How to Choose the Best DIY Gazebo Kit for Your Outdoor Space
If you’re looking to update your outdoor space, you can have a prefab gazebo delivered straight to your door and assemble it yourself. These kits are convenient and can save time and stress if you want to add shade to your yard. But there are some potential pitfalls if you’re new to this type of improvement, so here’s what you need to know before you buy a gazebo from Amazon.
Know the different types of pergolas
There are many styles of pergolas to choose from, including wood and aluminum . In addition to materials, your gazebo may have a roof , a sun canopy, or a lattice top for climbing vines. You can also choose between a free-standing gazebo or a gazebo that is attached to the wall of your home . If you choose a gazebo attached to a house or other structure, make sure the existing structure can support the additional weight before choosing one.
Measurements for your gazebo
To make sure your pergola will fit in the space you have, you should first measure your open space and then look at the manufacturer’s specifications to find out the widest pergola size. In most cases, the roof of your gazebo is the widest part, so make sure the roof fits the intended area. You will also need to measure the dimensions of the supports for your structure, making sure you have room to place the gazebo in the desired orientation.
Check local building codes
In some cases, local ordinances prohibit the construction of structures within a certain number of feet from a property line or an adjacent structure. There may also be rules about how high an exterior structure can be without requiring a permit, or about the total area that a structure can cover before obtaining a permit. Before choosing a gazebo, check with your local town hall or municipal permitting office to avoid hassle or potential fines in the future.
Dig your footings
To install a pergola, you need supports that will hold the pillars that support the roof. Your kit will likely include supports, but you will need the proper tools to dig the hole and secure them. Check what type of supports are included in your kit to determine what tools you will need. Always remember to dial 811 before digging to avoid costly and dangerous utility incidents.
You may have to attach it to another structure.
If your gazebo is supported on one side by a wall of another structure, you will need to attach it to the second floor edge beam to ensure it is structurally sound. A cantilever beam is a horizontal board that supports the second floor floor beams. In most cases, the pergola comes with the hardware to secure it, but make sure the screws supplied by the manufacturer are long and strong enough to attach the brackets to the rim beam. Since this project requires some knowledge of framing, it may not be a beginner’s DIY project.
Wind accounting
If your gazebo has a roof, you’ll want to make sure that either the roof is retractable or that your supports and hardware are designed to withstand gusts of wind. If you have a wooden gazebo, you can add brackets or ties to strengthen the connections between the roof beams and the crossbars. A pergola with a welded metal frame can typically withstand winds of up to 130 mph.