Adding a gazebo to your garden is a wonderful investment and embellishment for any home. It can be a functional asset for outdoor eating or entertainment as well as an aesthetic addition to the landscaping. Many say there is almost something regal about gazebos and there is no reason you cannot be the king or queen of your garden. A gazebo is defined as an open-sided, free-standing roofed outdoor structure placed in gardens and yards. Many have screens added for privacy and keeping out bugs. There are many styles and designs you can choose from. One thing all gazebos have in common is that they will add to the usability and value of your property.
Creating a Gazebo Foundation
You made the decision to build a gazebo, and this requires a lot of planning. The first step is creating a solid foundation that will support the roof and serve as an anchor against wind and erosion. One of the main benefits of building a foundation is that it will elevate the gazebo, placing it at an ideal viewing platform in your garden. A good foundation will also separate the wall or posts from contacting the ground which reduces moisture and decay.
Things to Consider for Your Gazebo Foundation
Building the foundation is going to be the toughest part of building your gazebo. You will need solid ground for the footing which is made of concrete and steel. Before you start building, you need to verify local building codes and any homeowner association rules to make sure any work you do is permitted. You need to determine what purpose the gazebo will have as well as where to place it. Do you want the gazebo to be a centerpiece and conversation starter or a place where you can unwind and relax? Knowing what the gazebo will be used for will help you determine the size and layout, which will influence the size of the foundation you will need to create. You also need to plan where in the garden your gazebo will be. Ideally, you want it in an area with sufficient space to build a garden around the outside of it for added visual effect.
Choose Your Materials
There are several different materials you can choose from for your gazebo. You need to make sure the materials you choose will last and are suited for the climate you live in.
- crushed gravel
- brick patio
- wooden frame
- raised blocks
Wood Floor Foundations
Wood frame floors are the most commonly used for gazebos and these are placed on concrete foundations. If you need a cheaper alternative, you can opt for wood skids, which allow you to remove between 4 and 6 inches of earth around the gazebo area to replace it with pea gravel. The skids are then placed on the skids and nailed into place. You then complete the floor framing and connect the floor joists to the rim joists.
Cast Concrete Piers
Concrete piers will let you create a stronger gazebo foundation. To start you need to die a footing (at least 14 inches wide and 6 inches deep) below the frost line, then pour the concrete into the footing hole and spray the pier with water. Make sure the pier
Is embedded at least 3 inches into the fresh concrete. Piers also need to be slightly twisted slightly to form a solid bond. The next step involves attaching the beam support posts to the pier. You will then construct the floor starting at the outside joists, moving to the cross supports.
The Gazebo
There are several ways to build the gazebo once the foundation is good to go. You can have an original design created, build one from plans, or use a gazebo kit. Unless you have experience and carpentry skills, using a kit is often the best option. There are a variety of kits and they are affordable. One of the most popular kit options is prefab kits, where you get pre-cut and pre-assembled pieces to put together. Kit options can include pine, cedar, and high-end models that are rot-resistant and tough in all weather.
