How to make a gazebo

This step by step diy project is about how to make a gazebo. Building a 12×16 rectangular gazebo is easy, especially if you use proper plans and materials. Due to the high amount of information, we have split the project in two parts. In this article we talk about building the floor and the railings, while in the second part of the project we show all you have know about building the roof.

There are several things that you should take into account when making a gazebo. Therefore, we recommend you to study the local building codes and to pay attention to all the legal requirements, starting with the materials used, up to the depth of the footings. Always use quality materials and professional tools, if you want to make a rectangular gazebo with a neat appearance.

If you have a significant budget, you should invest in quality lumber, such as cedar, pine or redwood. Make sure the components are weather-resistant and they fit properly into place, before drilling pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws. You can choose from may designs when building the railings, so you should study the alternatives before starting the woodworking project. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

 

Made from this plan

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In order to make a gazebo, you need to use the following:

 

Materials

  • A – sand, cement, gravel, 8 pieces of tube forms FOOTINGS
  • B – 8 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 130″ long POSTS
  • – 2 piece of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long, 2 pieces – 189″ long RIM JOISTS
  • – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 66 1/4″ long, 1 piece – 182″, 2 piece – 89 1/2″ long MIDDLE JOISTS
  • – 10 piece of 2×6 – 69 3/4″ long, 8 pieces of 2×6 – 93” long JOISTS
  • – 40 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 52 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long DECKING
  • – 2 piece of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long, 2 pieces – 189″ long TOP RAILS
  • – 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89 1/4″, 12 pieces – 65 1/4″, 92 pieces – 27″ RAILINGS

  • sand, cement, gravel, 8 pieces of tube forms
  • 8 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 12 ft
  • 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16 ft
  • 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
  • 24 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
  • 49 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
  • 50 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
  • 2 1/2″ screws
  • 1 1/4″ screws
  • glue, stain
  • wood filler

Tools

Tips

  • Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
  • Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

  • One Day

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Building a rectangular gazebo

Building a rectangular gazebo

Building a rectangular gazebo

 

Smart Tip: Making a rectangular gazebo is a fun garden project that requires proper plans and complex woodworking techniques. Nevertheless, every person with average woodworking skills can get the job done, if you pay attention to our instructions and tips.

 

 

How to make a gazebo

Laying out the gazebo

Laying out the gazebo

 

The first step of the project is to lay out the rectangular gazebo in a professional manner. Therefore, use batter boards and string to mark the outline of the gazebo, as you can easily notice in the image. Check if the corners for squareness using a carpentry square and measure the diagonals of the rectangle. Make the necessary adjustments as to get a professional result.

 

Fitting the posts

Fitting the posts

 

Setting the 4×4 posts of the gazebo is a complex and essential part of the building process, there fore you should tackle it with attention and good judgement. As you can see in the image, you need to dig 2-3′ deep holes (at least 6″ under the frost line) and compact a 2″ layer or gravel on the bottom. Fit tube forms and pour a small quantity of concrete before fitting the posts into place.

Smart Tip: Use a spirit level to plumb the wooden posts and secure them temporarily into place with 2×4 braces. Make sure the top of the posts are at the same level, before continuing the construction process.

 

Installing the rim joists

Installing the rim joists

 

Let the concrete to dry out for several days, before installing the rim joists. Cut the 2×6 joists at the right size and lock them to the exterior of the posts with 3 1/2″ wood screws. Drill pilot holes trough the components in order to prevent the wood from splitting. In addition, level the rim joists with a spirit level, in order to make sure the floor will he horizontal.

 

Installing the intermediate joists

Installing the intermediate joists

 

In order to lock the joists into place, we recommend you to use joist hangers. As you can see in the plans, you need to attach the metal hangers to the rim joists, using 1 1/4″ galvanized screws. Make sure hangers are equally spaced and the at the same level.

 

Attaching the middle joists

Attaching the middle joists

 

Fitting the middle joists is the next step of the project. As you can easily notice in the image, you need to attach the joists to the middle posts and lock them with galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes at both ends of the components, at angle, and insert the screws after making sure the joists are horizontal.

 

Fitting the intermediate rafters

Fitting the intermediate rafters

 

The next step of the project is to install the intermediate joists. As you can notice in the image, you need to cut the 2×6 lumber at the right size and attach them into place, using metal hangers. Place a spirit level on top of the joists, in order to check if the floor frame is perfectly level. It is essential to align the joists every 16″, in order to distribute the weight properly.

 

Fitting the decking boards

Fitting the decking boards

 

Installing the decking boards is a straight-forward process, but you need to choose a pattern and a design that fits your needs. As you can notice in the image, you need to use 2×4 or 2×6 boards and lock them to the joists with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. It is essential to drill pilot holes before inserting the screws and to countersink their heads.

In addition, place a nail between the slats. In this manner, the water will drain properly and the components will be protected against excessive moisture.

 

Fitting the top top rails

Fitting the top top rails

 

Secure 2×6 components to the top of the posts and lock them into place with 3 1/2″ wood screws. Use a spirit level to make sure the top plates are horizontal.

 

 

Building gazebo railings

Fitting the cleats

Fitting the cleats

 

Building railings for your gazebo is easy, but the real challenge is to choose a design that fits the style of your house and garden. First of all, you need to install 1×4 cleats between the posts and lock them into place with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws.

Smart Tip: Level the cleats with a spirit level and attach the 1×4 handrail into place. Secure the handrail to the top cleat with finishing nails and add glue to enhance the bond of the joints.

 

Installing the balusters

Installing the balusters

 

Attach 1×4 slats to the cleats and secure them into place with 1 1/4″ screws. As you can easily notice in the image, you need to drill pilot holes trough the slats and place them every 2″. Read the local building codes, as to choose the right size and shape for the gazebo railings.

 

How to make a gazebo

How to make a gazebo

 

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

Smart Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint to the wooden components, if you want to protect them from decay and to enhance the look of the rectangular gazebo. Don’t forget to check the rest of the project, as to learn how to build the roof of the gazebo. If you want to get this plan as a PDF file, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support!

 

 

Thank you for reading our project about how to make a gazebo and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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