Designing and building a gazebo

Gazebos have been making attractive additions to gardens for thousands of years, according to Damian Keady, one of our home experts.

‘There’s evidence that they were used in some of the earliest gardens in history,’ she says. ‘And there’s no doubt that they’ve long been popular both east and west, which is perhaps why there are so many kinds of design to choose from. You can have African-style thatches, angular structures influenced by Japanese tea-houses, ornate Victorian pagodas – the choice is huge. Gazebos are first and foremost shelters, providing shade when the sun is shining and cover when it isn’t.’

Design

But that basic functionality and the simple appearance of gazebos belies a complicated design job, warns Damian. ‘They’re actually one of the trickiest things that you can put up in your garden. True, you can simplify things a great deal, but if you want to go for decked flooring, octagonal sides and a pitched roof, there are plenty of complications.’

Chief among these (if you opt for wood as your basic building material) is the need to make many angled cuts in your timber. These involve careful planning to ensure they all slot together properly, and the skilful use of a miter saw. Our experts can help you hire or buy the latter and talk you through the planning process, so do give us a call when you’re in the earliest stages of your gazebo project.

First, you’ll need to work out where you’re going to put the structure and what you need to do to ensure it is supported and properly anchored in the ground. The next steps are to design a floor frame, a decking plan, side panels and supports, a roof frame and support system, and the roof itself.

Many of our members have found that going into the detailed geometry required is as rewarding as it is challenging. ‘There’s also real satisfaction to be taken in selecting your timber, having it cut down to size and transforming it from lumber to a beautiful garden feature,’ says Damian. ‘And the lazy days you spend in it later will seem all the sweeter for the hard work you put in originally.’

But don’t worry if all that complicated carpentry sounds a little daunting. Not having the time or hammer skills shouldn’t hold back your creativity. Our experts will also be able to connect you with professional designers and joiners recommended by members in your area.

There are a great many companies that can erect a bespoke gazebo for you or provide kits with the complicated parts of the decking and roofing panels ready-assembled. ‘Most of these are excellent,’ says Damian. ‘Our experts will be able to arrange for you to access the best in your area.’

Wood alternatives

She also recommends considering wrought-iron, steel and aluminium constructions. ‘They’re long lasting, their slimmer lines can be extremely elegant and they offer a good opportunity for you to do something interesting when it comes to painting them up.’

Finally, Damian says that vinyl gazebos also have their place. ‘People tend to be snobby about them, but while they aren’t as attractive as wood or metal and members often complain that they don’t last very long, they have the advantage of portability and economy. If you’re only likely to use a gazebo a few times a year, they’re worth investigating. Our experts will happily inform you about the best quality products.’