Tips on How to Build an Octagon Gazebo
The gazebo is a wonderful way to create a shady spot on your property, where you can relax and enjoy the warm season. They come in all different shapes and sizes. One of the most traditional styles is the octagon gazebo, which presents a challenging project even for the experienced woodworker and carpenter. The following tips on how to build an octagonal gazebo will enable you to spend a good part of this summer in your dream outdoor living space.
Get Yourself a Plan
Gazebos are essentially covered decks that can either stand alone in your yard or be attached to a patio or deck. The roof is a solitary structure, but you can choose to incorporate railings, privacy screens and benches right into the gazebo structure, creating a small room that protects your family from the elements and allows for more enjoyment of the outdoors.Rectangular gazebos are built using a fairly simple format. The most difficult portion of the project is the roof trusses, which can be purchased as a pre-manufactured kit or professionally made by a roofing contractor. However, with an octagon gazebo, the framing, flooring and even the railing can be tricky to accomplish. The shape renders it difficult to build due to the many angles involved and the importance of getting those angles exactly right.
The best advice to anyone attempting to build an octagonal gazebo would be to obtain a professionally designed plan. The most affordable ones may not include a list of materials or a cut list, but often these basic plans can be found online (free) and easily adapted to your situation. For those with less experience and in need of specific guidance, investing in a detailed plan is a good idea. For less than $100, you can buy one that clearly lays out the steps for you.
What about an Octagon Gazebo Kit?
Pre-made gazebo kits are widely available and very popular. The two main issues with these products are the inability to customize, and their price tags (kits are relatively expensive when compared to the cost of a home-made project).
What you see on the packaging of an octagon gazebo kit is what get! It can be difficult to add trim, railing and any other features that you may want to include, and impossible to extend the size to suit your needs.In contrast to the cost of hiring a contractor to build an octagonal gazebo for you, both kits and DIY-from-scratch projects are more affordable. Kits may be less structurally stable than a custom-made gazebo that is typically supported by concrete piers and heavy dimensional lumber, but many are durable and made to last for years and years.
Basic Tools Needed
If you build an octagonal gazebo from scratch, you will need these tools: hammer, circular saw, nail gun or screw gun (or both), tape measure, level and square, ladder (possibly scaffolding), sander, stain and staining materials for the finishing touch.A Few Last Words
- Working on the roof can be dangerous and should not be attempted alone; someone should be there to keep you company.
- Expect a decent-sized octagon gazebo to take you about 5 to 8 full days of work, from start to finish.
- Be meticulous in your measurements, and check your work on an ongoing basis; if a problem presents itself, it will be much easier to correct in its early stage.
Although deemed a complicated project not recommended for beginners, learning how to build an octagonal gazebo will provide you with a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Your family will appreciate your efforts and enjoy spending time in this lovely backyard structure all season long.
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