How to make a gazebo

3.Add the windows.

Salvage some old wood and glass windows (6-pane or similar). Fit them at the center of each of the 3 walls and mark their width. Then, create a frame for the window using 1 by 4 in (2.5 by 10.2 cm) boards. The height should be the same as the window and distance between the bracing beams (accounting for the width of the frame itself). Nail the frame into position, fit the window in, and set it in place by placing nails on either side.

The nails should stick up by 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm). Fit them as close as possible to the window itself so that the window won’t move. Use 3 or 4 for each side of the window.

You can seal it with wood glue or caulk if you want to.

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5. Attach the upper beams.

Glue these together and then join them to the top of the posts using 1 or 2 bolts placed through the square and into the posts.

1.Building the roof

Get 5 more 4 by 4 in (10 by 10 cm) beams. Select 4 beams at 6 ft (1.8 m) and 1 in (2.5 cm) length and 1 at 8 feet (2.4 m) and 7 inches (18 cm). Cut a 45° angle into one end of each of the 4 beams.

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4.Cut the upper beams.

You will need 4 more beams to join the posts at the top. These should be roughly 8 feet (2.4 m) and 7 inches (18 cm) long. Cut a 3.5 by 3.5 by .75 in (8.9 by 8.9 by 1.9 cm) square into the ends of each of the 4 beams.

The cuts should be made on the same side of each beam. Use these cuts to fit the pieces together like a puzzle, the 2 indented ends fitting together. This is called a half-lap splice joint.

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2.Bolt the flat side of the shorter beams to

the ends of the longer beam. Make 2 triangles that are joined by the 8 ft (2.4 m), 7 in (18 cm) beam running between them. Make sure that you keep the 45° angles in mind, as they will need to be able to sit flat on the top of the walls. The bolts should be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.

3. Attach the roof beams. Holding the roof in place, bolt it into the corner posts at each end. Make sure your bolts aren’t too long: you want them to go in but not pop through the other side of the post.

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2. Add a roof covering. You can add corrugated aluminum or fiberglass roofing fit to size and secured with nails. However, for a magazine look, screw hooks 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the top and bottom of each angled roof beam (on the inside area). Suspend stretch cable between these hooks and use curtains with rod pockets at the top and bottom to create beautiful, designer-look roofing.

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4. Insert your windows. You can also add windows into the triangles (smaller than the windows in the walls). This is done in exactly the same way as with the walls, but you will have to add a top frame first. Measure the height of the wooden window frame, first making sure that it fits into the triangle. Then measure and cut a piece of 4 by 4 in (10 by 10 cm) beam to fit at that height and bolt it into place. Once it’s in place, the window can be inserted as before.

1. Add the finishing touches. Paint the structure. You can paint the entire wood structure whatever color you want to. Paint it to match your house or paint it a bold color to make it a backyard accent piece. Make sure the paint you use is appropriate for outdoor use. Paint can additionally protect the wood, prolonging the life of your structure. 3. Create walls. You can similarly install curtain rods on the inside of the structure to hang curtains to create movable walls. These can be tied back to the posts when not in use.

4.Personalize your gazebo. You can add all sorts of other extras to your gazebo. Hang flowerpots between the posts and windows. Hang string lights to create a romantic effect. Fill it with a table and chairs or even a bed! You are limited only by your imagination.