A gazebo is a freestanding, open-sided structure with a solid roof and floor and traditional material for construction is wood but equally popular are those built of metal, stone or even reinforced concrete. Readily available gazebo kits make this little space a very real dream for all do it yourself hopefuls and homeowners can also commission an original design by ordering one through specialized computer aided designing offered by manufacturers.

Requirements for do it yourself gazebo

Building one from scratch requires excellent carpentry skills so the easier option for the do-it-yourself approach is to assemble a gazebo from a kit. Before ordering one, it is advisable that you consult the local building department about the need for a permit as some towns require these for structures larger than 10 feet across and they also dictate the kind of foundation you'll need.

Features of a DIY gazebo kit

A visit to a gazebo manufacturer's website will give endless choices of color, design and budget choices and these pre-fabricated gazebos have the convenience of pre-cut pieces and parts, with comprehensive instructions to help out the inexperienced homeowner, right from assembling to finishing. Very often, the larger components- roof, floor and sides- are pre assembled in sections and no sawing is required. Higher-end models are made of weather- and rot-resistant cedar with stainless or galvanized steel fasteners and due to precision cutting and fitting, these do it yourself gazebo kits can deliver extremely well-engineered structures.

Structural elements of a do it yourself gazebo project

The support columns are held by gusset plates bolted directly onto the foundation piers, deck, patio, or concrete floor and the sections bolt together through predrilled holes wherein smaller pieces screw together. Simple square latticework structures cost $1,500 and up for a 6-footer and the octagon gazebos, with decorative millwork and two-tiered, cupola-topped roofs, can put you back anywhere between $3,500 to $10,000 for a 12-footer. Usually, a small to midsize model can be erected by two people within a couple of days with a cordless drill, wrench and sockets or a hammer and a nail set, in some cases. The guidebook gives step-by-step detailed instructions with the hardest part involving getting the floor sections completely level. The end result is what makes most DIY gazebo assemblers plough through the time consuming, muscle bound efforts as it provides the ultimate resting spot for celebrations while saluting creativity and beauty.