How to build your own backyard gazebo.
A gazebo is a great accessory for your yard, especially if your deck or patio is not covered. A gazebo will allow you a nice covered area to get out of the weather. The good news is, you can build one and it will cost you much less than the ready-made gazebos that some hardware stores have. Below are instructions for making a lattice work gazebo, surrounded on three sides, with the fourth side open. You can enclose the fourth side with a half wall from the top to the bottom if you like, but that is up to you. You may use these instructions for surrounding your patio, deck or back porch, as well.
Start with a plan, measure the area you want to enclose. This is best if it is a square or rectangular area. Be sure to measure along each side and write down the measurements.
Purchase the Materials
* 2x4's for the sides. Purchase enough for 20 boards the length of the sides
* 6 carved 4x4's to form the corners and doorway
* 4 pieces of decorative lattice, one for each of the four sides, each should be four feet high.
* Enough lattice frame to go around all four sides of your lattice.
* A box of 2 1/2 inch long treated decking screws.
* Corrugated plastic (your choice of color) for the roof, in the exact length and width of the roof of your gazebo.
* Lead head nails to attach the plastic to the roof.
* 6 concrete deck anchors, optional.
Make sure that all of your wood is pressure treated, and not warped.
Cut the Wood
Always remember when cutting wood, MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE. Be sure to check your measurements before you start, then check them again, before you cut. Because, you can always take more off if it's too long, but you can't put it back if you've cut it too short.
Start with the six carved 4x4's; they should be eight feet long. This will be the height of your gazebo.
Cut sixteen 2x4's to the exact length of the sides.
Cut the lattice as follows, three will be the length of the sides; the fourth will be the length of the side, minus 3 feet, and then cut in half. Measure and cut your lattice frame to fit around your lattice, you may attach it now if you wish.
Assemble the Top
Use four 2x4's to form a square, place them two inch side down. Screw the corners together alternating front to back to provide strength. Then place four more, with the four inch side down on top of these, make sure the edges are flush and screw them in place. This will be the frame work for the top of the gazebo. Fasten two or three more boards equally spaced between the sides, to provide an anchor for the roof. Do not attach the plastic yet.
Assemble the Base
Place four deck anchors at each corner of your space, and sink them into the ground. Then place a 4x4 in each.
On the third side, sink the last two deck anchors into the ground as follows, find the middle of the space, then measure 1 ½ feet from either side of the center point. Place the deck anchors one on either side at this point. Place the last two carved 4x4's in the deck anchors.
Attach two 2x4's along the sides, at the bottom, leaving the three foot opening on one side. Place, one inside the legs, and one outside the legs. Then measure 4 feet up from the ground, and do the same thing.
Attach the lattice between the top and bottom rails and between the inside and outside ones.
Raise the Roof
You will need a couple friends with ladders to finish assembly. Basically station a friend at each corner and have them hoist the roof up and place it on top of the base. Be careful not to damage the lattice in the process. Then screw the roof to the top of each 4x4. Last attach the corrugated plastic to the roof, anchoring it as appropriate.
Now step back and admire your work. You may attach shades to the framing for privacy, or to block the sun. You may also want to hang baskets of flowers around the framing.
Whatever you decide to do with your gazebo, it will be a stylish addition to your yard.
