How to build a gazebo roof

Step by step diy project is about how to build a gazebo roof. Building a roof for a 12×16 gazebo is a complex project and it requires professional plans. Nevertheless, you should take a look on these instructions as to get an idea about all the steps required to build a roof for your gazebo project. Work with attention and with good judgement, if you want to prevent costly mistakes and potential issues.

As we always point out, we recommend you to study the local building codes before continuing your project. Therefore, you can find all sort of useful information, such as the materials you should use, or the distance you need to leave between the rafters. Cover the rafters with plywood sheets, tar paper and asphalt shingles. Protect the components form wood decay, by applying several coats of paint.

On the other hand, there are a few designs and shapes you could choose from. On one hand, you could follow our instructions and build an unique roof, that requires a significant amount of work and materials. On the other hand, you could build a simple gable structure that can be done by any person with basic skills in just one hay. See here how to build a simple gable roof. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

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

Materials

A – 1 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 97 3/4″ long, 2 piece of 2×4 – 77 1/4″ long TOP RIDGE
B – 4 piece of 2×4 lumber – 110 1/2″ long – both ends cut at 61º HIP RAFTERS
C – 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 98″, 4 pieces – 55″ – both ends cut at at 34º RAFTERS
D – 4 piece of 2×4 lumber – 32″, 4 piece – 54 1/2″ – both ends cut at 45º RAFTERS
E – 11 pieces of 4’x8′ of 3/4” tongue and groove plywood ROOFING
F – 600 sq ft of roofing felt ROOFING FELT
G – 600 pieces of asphalt shingles SHINGLES

1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
17 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
11 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
600 sq ft of roofing felt, 600 pieces of asphalt shingles
rafter ties
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

Part 1: How to make a gazebo
Part 2: How to build a gazebo roof

Building a gazebo roof

Installing the main rafters

The first step of the project is to build and install the top ridge and the jack rafters. As you can see in the image, you need to cut the ends of the rafters at the right size and lock them to the top rails with wood screws. Make sure the top ridge is horizontal, otherwise the roof of your gazebo won’t be symmetrical.

Installing the common rafters

The next step of the project is to install the rafters to the both sides of the roof. As you can notice in the image, you need to place the rafters every 24″ on center. Cut the roof rafters at the right size (at 45º) and shape and fit them into place. Drill pilot holes trough the rafters and secure them to the hip rafters and top rails with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws.

Installing the side rafters

Afterwards, attach the rafter to the front and back faces of the rectangular gazebo. Align the components at both ends and lock them into place with screws. It is essential to align the rafters at both ends before attaching them to top ridge and to the top rails with galvanized screws. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get the job done as a professional. Cut the rafters at 34º, using a miter saw.

Fitting the side rafters

Place the rafters every 24″ on center, in order to support the weight of the roof properly. Align the wooden components at both ends and lock them into place with galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes at angle, to prevent the wood from splitting and to get rigid joints.

Attaching the roofing sheets

Attach 3/4″ plywood sheets to the rafters, as in the image. We recommend you to cut the sheets with a circular saw, before attaching them into place. After aligning the sheets at both ends, we recommend you to drive 1 1/4″ screws into the rafters, every 6″. Don’t leave any gaps between the rafters, if you want to get a professional result.

Installing the roofing

In order to protect the gazebo from water damage, we recommend you to cover the roofing sheets with tar paper. Make sure the strips of tar paper overlap at least 2″ and lock them into place with staples. In addition, cut a 12″ piece for the top ridge. Fit the bottom drip edges under the tar paper. Place a starting course at the bottom of the roof, before installing the asphalt shingles. Always read the manufacturing instructions before starting the installation, as there are several aspects that differ.

Attaching trims to the rafters

Attach 1×6 trims to the ends of the rafters and lock them into place with 1 1/4″ finishing nails. It is essential to cut the ends of the trims at 45º, if you want to get a nice appearance and proper joints. Don’t leave any gaps between the trims and the roofing sheets.

How to build a gazebo roof

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.

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