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This is a genuine small structure, not furniture: a raised deck built first and leveled into its permanent position, with notched 4x4 corner posts and a lapped gable roof frame built up from that deck. Building the floor first and placing it in its final, leveled position before framing the walls is a deliberate sequencing choice — trying to level a fully-framed structure afterward is far harder than leveling a bare deck.
Every leg notch is cut before assembly, and the posts land on the deck framing using real structural hardware — Simpson Strong-Tie post connectors, or 5" lag screws, or pocket holes as an alternative — not screws driven straight through end grain. The gable roof's peak is a lapped 4x4 joint, notched on both mating pieces so they nest together rather than butting, which is what gives the roof peak real strength without additional hardware.
This is a permanent outdoor structure and needs to be treated like one. It requires a level, prepared site with concrete pier blocks (or an equivalent footing) rated to carry the structure's full weight and snow/wind loading for your area, and depending on size and permanence, it may require a building permit in your jurisdiction — check local code before starting, not after the posts are set.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 4x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 6 each |
| 2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 12 each |
| 2x6, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 16 each |
| 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 2 each |
| Exterior decking screws, 3" | 150 each |
| Exterior pocket hole screws, 2-1/2" | 60 each |
| Simpson Strong-Tie post connectors | 4 each |
| Concrete pier blocks (or equivalent footing)Sized to your local frost line and load requirements — verify with local code. | 4 each |
Overall cost: $$$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Floor frame, outer2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 89" |
| Floor joists2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 7 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 89" |
| Floor rim boards2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 2 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 89" |
| Corner posts4x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 2 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 93" |
| Header beams2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 77 1/2" |
| Cross beams2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 3 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 70 1/2" |
| Gable rafters, short side4x4, 8 ft, ground-contact ratedOne end cut at 45°, longest point measurement. | 4 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 37 1/2" |
| Gable rafters, long side4x4, 8 ft, ground-contact ratedOne end cut at 45°, longest point measurement. | 4 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 58 1/4" |
| Decking boards2x6, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 13 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 96" |
| Roof cross braces2x6, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 3 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 70 1/2" |
| Rafters2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 7 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 89" |
| Ridge beams2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 2 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 89" |
Some parts are longer than a 8 ft board, so there is no honest board count to show here. Open the board plan to pick a longer stock length — it names every part that does not fit.
8 boards
Build the floor using pocket holes for the inner floor joists and 3" screws for the outer rim boards. Adjust for square by comparing diagonals. Place the floor in its final position on the prepared concrete pier blocks and level and bolt it down before continuing.
Notch all the leg tops as shown in the reference build. Attach the posts to the floor frame with Simpson Strong-Tie post connectors, 5" lag screws from underneath, or pocket holes on the two inside faces.
Notch the main gable roof 4x4 pieces as shown, then set them together, lapping the joints at the peak and at the legs. Use 3" screws on the insides and outsides to join.
Add the decking boards with 1/2" spacing between them, screwed down with 3" screws.
Attach the rafters and ridge beams to the 4x4 ends with pocket holes. Sand any rough edges and apply an exterior finish rated for permanent outdoor exposure.
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4 boards
3 boards
21 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →