How to Make a Gazebo

Make an easy-to-assemble gazebo from an eight-column dome kit. The PVC construction requires that the post holes be set in concrete so that the gazebo does not tip over in high winds. UV-rated shade fabric will keep you 10 degrees or more cooler than outside air. Create a door frame along one of the eight sides, and seal the spaces between the posts with a sheet of fine-mesh screen to keep insects at bay.

Things You'll Need

• 8-column Parasol Dome Shelter Kit
• PVC cement
• 3 bags quick-drying concrete mix
• 3 bags sharp-edged gravel
• 8-foot-6-inch-by-64-foot-6-inch piece of fine mesh screen material
• Staple gun

Instructions

1. Dig eight post holes and insert the posts from the kit into the ground. Backfill with gravel and concrete. Hang a spirit level from a plumb bob. Use it to ensure that the poles are straight. Make sure that a board placed on top of any two posts is level.

2. Attach the ribs of the canopy to the posts. Secure with PVC cement and any hardware supplied in the kit by the manufacturer.

3. 

   Build a PVC door frame to fit one of the eight spaces between the poles, using 2-inch diameter PVC. Attach it using 1-inch long screws and two butt hinges.

4. 

   Attach one 4-foot-6-inch-by-8-foot-6-inch section of fine mesh screen material to the PVC door frame using a staple gun. Attach fine mesh screen to all remaining spaces between posts, and you will not have to avoid love bugs or other annoying insects.

5. Stretch the canopy over the PVC frame and attach it to the frame using 1/2-inch wide staples.

References

• Microclimates and temperature differentials
• Effective shade structures