Simple gazebo plans

This step by step diy project is about simple gazebo plans. If you want to build a learn more about building a simple square gazebo with a pergola roof, pay attention to this project. Follow the instructions and pay attention to the diagrams and build the structure, even if you are a beginner when it comes to woodworking. Take a look over the rest of the projects, to see more alternatives and design ideas.

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. In most of the cases, you need a friend to give you a hand when assembling the diy gazebo. Invest in high quality lumber and plywood, as the components will be exposed to bad weather. Protect the components with appropriate paint or stain.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tools when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a simple gazebo

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120″ long, 4 pieces – 117″ long JOISTS
A – 21 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 120″ long FLOOR
B – 7 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 96″ long POSTS
C – 4 piece of 2×10 lumber – 141″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
D – 13 piece of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long SHADE ELEMENTS
E – 9 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 132″ long SLATS
F – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 117″ long, 2 pieces – 120″ long, 4 pieces – 39 3/4″ long RAIL CLEATS
G – 39 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 36″ long BALUSTERS

29 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
7 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8 ft
13 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
19 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 12 ft
4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
post to beam connectors
7 post anchors (optional)
joist anchors
1 1/2″ structural screws
rafter ties
2 1/2″ screws
7″ carriage bolts
glue, wood filler, stain

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Time

One Week

Free gazebo plans

Building the floor frame

The first step of the project is to build the frame of the floor. As you can easily see in the diagram, you need to cut both ends of the 2×6 beams at 45 degrees. Align the edges with great care, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to create rigid joints. Make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws.

Fitting the joists

The next step of the project is to install the intermediary joists to the frame of the floor. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to place the 2×6 joists equally-spaced. Align everything with attention, to make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the joist hangers

Using joist hangers will make installing the joints easy and add strength to the whole structure.

Fitting the posts

Continue the project by fitting the 4×4 posts to the frame of the floor. Align the components with great care and plumb them using a spirit level. Drill pilot holes through the beams and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the posts. Alternatively, you could use lag bolts.

Fitting the decking boards

Next, you need to attach the 2×6 decking boards to the floor of the square gazebo. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to leave 1/4″ between the decking boards. Smooth the ends of the decking boards and secure them to the joists with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Make sure the head of the screws is at the same level with the surface of the boards.

Attaching the decking

As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to cut out the decking boards to fit around the 4×4 posts. If you want to enhance the rigidity of the floor, we recommend you to install 2×2 cleats to the posts, just under the boards.

Building the support beams

Next, you have to build the support beams for the simple gazebo. As you can easily notice in the diagram, use 2×10 lumber to build the beams. Cut both ends of the beams in a decorative manner, using a jigsaw. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Building the support beams

Attach the support beams to the top of the wooden posts. Align everything with attention and clamp the beams to the posts tightly. Drill pilot holes through the beams and through the posts, before inserting 7″ carriage bolts. Lock everything tightly and leave no gaps between the components.

Building the shade elements

The next step of the diy square gazebo project is to build the shade elements. Use 2×6 lumber to build the shade elements. Make notches to the components, as to fit easily into place. Use a circular saw to make several cuts inside the marked areas and a chisel to remove the excess material.

Cutting decorative ends

Use the information in the diagram to cut both ends of the shade elements in a decorative manner. Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts.

Fitting the top beams

Place the shade elements to the support beams, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the support beams. Make sure you leave no gaps between the components, if you want to get a professional result.

Fitting the side cleats

Next, you need to build the railings for the garden gazebo. Therefore, use 2×4 lumber to build the cleats. Cut the components at the right size and secure them to the posts using 2 1/2″ screws. Pre-drill the components before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Fitting the front cleats

Continue the project by fitting the cleats to the front face of the gazebo. Make sure the cleats are perfectly horizontal.

Fitting the back cleats

Next, install the cleats to the back of the structure, as described in the diagram.

Fitting the side balusters

Use 2×2 lumber to build the balusters. If you want to enhance the look of the railings, we recommend you to cut the top of the balusters at 45 degrees. Drill pilot holes through the balusters and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the cleats.

Fitting the balusters to the front face

Fit the balusters to the front face of the gazebo, as described in the diagram. Place the balusters equally-spaced, if you want to get a professional result.

Fitting the balusters to the back face

Use the techniques described above to build the back baluster of the gazebo.

Fitting the top slats

In order to keep the shade elements equally-spaced and to enhance the rigidity of the roof, we recommend you to fit 2×2 slats to the top rafters. Make sure you drill pilot holes before inserting the 2 1/2″ screws.

Simple gazebo plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary.

How to build a gazebo pergola

Building a wooden square gazebo pergola with a deck floor is the ultimate way to create a stylish, inviting outdoor oasis! This structure combines the open charm of a pergola with the stability and comfort of a gazebo, giving you a shaded, defined space that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

Deck pergola plans

The deck floor adds a polished, sturdy base that not only elevates the look but also keeps your space clean and mud-free, ideal for all-season enjoyment. With its square shape, this gazebo pergola offers symmetry and balance that can anchor any backyard design, while the wooden frame allows for natural beauty and customization. Whether you add outdoor furniture, string lights, or curtains, this build creates a beautiful, functional retreat right at home!

Top view – Deck pergola

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