
Brice, beautiful plans and a great website. In my part of the country (Connecticut), older frames contain timbers of dimensions rarely exceeding 8 x 8, perhaps 8 x 9 or 10 for larger plates…
Before I consult an engineer, can you comment on the feasibility of substituting these dimensions for the 12x material in your 16 x 24 frame? Thank you.
Thanks John,
That frame was originally designed for white pine so if you were going to use something stronger than that, say white oak or Doug fir then yes I think you can use 8×10’s. The piece that is carrying the most loads is the tie beam that spans between the post. So if you keep anyone an 8×12 it would be those members.
How tall could you concievably raise the posts?
You could go fairly height with them, thinking about adding a loft?
Bruce, I want to build a 36×16 open pavilion on my pool deck. I want to match the house roof pitch which is 12/12. I need to build it on a budget. I live in Greenville SC so lumber is available. I am thinking white pine would be the cheapest. Can I adapt this plan to my needs?
thanks, Jim
It would be quite easy to add another bay to the frame by duplicating the middle posts joinery. Because the frame will be outdoors I would recommend cypress if that is cost prohibitive, I would at least use cypress posts to help prevent rot.
I have lots of tulip poplar on my land, is that a sufficient wood for timber framing?
It sure is. It is not very common because it is not very strong but as long as you know that going into it and take it into account with the beam sizing you should be ok.
Is this the full timber list (if I wanted to go and see what estimated cost of materials might be)?
It is a complete timber list. You will need to get screws and decide on a post to concrete connection, see them at https://timberframehq.com/construction-details/masonryconcrete-to-timber/ but other than that you should be good to go. On the timber list, I generally add a couple of feet of extra length to the timbers, in case they come to you a little short or if you want to move the piece up or down on the timber to avoid a knot or something.
Would you be able to build this out of treated lumber?
Thanks
Bob
You can make it from treated material but that type of wood tends to be hard, squirrely and you will need to wear a dust mask at a minimum to cut the joinery out of it. It is 8x material so you will need to custom order it anyway. I would recommend that you find a local sawyer that can get you a natural rot resistant wood such as cedar, cypress, white oak or even doug fir.
What special tools would I need to cut out the joinery
Take a look at our Getting Started page at https://timberframehq.com/timber-framing-101/getting-started/
What is the roof pitch of this frame?
This plan has an 8″ roof pitch in the images however, we have added the dimensions for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 inch roof pitches to allow you the option to choose.
Two questions, what do you recommend for enclosure methods due to the distance between posts, and have you ever used southern yellow pine for your timber material? How easy/ difficult is it work with? Thanks, josh
I have worked with yellow pine before, in fact my office is a yellow pine frame. It’s main downside is that it twists and bows a lot depending on where it is grown. It is strong though. I would recommend a stick frame shell on the outside of the frame and a SIP roof.
Can this be modified to 20′ x 24′? And maybe with an attached lean-to “carport”?
Yes and no, you would have to add a post in the middle to support the ridge. How about using this plan https://timberframehq.com/shop/20×24-timber-frame-plan-with-loft/ and then https://timberframehq.com/shop/10×36-shed-roof-plan/
Could this design be modified to 16′ x 26′ or 16′ x 28′ ?, could it be built with a floor like your timber frame shed design instead of a concrete base ?
Do you have a design with four posts on a side, separating the interior into 3 8 ft section?
Yes you can easily modify them for the additional length but adding 1′ to 2′ to either side of the pavilion. Let me know what length you decide and we will help you sort out the rafter spacing.
No we do not have one with 4 posts on each side but it would be easily for you to convert it, adding 1 set of posts.
What is the dimension across from rafter tip to rafter tip. Looking to cover a 25′ X 20′ patio.
The over on the frame is 2 feet. So with the overhang the frame is 20’x 26′. Easy to make the modification to adjust for your project.
So it looks like the Top Plates are 16ft long – meaning that the gable end to gable end is 32ft? What is the 24ft length dimension measured from – outside post to outside post?
To clarify, the dimensions from outside of post to outside of post is 16 feet wide and 24′ long. The overhang around the frame is 2′ which gives you a covered under roof area of 20′ wide by 28′ long. The timbers in the timber list are longer that the timbers you need, this is done on purpose. This allows 2 things to happen. If you order the timbers and one is a little short, it may not belong enough and so you have room on the timber to move the piece up or down so you don’t have joinery where a knot or other defect is.
How do i order a 5/12 roof plan? Mick
The plans come with some additional sheets at the end that have all the various roof pitches including the 5/12 pitch.
Hi Brice, Can you tell me how much area the roof is so I can get an idea of pricing for roofing material? I would be using the 8″ pitch.
With a the 8″ roof pitch the total square footage or the roof area is 484 square feet.
I have purchased the plans on will be building it in the spring. After looking them over I have a question on how the scarf joint is held together. I would have expected a keyway or something similar to keep the two halves from spreading. Are the knee braces enough to hold the scarf joint?
You can use pegs, through bolts or screws. Check out https://timberframehq.com/scarf-joint-wedge/, https://timberframehq.com/double-tenoned-scarf-joint/ or https://timberframehq.com/36-timber-frame-scarf-joint/ for examples. Good luck with your project. Let us know if you have any questions as you start cutting.
Will this hold up to a 80 pond snow load?
What species are you planning on using?
European larch is what I was thinking about using
What is the total height of this pavilion? From the floor to the top of the roof?
The total height as designed is 15’8 1/2″ with the 8″ roof pitch. However, included in the plans are details of the other roof pitches from 3″-12″ so you can vary the overall height to get the overall height that you want.
Brice, does this actually have a floor frame and sill beams, or are these height dimensions from the actual ground up?
I’m grateful for a little advice if you will: I want to build something of this footprint as my wife wants a ‘summer house’ in the garden and I’m thinking around 16×24 would be good. I had looked basing it on Will Beemer’s ‘Tiny Timber Frame’ which is both a bit on the small side but also difficult to make work with our 4 metre ridge height limit (even when I bring the pitch to 8/12).The main problem being the 1’6″ between top of tiebeam and bottom of the plates…
Is there anything in the TimberFrameHQ portfolio you think might fit the bill?
Great if you get a chance to respond. Cheers, Nigel
Nigel,
This plan does not have the timber floor framing and sill beams but we can send you a plan after you purchase this one that has a floor system that you can modify to meet your needs. This plan does include all the different roof pitches so you can get within your require roof pitch.
Cool! Thx Brice. I’m going to order this one ASAP and then ask you for the appropriate floor frame plan. Hopefully there’ll be sufficient head room between floor and bottom of tiebeam. Having said that, we Brits do tend to be rather shorter than you chaps… 😃
All done re the order now Brice, so v grateful when you get the chance re the floor frame plan. Cheers, Nigel
Looking to build one exactly like this but I need the one bay to be 16 foot clear, the other bay can be 10 foot. Any chance you have those plans? I would modify these but un sure dimensions of the beam to span that far. I’m using hemlock.
You can email me give me the price and any questions.
You should be ok with the timber sizes doing that, you will just need to adjust the rafter layout and play adjust the beam sizes. Please contact us directly for a custom plan quote.
What size concrete pad do you recommend for this pavilion?
Can you send me custom plans for 12 x 30 pavilion cover?
How much?
The dimensions of the timber seems odd. 8×12’s? Where do you even get that?
You could use the plans at https://timberframehq.com/shop/12×20-timber-frame/, https://timberframehq.com/shop/12×16-king-post-truss-plan/, or at https://timberframehq.com/shop/12×16-timber-frame-plan/ you would need to add a bent to each one but that is fairly easy to do, contact us directly at info@timberframehq.com if you would like us to customize one of those plans.
We agree they are big, we tend to oversize them timbers to take into account where this frame is built, some locations have quite a bit of snow loads and the timber size reflect that. Depending on where you live you may be able to reduce the sizes, contact us directly at support@timberframehq.com. To be honest, it is easier to find timbers than you think, check out our article at https://timberframehq.com/wood-procurement-timber-frame-diy/ for more information.
Bruce,
I live in California and will never need to worry about snow loads , however I love the Big Timber look. Would 8x8s work for the main frame considering no roof load? Also , the engineer I spoke to said it would cost me 1500.00 for engineered plans which seems like a lot for a patio cover , are your plans engineered??
Thanks for your time and love the look of your drawings.
Joe
Joe,
The beams need to be bigger than 8×8’s, there is a lot of roof load coming down on the middle of the tie beams even without snow, for CA that estimated cost maybe inline. You can always try the ones you find at https://timberframehq.com/timber-frame-engineering/ and get an estimate from one of them. Reach out to me directly at support@timberframehq.com for more information and help.
I live in Europe, can I get a version of this shed (or something similar) with metric calculations? Thanks.
Let me spend some time within AutoCAD and see what the process would be on my side. Give me a couple of days.
I am looking into making a 20x30x pavilion, can these plans be altered to fit my needs?
Take a look at the plans at https://timberframehq.com/shop/20×24-king-post-timber-frame/
I like this design, but was looking to make it either 16×30 or 16×32 with a loft. Is it just a matter of adding an additional bay?
Yes, you will just need to add the additional bent, readjust the post spacing and rafter spacing. Let us know how we can help.
Would cedar wood be optimal for this build?
It would be a good choice for it.
Can this be butted against a house on one side? I see you can double to get 16W*48L. I would like to enclose 16W*24L for a 3-season room, is this possible? Also would like an 8″ step down from the room to pavilion.
In Ohio, snow belt some heavy wet snows in early season what is the load? If posts are on 8′ center and span 16′.
Yes, you can but it into your house, think your idea is a great one. We do not provide engineering value for the frames because there are so many variables that go in to figuring them out for each location. We recommend that you consult with an engineer in your area you can find one at https://timberframehq.com/timber-frame-engineering/
I live in Calif. I have some property that has a lot of grey or digger pine left on it after the fire. Most of the Pine, Df, and Cedar are now gone or severely compromised. Grey pine has a tendency of twisting. I just purchased a mill. Im planning on building this plan first with the remaining standing grey pine. I figure that the grey pine should work ok for the larger uprights. Any background with this type of lumber?
Thx
Mike B
I do not have any experience with Grey Pine but I am sure it will work. I would recommend calling some timber framers or sawyers in your area and talk to them. There are ways to take the twist out after it occurs when laying out timbers with snap lines. Sounds like the characteristics of yellow pine. Sorry for my delayed response.
Beice,
I’m thinking of doing a modified design that will allow most of the construction to be done by one person. My thought is to have a completed truss and post frame assembled and raise it into place. Then do the next and so on. After all frames are set and braced, I would then add the timbers between the frames and then the roof framing on top of that in between the main structural frames. Do you have any designs like this? I can send you a sketch, if you send me an email address to send it to.
Have you seen the plan at https://timberframehq.com/shop/16×24-heavy-timber-pavilion-plan/ after taking a look at that plan look back at this one. I think the one on this page would be easier to raise solo.
I live in Europe (Netherlands) to, did you succeed with the conversion in AutoCAD? If you did, i’am interested in the metric version. I bought this plan 2 years ago and i just got my building permit so i can start building in a few months.
Do I need to know the pitch before I order the plan? I would like to match our house.
This plan has all the different roof pitches from 3/12 to 12/12. Does one of those meet your needs?
Two questions:
1. 16ft X 24 ft dimensions, are they measured post to post or measured including the overhang?
2. I measured our roof pitch 4.5/12. Or it is suppose to be 4/12?
Thanks
The 16×24 os outside of post to outside of the posts. There is a 24″ overhang on all 4 sides. You can have a 4.5/12 on your roof. We can create the dimensions for a 4.5/12. Contact us at design@timberframehq.com for more information.
Hi Brice
Do you provide a sliding scale for wood sizes based on strength and stress grades? I’m interested in building from different Australian hardwoods that grow locally.
Kind Regards
Tony
We, don’t so many variables to account for. Reach out to us at support@timberframehq.com so we can assist you better.
Brice, how do I get this plan customized to a 15×30?
Scott, check out our custom design page here
How high can you raise this I need 13 feet
You can easiy raise that frame to that height.
Can this be built 14’x14 on a treated lumber deck?
Karen, you may want to start off with this plan: It would be pretty easy to shorten it to 14′. 14×18 King Post
Can this be built 14′ x22′ with 6×6 post?
That could certainly be done- if you would like us to customize the plan for you check out this page
I need this with a 14 foot beam height.
We could accomplish that on a custom basis- please check out this page.
I would like to build this frame using your Post and Beam Fastener Kit. Does the Kit include instructions on the modifications that have to be made to the plans to accommodate the fasteners?
Yes, the plan comes with the Post and Beam Conversion Plan that has all the dimensions you will need.
Great! Thank you.
Brice do you know about how many linear ft this plan requires?
It has 728 ln ft.
1) How long can this be extended without having to add another bent? 28′, 30′ 32′?
2) I just purchased this plan. I will want to have it modified to make it longer and to add a loft in the rear bay. How do I get this done?
Thank you.
Can this be made with a hip roof?
Do you have any documentation on enclosing the frame? Adding doors an windows etc? Or do you simply clad the structure in 8’x4′ insulated panels?
We simply supply drawings for the frame itself. It is up to you to decide how you would like to finish it… there are many options!
It could be made with a hip roof as a custom design. We do offer those services; you can find out more here.
Would it be a problem if the scarf joint was not centred above the post? Having it off centre would avoid combing the mortice/tenon with the scarf joint.
No, it is a not problem, in fact, it would be better. Center the knee brace under one of the knee braces on either side of the post.
Can these plans be modified to a cabin ?
Yes they could- you can get more information on our design services here: https://timberframehq.com/custom-design/
Could you add a hip roof?
That size could be done with a hip roof, but we currently don’t offer that as a stock plan. You may want to check out our custom design services here
The timbers that you supply in your kits, are they kiln dried or?
By default, they are built with green timbers but we are happy to quote kiln dry wood. You can learn more about this at https://timberframehq.com/green-vs-dried-timbers/.
Our HOA in the NC Mtns is looking at this for a pavillion on our community access lot. The purpose is to provide some shelter to members and guests who are enjoying the river, either swimming, canoeing or kayaking. We are considering adding an attached changing area to make it more comfortable for those needing to get out of wet clothes, and help moms/dads caring for little kids.
Any suggestions?
It is fairly easy to add a small shed roof off the side or one of the ends to accommodate a changing room. While not the same size take a look at the plan at https://timberframehq.com/timber-frame-shed-roof-porch-plan/.
Hello Brice
I noticed when I click the specifications button, that a partial wood list comes up. In that wood list for the tie beam, the plate, and the ridge it gives options to go to 8 X 10. What determines whether you go with 8 x 12 or 8 x 10?
By the way, If it matters …..I plan to modify the plans to 14 x24 after I purchase the 16 x 24 plan.
Thanks Brice
Thanks for your question. An 8×10 will work in 90% of the cases, but in a heavy snow load area, you may want to bump it up to an 8×12. Timber species may also come into play. We are happy to get it engineered for you if you would like, we can complete that through our Design Dept. We do have an 14×18 and a 14×12 plan that would greatly help you out as well. The combination of the two plans would give you everything you would need.
Hi Brice,
Could these plans be altered to a 16′ X 16′ structure? I will be using Douglas Fir material. Supports beams will be a full dimension 8″ X 8″ not 7-1/2″ etc.
We already offer this 16×16 King Post Plan. Have you seen it?
Does theses plans include detail of joinery for each peaces of the frame?
Yes, they include all the piece and joinery details you will need to build this
What would be needed to make this design work on four bents? I’m wanting a pavilion that is wider than it is long. 24 x 22.
We have several 24x plans but not 22 deep. We do take on custom projects and would like to talk to you further about yours. Check out our page, HERE, describing what we offer and the process of our custom design services.
Hi Brice, could a cupola be added to this design? Your sugar shack plan is too large for my needs.
Thanks in advance
John
Does using full dimension lumber change the mortise and tenon joints much? Like using true 8x 8 or 8×10, not 1/2″ off those. Or would I just keep all these centered on the beam? Also for the 1″ dowels on your website, do I need the 1″ auger bit or 1″1/8 bit?
If you want to use true-sized timbers (such as actual 8x8s) you will have to make adjustments in the joinery.
The plans are sized and dimensioned to use nominal dimensioned lumber (such as 7 1/2 x 7 1/2). We design our frames so people can go to a typical lumber yard and pick up the material, all of which would come nominally. You can use the plan for both square rule or edge rule depending on your needs.
If you want to use true-sized timbers (such as actual 8x8s) you will have to make adjustments in the joinery. It might be easier to take your timbers to a sawmill and have them planed down to the sizes noted on the plans.
Hi Folks,
You have a great site and a great service, thanks for keeping it active and fresh,
In fact, I’ve actually subscribed to your 1-year access to all plans and have worked through a couple of them,
But, wanted to get your feedback on which of your plans would be good choices for a two-car garage, Gable-end facing the street and therefore the car bays would have to be under the gable-end.
Secondly, would like to gain some space with enough loft area for an office, second bedroom perhaps. Fyi, the roof pitch will need to be 12:12, as the current House’s roof pitch is 12:12 (as many are, here in Maine), but, again, really interested in what your experience in this can suggest and inform.
Thank You,
Kip Landry
Take a look at this 24×36 King Post Truss Pavilion It’s a 10:12 pitch but we could adjust that for extra charge through our Custom Design Department.
Do the 24′ top plates/beams require 24′ timbers or do you use scarf joints or equivalent joints? If joints, will it affect the engineering (allowable spans). Where would the joints be located with respect to the posts or bents (ie directly above a post or offset from the point load?
Danny, the 24′ top plates are designed with scarf joints directly above the center posts.
I have a design I’ve made of a half-timbered (tudor) style that I’d like to turn into full blueprints. It’s that something y’all do? If so what would it cost? It’s a 16×20 with three bents, 4 foot knee walls in the loft, and a 9:12 roof pitch supported by a full ridge beam.
Michael, that is something we definitely do. One of our team members will email you about your project.