What Are the Best Tips for Making DIY Gazebos?

DIY gazebos are fantastic additions to a backyard space or other recreational area because they add beauty as well as shade to a yard. Making DIY gazebos is not a difficult process, but proper planning will be necessary before the project begins. First and foremost, the builder will need to scout an appropriate location for the gazebo, and he or she will need to prepare the site for construction. It is important to ensure the gazebo is not built too closely to property boundaries, overhead lines, or other obstructions that may lead to damage or injury.

Once a site is chosen, the builder will need to settle on a design for the DIY gazebos. Some gazebos come in kits, which means the design will be determined already; if the builder constructs the structure from scratch, he or she will have more freedom to alter a design, but building from scratch will require more thorough carpentry skills as well as more time. The cost of the project may also dictate both the design and size of the DIY gazebos, so it is helpful to determine a budget for the project before beginning. The best way to determine the most appropriate size and design of the structure is to consider how it is most likely to be used, as well as how much space is available for the structure.

Concrete footings or a concrete slab may need to be poured in order to form a stable base for the DIY gazebos. In either case, it will be important to allow for several days of setting time, since the concrete will need to dry completely before the structures can be built over it. If concrete footings are being used and wooden posts are being sunk into the concrete, it is important to choose wooden posts that are rated for such applications. They should be pressure treated to resist moisture damage and cracking.

Think carefully about the materials used for DIY gazebos. Wood is the most common material choice, though metal can be used, as can some types of plastic and vinyl. If the builder chooses to use wood, it is important to use wood that is beautiful but also naturally resistant to water damage, bug infestation, warping, cracking, and other damage that may prematurely age the structure. Softwoods should be avoided unless they are going to be treated with chemicals that will help them resist moisture damage.