Building A Gazebo

Materials and Tools:

2" x 6" and 4" x 4" dimension lumber (for the base)
concrete blocks
16-penny nails
joist hangers
gazebo kit
drill

Figure A (click to enlarge)

Steps:

1. First construct an appropriately sized frame with 2" x 6" (outer frame) and 4" x 4" (flooring supports) dimension lumber. You will also use concrete blocks to provide a level base from which to build from (figure A ).

Figure B (click to enlarge)

2. Measure 16 inches on center and lay the joists in place. Nail them from the end with 16-penny nails. Joists run at right angles to the beams, so be sure to check the square for the joists to fit right and for the deck boards to go in straight (figure B).

Figure C (click to enlarge)

3. Place galvanized joist hangers around the joists and attach them with 1-14-inch screws (figure C). Be sure to use all of the supplied holes when attaching the joist hangers.

4. Decking boards come next. They should run perpendicular to the joists. Make sure that the growth rings in the wood run from bottom to top to bottom (like a rainbow) so that you have the bark side up (the top of the rings). This will prevent cupping.

Figure D (click to enlarge)

5. Place the first board flush with the outer edge of the frame. Pre-drill pilot holes at the end of the boards so the ends won't split. Attach decking boards to the joists with 6-1/2-inch screws (figure D). Butt the boards together, leaving no gap.

6. After the last board is attached, use the edge of the framing as a guide to snap a chalk line across the overhang from the decking boards. Use a circular saw to remove the overhang. Always practice safety.

Figure E (click to enlarge)

7. Next, attach 2 x 8's to the outside of the frame to cover the ends of the decking boards and to give the frame a nice look (figure E). Your deck is now complete.

Figure F (click to enlarge)

8. To determine the location of the gazebo on your deck, first measure a 12-foot square. Using a chalk line, mark out that area. Then, mark the center point (6 feet) on each of the four sides. Next, mark the wall panel positions on each of the four sides. The wall panels in this case are 59-5/8 inches, so that is what is marked on the layout. The example is a 12-foot gazebo.

Figure G (click to enlarge)

9. Determine where the door of your gazebo will be, but do not install that panel first. Most manufacturers suggest fastening the panel next to the door first (figure G). Starting to the right, place the first wall panel by securing it to the floor with the supplied screws. Drill the screws into each pre-drilled hole.

10. Once the first panel is in place, secure the second panel by placing it against the first. Align the top and bottom, then screw the second panel to the first (but not into the deck). Continue to attach each remaining wall panel to the next. Set the door panel into place and remove the screw from the threshold so that it will open. Screw the door to the adjacent wall panels at the top and bottom, using the supplied screws.

Figure H (click to enlarge)

11. Once all wall panels are in place, use the supplied screws to attach each wall panel to the deck. Measure the interior corners of the gazebo to make sure all distances are equal. Next, attach fluted, narrow wood panels that act as gap covers to the outside opening at each corner (figure H), again, through pre-drilled holes.

Figure I (click to enlarge)

12. Screw the inside edges together and nail inside wall trim over each corner. The eight-sided gazebo should now be taking shape (figure I).

Figure J (click to enlarge)

13. Attach two rafters to opposite sides of the kingpin. Have someone hold the kingpin assembly as the rafters are installed (figure J). Place the rafter and kingpin assembly on the wall panels at the marked locations of the opposite corners. Fit the notch of the rafter tightly over the wall panel and fasten using supplied screws, then fit the remaining rafters on the kingpin assembly (figure K).

Building a gazebo is far more manageable with the help of a gazebo kit. (click to enlarge)

14. You are now ready for the shingle sheets. With the aid of a third person, place a roof panel on the stop of the rafter and then attach the panel to the rafter on each side with the supplied screws about one inch from the edge and angled toward the rafter (figure L, and top image, above). Attach all of the roof panels securely.

15. Next, slip one piece of prevent flashing under each pair of shingles on adjacent roof panels and staple them securely to the roof (figure M). Then place a ridge cap assembly over each seam, aligning with the point of the roof panel, and secure the caps with screws about one inch from the edge and equally spaced on both sides.

16. Cover the opening under the roof panels with fascia board. Finally, center the copper rain cap over the threaded stud extending from the kingpin at the peak of the gazebo. Screw the large decorative ball on the stud without over-tightening.

Figure O (click to enlarge)

17. Put all pre-sized screens in place (figure O). Work from top to bottom, with the door screens coming last. This completes work on the gazebo (figure P ).

A gazebo kit will cost around $5,000 and will take two days to construct.