Gazebo Plans

A gazebo can help you create a picturesque backyard retreat for you and your family. If you want to build your own gazebo, there are a variety of plans available on the internet and in woodworking books and magazines.

Many of these plans are comparatively easy to build, while some require advanced woodworking knowledge. Most of these gazebo plans include step-by-step instructions, diagrams of each step and a list of all the materials you’ll require to build your dream gazebo.

Choose your gazebo plan according to your level of woodworking knowledge and availability of wood and tools.

Things to keep in mind before building a gazebo

Before building a gazebo, you should take into account the style and size of your house, your yard and how you intend to use the gazebo. You should also take care to choose the right site for your gazebo as you are likely to use and enjoy it more if you have built it on the right spot.

What type of wood should you use for your gazebo?

Western Red Cedar

The perfect durable wood for outdoors, top-grade Western Red Cedar is extremely popular for building gazebos. Its natural oils not only help preserve its inherent beauty, but also make it resistant to insects, rot and decay. Cedar also possesses a straight grain and its dimensionally stable properties prevent warping, and ensure that the wood will always lie flat and straight.

Cedar can also be used for your gazebo floors. If you want to maintain cedar’s natural reddish color, you can seal and stain it, or you can allow it to weather naturally to a beautiful silvery gray. This sturdy wood is a great choice if you’re planning to install a hot tub in your gazebo.

Redwood

Redwood is also very popular for gazebos because of its durability, beauty and natural resistance decay and insects. A good outdoor wood, it is lightweight and easy to cut, scrape, nail and shape. To keep your gazebo looking great for years to come, you can coat the wood with a water and UV-resistant finish.

Hardware for your gazebo

It’s important to make sure that you use the best quality stainless steel, aluminum or hot-dipped galvanized nails and hardware while building your gazebo. Using top quality hardware ensures that they will be rust-proof to withstand the harshest natural elements to provide you years of enjoyment.

Creating a shady retreat

Adding lattice on the sides of your gazebo will allow vines to climb up and around your gazebo. It will create a beautiful, shady nook where you can relax on a hot summer afternoon with a cool drink.

More information on gazebos