Six and eight sided Star Pavilions

It should be noted that through experience with both these styles I have found that the eight side star pavilion is more stable when subjected to windy conditions. I have provided both methods within these instruction to construct either one.

The section on star pavilions is broken into three separate sections, follow by a photo gallery showing the steps in set up of the pavilion.

Section 1 Framing of Pavilions

A view of two tents: of which Christiana has built both of, one been octagon (brown tent) the other hexagon (white tent). This article will be done in three sections, as there is a lot of reference materials and diagrams to put into the newsletter to cover the construction of these pavilions. In my experience I have found that the eight-side pavilion is more stable and seems to have more usable space verse the six sided. In the first section I will cover the construction of the frame. Note: that this is not a period tent, but does look suitable our game.

I should mention that it is nice to have a bench saw for cutting the wood to make this frame. The first is to make or acquire 2 x 2 of fairly clear grain materials – in other wards stay away from large knots in soft wood materials, as this will weaken the members that you will be using to make the frame.

Materials list (eight sided):

Roof:  16 pcs  2 x 2 - length on dia.

Walls: 16 pcs 2 x 2 - length on dia.

32 eye screws at least 2 ½ in length

1    3/8  3 in carriage bolt, 2 fender washers and 3/8 nut.

8        ¼ in x 3 in carriage bolts

16        fender washers

8          ¼ in wing nuts

2 ft       chain and 16 no 12 1¼ inch pan head screws.

Optional: Slack bolts 3/8 adjusters, (keep the hook part). 1 electrical cover plate.

2-liters of paint or stain and sandpaper.

Tools required: for making frame

If ripping materials (wood) a bench saw or radial arms saw will do, other wise purchase from the lumberyard 2 x 2 s –8ft lengths for the frame at roughly 2.50ea.

A handsaw, or cross cut saw to cut the 2 x 2 to length. A drill and a 1/8 in drill bit to pilot drill a hole at either end of the 2 x 2. Sandpaper 100 grit, to take off the edges of the 2 x 2 so one does not get slivers from the wood, a paint brush, to paint the members (your choice of color) to help prevent the materials from twisting or warping do to weather elements.

Lets begin:

You have already acquired the materials to make the frame, lets begin, but at this time I will mention that I will be speaking of the eight-sided pavilion, although these instruction will work for the six-sided pavilion. The first is to draw a diagram of the frame to scale which helps in determining the lengths of the members to be cut. Keep in mine that you will only be putting in the eye screws to about 1 ¼ inch in which it allows the members to have flexibility for setting up. This will be cover later.

On a ¼ inch graft paper begin drawing the size of what the tent will be. I suggest using ¼ in equal 1 ft scale. Use a compass to draw the circle to whatever size you wish, but please keep in mind that 2 x 2 s are only 8 ft long, thus restricting you to about 15 ft diameter. Next is to draw lines at  0, 45, 90, degrees and so on, from the center point of the circle to the circumference line. Then where these lines intersect draw lines to form the tangents. (A-A) This sets our length for top rail of our tent, where the wall supports and the roof supports meet. The next step is to determine the height that you wish to make the frame at. This is simply done by measuring down from the top rail support to the ground i.e. 7 ft . Place a dot on your paper at the middle point of the top support and measure down. Than draw the diagonal lines to form a triangle sides (B-B). Measure the length of these sides to determine the lengths to cut. The next is to draw an elevation of the tent so as to determine the length of the roof rafter support. (C-C) If your tent is 15 ft across than you will need at least a 7ft 6in roof support to form the triangle.  (See diagram)

Once diagram is drawn and measurements have been determine, subtract 3 inches from the top supports, roof rafter, and 1 ½ in from the wall supports for the ease allowance of the eye screws.

After measuring and cutting the wood members, and painting, place one eye screw at either end for the roof rafters and top supports, and one eye screw per wall support upright. The bottom of the wall supports shall be connected with a chain to allow for anchoring to the ground and hinging (see diagram 4)

In the next newsletter I will guide you through the canvas that is required to cover the tent. The brown tent took about 300 dollars in cost to build the support frame and covering. The cost of the frame without paint or stain (stain approx 20.00) is about 104.00 dollars.

Also in the second insert I will cover, inner panels both roof and walls, and rain shield. The third insert will include set up instructions, and weatherproofing.

 

_{Diagram of framing pattern for Eight-sided pavilion} 

_{Red- BB                                    2x2 – rafter}

_{Green – AA                                2x2 – top support}

_{Brown – CC                               2x2 – wall risers}

This diagram is not to scale, but will give you an idea of the layout required to calculate the frame measurements.

_{Six sided also known as a star pavilion}

_{This uses the 60-degree separation of the circle}

_{AA  green  top support}

_{BB  red     rafter}

_{CC brown  wall support}

_{Diagram 3 shows insert of eye screw into 2x2 required for all connections unless using option diagram 5.}

_{Diagram 4 shows chain attachment at bottom of wall support 2x2}

Diagram 5 – this bracket may be available but from my understanding Simpson Strong Tie no longer makes them. Note this bracket is for a six-sided pavilion, not yet made for the eight-sided pavilion. If you can craft your own I have included a diagram in figure 5 and 5a. Please note 16 ga x 10 3/4in. dia. gav metal will be required to make this bracket. This bracket is an option, and I made mention of it, where it can be substituted where all the rafters meet in the center (note only for a six sided pavilion)

For the more advance crafts person, and in order to reduce space, you may substitute full 1 1/8 inch x 1 1/8 inch oak or maple for the framework. This will mean that for convenience it will take less space when transporting and storage, and is less likely to warp. Please also note, that if you wish to purchase the frame, it can be made available.