How to Construct a Gazebo
A gazebo offers protection from the elements and privacy from neighbors. Gazebos are also attractive additions to a yard area and can be built with minimal technical knowledge. If you plan on building the gazebo for only a couple of hours a day, it should take about a week to complete the construction. This time estimate includes waiting for the concrete to dry and set. Use your imagination and customize your home-built four-sided gazebo to fit your personal taste. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Spade
- Gravel
- Concrete
- 10-foot, 2-by-4 lumber
- 7- by 4-foot lattice
- ¾-inch deck screws
- Screwdriver
- Plastic ties
Instructions
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1
Draw a rough schematic of how you want your gazebo to look. Hollow out a hole for the foundation of your gazebo. Use concrete as the foundation; it will require less maintenance than a wood foundation. The hole should be 1 foot deep.
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2
Fill the hole with 3 inches of gravel. This will make the concrete sturdier after it dries. Mix the concrete and pour it into the hole. Make sure that the concrete doesn’t pour beyond the perimeter of the foundation hole. Allow the concrete to dry for 24 hours, keeping it covered to avoid wind cracks in the drying cement.
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3
Dig holes for the wall posts, spacing them about 3 feet apart. The holes should be about 1 foot deep. Pour 3 inches of pebbles in the holes and then pour the concrete. Make sure that the concrete doesn’t flow over the edges of the holes.
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4
Position the 2-by-4 wood pieces in the holes. Make sure these posts are straight and level. Let the concrete dry for at least 24 hours.
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5
Align the lattice to the top and attach it to the posts using screws, making sure to tighten well. If you want more air circulation, pick a lattice that has larger openings between the rows. Be sure to leave off a 4-foot section of lattice as an entrance way.
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6
Take a piece of canvas for the roof and cut it to the size of the gazebo. There are many different kinds of tarps and canvases, so pick a color and density that suites your tastes. Use plastic ties to hold down the canvas.
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Tips & Warnings
Use pressure-treated lumber for the posts, as it will stand up to weathering.
Place lawn furniture or benches in the gazebo after the construction is complete.
Quickly clean up any spilled concrete before it sets.
