How to Build a Gazebo From Scratch
For many DIY enthusiasts gazebo building plans are important but, before all of that, you need to choose the right building for your needs.
Garden summer houses are versatile in that they have so many benefits and uses, coming in all types of shapes and sizes.
So how you go about the whole process of building one for yourself? First you have to consider the design.
Your Design Gazebos are sheltered structures that were used in the olden days as a place for quiet contemplation or simple relaxation.
This was their traditional Victorian use.
In the East, they were used as meet-and-greet areas and for tea parties.
Today, however, these beautiful buildings have rapidly become more popular in both America and Europe for a wider range of uses.
Their popularity stems from the fact that there are now gazebo kits that can be purchased by any homeowner.
There are gazebo kits which come in all designs and specifications.
There are also all kinds of gazebo building plans available for those who want to follow the DIY route.
A DIY gazebo is my preferred option, by the way, because it allows you to customize your summerhouse exactly how you want it.
It will save you a ton of money.
And it is great fun to do, even for novice woodworkers.
The traditional shape has been octagonal.
Nowadays, however, designs come in all shapes.
This divergence from the traditional shape has also significantly increased the facilities that these wonderful structures can provide, and people have found many new ways to enjoy them.
Versatility is the name of the game.
Currently popular designs come in octagon shapes, square ones, rectangular shapes for family events or dinners, and of course the elegant and classic oval gazebo.
A few, less common designs include pentagonal, hexagonal, and circular shapes.
Your Plan Next comes the gazebo plan.
Size will depend on its intended use in the garden as well as the actual area available at the chosen site.
There are readily available gazebo plans as well as kits that have the standard sizes of 12 by 10 foot.
For smaller gardens, 8 by 6 foot buildings are also available.
For those who have larger plans in mind, it is possible to buy 14 or 16 foot models in various widths.
A great outdoor dining gazebo that will fit the entire family is the rectangular-shaped model.
There are 12 by 8 foot ones available for this purpose.
For special events, however, it may be good to install 32 by 14 foot gazebos.
Just make sure that the selected size will not look out of proportion to the rest of the garden.
Planning Regulations You should make sure that the structure you are building or installing, even if it is in your own backyard, is approved by the local authority or department that governs and oversees buildings, building regulations and construction in your area.
Nothing could be more disconcerting than building an expensive and permanent gazebo and then later finding out that it cannot be approved and has to be taken down.
You should also note and comply with regulations regarding adjacent fences, distance from pavements, restrictions in gazebo height, and all related laws and ordinances.
There is usually no great problem in most neighborhoods, but it is always better to be on the safe side when planning to install or build a gazebo.
It is sensible to have your proposed gazebo plan ready and available to show to the planners at this stage.
The Site You must decide on a sound footing for the gazebo.
If it is to be temporary structure then simple supports at each corner, suitably embedded in the ground, might be sufficient.
For more permanent buildings you will need to dig proper foundations or, at least, prepare a good hardcore base topped with a layer of concrete building blocks.
I strongly recommend a proper concrete foundation of 4 to 6 inches depth, to provide a sound base.
It is possible to build smaller gazebos directly on an existing patio or deck, provided that the support structure is adequate.
Good plans kits will cover this in much greater detail.
Now is the time to plan any services that you might want - such as electric or water - and to arrange for them to be run out to the site.
Start Building! Most designs are simple to build, but require great care in measuring and cutting each individual part.
When complete, a gazebo will show up any imperfections in assembly so accuracy is super-important.
A novice woodworker should not be put off by this, because the actual assembly does not need any special skills.
Reading plans, however, can sometimes be a little confusing for beginners, so I suggest getting hold of one of the better gazebo plans kits that include not only clear drawings but also diagrams and instructions for all the little details that might be overlooked or a bit obscure.
Start with the corner footings which, in my opinion, should always be concrete.
A hexagonal, octagonal or circular gazebo should also have a central footing.
Similarly a very long rectangular building would probably need one or more footings along its long side.
Each footing will have an adjustable anchor fitting set into it to take each of the vertical corner posts.
The edge joists and deck supporting joists are attached to these vertical posts - and the center footing if there is one - checking for proper alignment constantly.
The decking base boards are then attached to these joists, fitting each one accurately.
Take time to do all this assembly as carefully as possible, because any inaccuracies or shoddiness will be glaringly obvious in the finished article.
The frieze panels or top joists join the verticals together at their tops, then the rafters are raised from each corner post to the king post at the top center.
Roofing panels are then attached to the rafters, and you will probably finish off the roof with shingles or tiles.
Connect up any services that you might have run out to the site.
Any railings, screens, balustrades and steps are added last.
Final Thoughts About Your Beauty Weather-proof your gazebo with a good quality oil stain or acrylic exterior paint.
Prime all bare wood first if you are going to paint it, followed by at least two quality top coats to ensure long term protection.
Then, probably with a nice cold beer in hand, stand back and admire your handiwork!
Garden summer houses are versatile in that they have so many benefits and uses, coming in all types of shapes and sizes.
So how you go about the whole process of building one for yourself? First you have to consider the design.
Your Design Gazebos are sheltered structures that were used in the olden days as a place for quiet contemplation or simple relaxation.
This was their traditional Victorian use.
In the East, they were used as meet-and-greet areas and for tea parties.
Today, however, these beautiful buildings have rapidly become more popular in both America and Europe for a wider range of uses.
Their popularity stems from the fact that there are now gazebo kits that can be purchased by any homeowner.
There are gazebo kits which come in all designs and specifications.
There are also all kinds of gazebo building plans available for those who want to follow the DIY route.
A DIY gazebo is my preferred option, by the way, because it allows you to customize your summerhouse exactly how you want it.
It will save you a ton of money.
And it is great fun to do, even for novice woodworkers.
The traditional shape has been octagonal.
Nowadays, however, designs come in all shapes.
This divergence from the traditional shape has also significantly increased the facilities that these wonderful structures can provide, and people have found many new ways to enjoy them.
Versatility is the name of the game.
Currently popular designs come in octagon shapes, square ones, rectangular shapes for family events or dinners, and of course the elegant and classic oval gazebo.
A few, less common designs include pentagonal, hexagonal, and circular shapes.
Your Plan Next comes the gazebo plan.
Size will depend on its intended use in the garden as well as the actual area available at the chosen site.
There are readily available gazebo plans as well as kits that have the standard sizes of 12 by 10 foot.
For smaller gardens, 8 by 6 foot buildings are also available.
For those who have larger plans in mind, it is possible to buy 14 or 16 foot models in various widths.
A great outdoor dining gazebo that will fit the entire family is the rectangular-shaped model.
There are 12 by 8 foot ones available for this purpose.
For special events, however, it may be good to install 32 by 14 foot gazebos.
Just make sure that the selected size will not look out of proportion to the rest of the garden.
Planning Regulations You should make sure that the structure you are building or installing, even if it is in your own backyard, is approved by the local authority or department that governs and oversees buildings, building regulations and construction in your area.
Nothing could be more disconcerting than building an expensive and permanent gazebo and then later finding out that it cannot be approved and has to be taken down.
You should also note and comply with regulations regarding adjacent fences, distance from pavements, restrictions in gazebo height, and all related laws and ordinances.
There is usually no great problem in most neighborhoods, but it is always better to be on the safe side when planning to install or build a gazebo.
It is sensible to have your proposed gazebo plan ready and available to show to the planners at this stage.
The Site You must decide on a sound footing for the gazebo.
If it is to be temporary structure then simple supports at each corner, suitably embedded in the ground, might be sufficient.
For more permanent buildings you will need to dig proper foundations or, at least, prepare a good hardcore base topped with a layer of concrete building blocks.
I strongly recommend a proper concrete foundation of 4 to 6 inches depth, to provide a sound base.
It is possible to build smaller gazebos directly on an existing patio or deck, provided that the support structure is adequate.
Good plans kits will cover this in much greater detail.
Now is the time to plan any services that you might want - such as electric or water - and to arrange for them to be run out to the site.
Start Building! Most designs are simple to build, but require great care in measuring and cutting each individual part.
When complete, a gazebo will show up any imperfections in assembly so accuracy is super-important.
A novice woodworker should not be put off by this, because the actual assembly does not need any special skills.
Reading plans, however, can sometimes be a little confusing for beginners, so I suggest getting hold of one of the better gazebo plans kits that include not only clear drawings but also diagrams and instructions for all the little details that might be overlooked or a bit obscure.
Start with the corner footings which, in my opinion, should always be concrete.
A hexagonal, octagonal or circular gazebo should also have a central footing.
Similarly a very long rectangular building would probably need one or more footings along its long side.
Each footing will have an adjustable anchor fitting set into it to take each of the vertical corner posts.
The edge joists and deck supporting joists are attached to these vertical posts - and the center footing if there is one - checking for proper alignment constantly.
The decking base boards are then attached to these joists, fitting each one accurately.
Take time to do all this assembly as carefully as possible, because any inaccuracies or shoddiness will be glaringly obvious in the finished article.
The frieze panels or top joists join the verticals together at their tops, then the rafters are raised from each corner post to the king post at the top center.
Roofing panels are then attached to the rafters, and you will probably finish off the roof with shingles or tiles.
Connect up any services that you might have run out to the site.
Any railings, screens, balustrades and steps are added last.
Final Thoughts About Your Beauty Weather-proof your gazebo with a good quality oil stain or acrylic exterior paint.
Prime all bare wood first if you are going to paint it, followed by at least two quality top coats to ensure long term protection.
Then, probably with a nice cold beer in hand, stand back and admire your handiwork!
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