Build A Gazebo

A gazebo gives any garden a touch of elegance, and is a wonderful place for quiet reflection, reading or – at the other end of the scale – outdoor parties.  Or maybe build a gazebo around your hot tub.

The key to any gazebo construction is precision – good wood without warps, cut and shaped exactly to plan.  Any imperfections will show very clearly once the parts have been assembled, and will give the final structure a very homemade look. So careful planning and measuring are super important when building a gazebo.

There are many shapes and styles to choose from, but the traditional octagonal wood gazebos made from common or heart redwood are perhaps the easiest and most rewarding backyard projects for either novice or expert woodworker.

We will use this as an example of how to build a gazebo, because you will find that most wooden gazebos are built more or less the same way.

After you have selected your site, and checked local building codes, you are ready to choose a gazebo design and gazebos plans.

 

Click here for more than 20  great plans to build a gazebo

 

So, how to build a gazebo?  The main parts of the octagonal gazebo in our example are:

  • Footings
  • Corner posts
  • Decking
  • Rafters and kingpost
  • Roof
  • Frieze
  • Railings

Of these the frieze and railings are where character and uniqueness can be added to the building very easily.

Construction starts with the concrete footings, laid at the 8 points of the octagon and one at dead center.  Adjustable anchor posts are set into each corner footing and the vertical posts mounted on these.

The rim joists and deck supporting frames are attached to these posts and the centre footing, checking for proper alignment constantly.  After that come the decking boards, again carefully cut and fitted.

The frieze panels join the verticals together at their tops, then the rafters are raised from each corner post to the kingpost at the top center of the gazebo.

The railings and balustrades are added last.

Don’t forget to protect your gazebo from the weather with a good quality oil stain or 100% acrylic exterior paint.  Prime all bare wood first if you are going to paint it, followed by two quality finish coats to ensure long term protection.

All of this is simple to write but more complicated to do properly unless you have a clear picture and instructions to guide you.  Virtually every part needs some sort of angle or rebate cut into it, and it is very easy to get these confused or back to front.

A good set of plans and a complete materials list are essential to ensure that gazebo structures turn out the way you want.

That is why we strongly recommend our favorite gazebo blueprints which are provided by Woodworking4Home.  At last count they had 23 different gazebo diy designs to choose from, and each one comes with full and clear drawings, notes, sketches and instructions. Considering how little all this costs we reckon it is an excellent investment to ensure you make a really great gazebo.

There is also a no hassle, full refund guarantee in case you do not like the product for any reason, so this is a risk-free investment – something we demand for any online purchase.

This planning kit will be invaluable for anyone building a backyard gazebo, and will make the whole process straightforward and fun.

Why not make this your next garden project?

 

Click here to get more than 20 great plans for building a gazebo