How to Build a Gazebo

How to Build a Gazebo

A gazebo makes a lovely addition to your outdoor space. It's a relaxing place to hang out with family and friends. Building a gazebo isn't as hard as it seems, but there are a few things to keep in mind that will help make your project successful. Follow these handy tips on how to build a gazebo in your yard.

TOOLS

• wrenches
• hammer drills
• standard level
• circular saws
• post hole digger
• gazebos

MATERIALS

• roof shingles
• rebar & remesh
• wood & deck stains
• carriage bolts
• pressure treated
• wood deck posts

1 Permits

No one likes to deal with building permits, but they are required for a reason when you build an outdoor structure. Building codes and regulations can vary from one location to the next. In most places, a structure that is 100 square feet or less does not require a permit. However, it's best to check with your local building permit office for the regulations in your area versus dealing with a fine down the road.

2 Safety

Before you start to build any structure in your yard, contact your local utility company to check for underground utility lines. The number 811 is the federally designated call before you dig number. It's there to help homeowners and professionals avoid damaging these vital utility lines buried underground.

3 Plan

Whether you plan to use DIY gazebo plans or a pre-made kit, you need to study them in its entirety before you begin. A gazebo is simply a free-standing structure with open sides. It can be rectangular, round, oval but the traditional shape is octagonal. Some gazebo types include metal gazebos or wood gazebos.

There are many sizes of gazebos to consider but the popular sizes are 10 x 10 gazebos or 10 x 12 gazebos.

4 Tips on Building a Gazebo

Although gazebos vary in style, building one typically follows the same basic steps. Be sure to consult your plans to be sure of the exact steps in order to build your gazebo.

• Prep area and build base: The gazebo's base must be level. Whether you are putting it on a concrete slab or on a deck, you'll need to prepare a level area for its base.
• Build the base: A gazebo typically has a concrete or wood base. For a concrete slab foundation, pour the slab to the desired size. For added strength, use metal rebar in the concrete flooring. Let the concrete cure before continuing. For a wood base, assemble the outside boards together to form the base, make sure it's level and secure it with screws then lay the decking.
• Set location of the posts: Mark where the gazfebo posts are suppose to go according to the plans and then dig holes for the posts using a post hole digger.
• Cut the posts to length: Cut the posts to the proper height according to your plans.
• Set the posts: Make sure the posts are plumb in the holes. Use quick-setting concrete to anchor them.
• Mount bracing beams: Place the beams perpendicular to the posts. Secure the beams with two large bolts, placed through the post and into the center of each beam.
• Add the top beams: Mount the beams to join the posts at the top.
• Assemble the walls: Build the walls according to your plans. Then, when all the wall sections are assembled, raise the walls. Stand two walls up and attach them to each other with screws in each corner. Continue attaching the rest of the wall sections.
• Build the roof: Cut the roof beams to length, then attach the roof beams in place. Add the rest of the roof pieces including fascia boards and shingles.
• Adding finishing touches: Paint or stain your gazebo. Customize your gazebo with other decorative touches such as a cupola, hanging planters and more.

Building your own gazebo will instantly up the curb appeal for your home.