There are many free and paid gazebo plans available online and in libraries. Architectural blueprints are the most expensive, but they are also the most detailed and best suited for experienced contractors. Talented home improvement enthusiasts can get good use out of less expensive plans.
The Build Eazy website (https://www.buildeazy.com/) offers a free gazebo plan for five basic gazebos of varying sizes and styles.
Before you start building a gazebo, there are a few things you need to consider:
Tools: You will need basic carpentry tools such as a level and a screw gun. You will also need a compound miter saw or sliding compound miter saw for angular cuts.
Foundation: You can either bolt the gazebo to a concrete slab or pre-existing wood floor, or you can create a built-in floor. If you choose to build a built-in floor, you will need to pour one concrete pier for each post. Contact your local building department for more information.
Materials: Three common types of wood used to build outdoor structures are pine, cedar, and redwood. Pine is the softest and easiest to work with, but it decomposes the fastest. Cedar and redwood are harder and more expensive, but they age well.
Assembly: You can also build a metal or vinyl gazebo, but you will need to buy a kit unless you have all the heavy machinery for fabricating the parts. Kits come in sections that you assemble using the included hardware. A level and a screw gun are usually all that are needed, but you might need help from a friend for the roof sections.
Building your own gazebo is a great way to save money and get a unique structure that perfectly suits your needs. And when you're finished, you can sit back and enjoy the shade of your handiwork.