A little theory: what types of gazebos are there?
The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind when choosing the type of structure is what it will be: closed or open. Each of them has a number of advantages. However, there are other criteria related not only to the type, but also based on the material used in construction.
Open ones are more suitable for summer, when you want to sit in the fresh air. If you have a summer house for winter living, then a closed gazebo will be best. It goes without saying that the presence of gender in it is simply necessary. As for open or summer, you can do it in different ways.
With or without floor
The absence of a floor does not mean that you will walk on the ground, although there are such options.
If you are making a gazebo without a floor, then it will need to be placed on a platform prepared in advance. It could be concrete, paving slabs, paving stones, even just wooden flooring.
As for gazebos with a floor, they are placed on a foundation, like a house. As a foundation, you can use pillars made of brick, you can fill them with concrete, or you can use concrete blocks. A wooden or metal frame is installed on such a foundation. If you are laying brick, you will need to make a strip foundation
The next thing that distinguishes gazebos is the material used.
Materials
Fundamental brick construction involves the use of brick. Other types are lighter both in design and manufacturing method. They can be made from wooden beams, which is often the traditional material for gazebos. A modern material that many people prefer to use instead of wood is profiled steel and polymer pipes or PVC.
When using wood, it must be impregnated with antifungal agents. Metal, painted to avoid corrosion. As for plastic, it doesn’t need any of this. Therefore, when choosing a material, you need to take all this into account.
Having built the frame, it needs to be sheathed. For cladding, you can use wood - boards or slats, or polycarbonate, corrugated sheets, as well as transparent polyethylene films.
Gazebos can be divided into frame and frameless. Frame ones differ in that first a frame is erected from any material mentioned above, and then they are sheathed.
Frameless gazebos
A frameless gazebo is difficult to build. A strip foundation is made for it, on which walls of brick or stone are erected. If the brick is decorative, then it is not sheathed with anything. Openings are most often sealed with plastic windows.
In fact, it is capital; it also serves as a winter option, especially if you put a stove inside.
This gazebo is good if your dacha is used in winter. Otherwise, construction makes no sense. It goes without saying that the decoration inside is done in the same way as in the house.
Roof
An important point is the roof. The type of roof depends entirely on the shape of the frame. The most common shape is rectangular. Options for the roof: single-pitched, double-pitched and hipped. The simplest and easiest is the single-slope one. It can be completely horizontal if there is little snow, or at an angle.
A gable roof is made somewhat more complicated, since it follows the shape of the roof of the house, and therefore is installed on a rafter system. But it’s not that hard to do either.
The hip roof is somewhat more complicated. You will need to secure the pyramid shape. Here you already need to think about how to connect all the rafters at the very top.
If you have a polygonal gazebo, then you make a hip roof. This is a more complex version of a hip roof.
If you are just starting out in construction, then it is better to practice on simple options, like single or gable roofs, and then try to do something complex. However, if you involve a specialist, then this is a different conversation.
A gazebo made of modern materials - plastic, metal or polycarbonate - is quite simple to build, and the roof can generally be made round. Polycarbonate is very suitable for this.
Here, in principle, are the main types of gazebos. Which one to choose and what to make it from is up to you to decide, based on your capabilities and skills.
We'll talk about how to build it with your own hands later.
Multifaceted gazebos for summer cottages
Multifaceted gazebos can rightfully be considered a real decoration of any garden plot. The design of the gazebo is usually designed for 6-10 people, which makes it an ideal place to relax with friends. To add more sophistication to the structure, climbing plants can be grown along the side sections of the “grid”.
Traditional six- and octagonal gazebos can be built with your own hands, but in order to avoid mistakes, you should follow some rules. The main building material is usually pine or spruce, which must be cut into boards of a suitable size. After this, markings are made where the structure of the gazebo itself will be arranged. Next, the frame is created and the roof is prepared.
Hexagonal gazebos
How to make a gazebo with your own hands (drawings)
In this section we will analyze the simplest version of a gazebo - a rectangular one with a pitched roof.
Drawing
Before starting construction, it is necessary to draw, if not a drawing, then at least an approximate diagram of the future gazebo. Based on this diagram, you can prepare all the necessary material in the required quantity. It will also become clear to you which tool to use.
This is just an approximate diagram that you can use as a guide. The dimensions depend, first of all, on the size of the site on which it will be built. The functionality of the gazebo also plays an important role: is it just a place to relax, or is it a place for barbecue.
Another assembly diagram:
Examples of popular models with drawings, sketches of diagrams with dimensions
A gazebo with dimensions and correctly selected drawings will allow you to qualitatively plan important elements inside the structure:
- Furniture.
- Lighting.
- Doors and windows.
- Possibility of placing a barbecue.
Note. The correctly selected gazebo category, dimensions and drawings will help you accurately determine the quality and quantity of building materials.
Let's give an example with a wooden structure
In order to make the correct drawing for your construction yourself, you will need instructions that you need to adhere to and follow certain rules:
- First of all, we determine and measure the space allocated for the construction of our structure.
Note. The proportions of the pavilion in the drawing should be smaller than the area prepared for it on the site.
Sketch in 3D
- After creating a sketch of the future building, we reproduce the frontal projection with exact dimensions.
Note. Having chosen a complex model with a large barbecue and massive furniture, another “top view” plan is attached to the drawings.
- The planning of the load-bearing foundation is carried out separately.
Gazebo foundation drawings and dimensions
- We draw walls and furniture. At the same stage, spaces are provided for window and door panels.
Detailed drawing with dimensions
- Next, the roof of the gazebo for the dacha is drawn with dimensions.
- Marking of places with details of the arrangement of electrical elements.
- We put the furniture in its place.
Distributing places for furniture
Note. If you plan to build a closed structure, then it is imperative to provide a ventilation device.
Example with log pavilion and barbecue
Let's consider an interesting chopped dacha composition with a small barbecue. Such a project, although small, is quite reliable.
Chopped gazebo, dimensions
For such a gazebo, it is recommended to draw up a planning supplement.
Additional drawing
Proportions and drawing of the gazebo-kitchen project
This is an interesting model that comes up quite often, so it's worth mentioning. This is a great option for relaxing family evenings.
Ready plan with furniture and other nuances
Excellent example of metal construction
Many owners of country houses prefer strictly metal products. The dimensions of metal garden gazebos and drawings are no less important than for wooden products. If we talk about constructiveness, then such buildings are much easier to draw.
Ready-made 3x4 model with size and diagram
A multifaceted metal gazebo is a little more difficult to draw, but can be erected quickly.
Ready assembled composition with dimensions
Finished design of an octagonal building
The octagonal structure is also quite popular. It can be reproduced not only from metal, but from wood and polycarbonate.
Robust brick composition, example sketch
This is a reliable, solid design and is almost always complemented by a barbecue, stove or barbecue. In most cases, gazebos are built closed and heated.
Huge complex closed model
Step-by-step instructions for building from wood with photos
Before you start building a gazebo, you need to prepare the site. The turf is removed, leveled, the fertile layer must be completely removed.
Next, you will need to choose which foundation to make.
Choosing the type of foundation and bottom trim
Brick or concrete pillars can be used as a foundation, on which the lower frame is then placed. You can use the support pillars themselves for the foundation. In any case, holes are dug with a depth of 0.5-0.7 m. At the bottom of the holes we place a 10 cm cushion of sand and crushed stone, after which we install pillars. They are pre-treated with an antiseptic, and the part that will be in the pit is wrapped in roofing material.
Dimensions of the garden gazebo
A summerhouse gazebo should not be large, especially since building a large structure will require a building permit. If the building area is up to 35 m2, and the total number of these buildings on the site does not exceed two for every 500 m2 of the site area, you do not even need to report this to the authorities.
A building plan drawn up by an authorized architect (required for a building permit) is also not required. A gazebo with an area of 35 m2 has dimensions, for example, 5x7 m, this is already a very large area where you can organize garden parties.
The market offer mainly includes much smaller designs. Garden gazebos in the shape of a rectangle and square measuring 3x4, 3x3, 3x5 m. Hexagonal garden gazebos are popular, they look very neat and seem small, and offer a lot of space.
Sketches of gazebos with drawings and dimensions
In this section we will look at examples of different types with drawings. If you don’t have time to draw it yourself or you don’t know how, then the examples given will help you when building your own version of the gazebo.
Simple wooden gazebo
Wood is the most common material, cheap and not difficult to work with. When it comes to construction, most people, without even thinking, choose wood as the material.
This figure shows a fairly simple version of a gable gazebo.
The next drawing also represents a simple gazebo, albeit with a hip roof.
The number 1 indicates the lower frame made of 100x50 timber, 2 – the vertical support (80x80 timber), 3 – the entrance posts (80x50 timber), 4 – the upper frame and 5 – the rafters.
In this option, the main thing is to connect the top of the tent. Here a slightly different rafter pattern is required than with a gable roof.
DIY gazebo made of wood, drawing with a gable roof
A gazebo with a gable roof, as well as with a flat one, is one of the most common options built on a garden plot.
The figure shows a 3x3 size diagram.
Foundation
Concrete blocks are used as the foundation, which are installed level on a prepared and marked site. This is a less labor-intensive process compared to concreting. Roofing felt is placed on the foundation blocks. Next, the lower trim is assembled. It uses timber measuring 100x100. To attach the vertical posts, gaps are cut out at the ends of the timber, which, when connecting the timber, give a square where the post will be inserted.
This is a very convenient option, as it provides additional fastening to the rack. We install the assembled lower frame on the foundation, after which we begin to assemble the side walls.
Walls and trim
First of all, we install four support posts, after which we make the top trim. To ensure that the racks are aligned, during further construction we strengthen them with jibs. After the top frame has been erected, we make the middle one.
Projects with barbecue or stove
Even in a wooden gazebo of a suitable size, you can install a grill, barbecue or oven. Particular attention is paid to fire safety measures. To protect the building from fire, the floor is made of concrete, and part of the walls located in close proximity to the fire source. Wooden parts are treated with fire retardants. According to the rules of SNiP, at least 3 m of free space must be left in front of the fire source, that is, the gazebo with barbecue must be quite large - at least 4 * 6 m. It can be either rectangular with a classic gable roof, or polygonal.
It can be closed or open. Closed gazebos with barbecues, which can be used in winter, are usually located close to the house, open summer ones, on the contrary, are located at a distance. However, when choosing a place for a gazebo, keep in mind that smoke from the barbecue or stove should not enter the house.
The grill and all related parts, such as a hood, chimney, must be included in the drawing immediately. When developing a project, you will need to draw front and side (profile) projections of the building, as well as a plan - this is especially important for a gazebo with a barbecue. The grill can be either ready-made metal or brick, built at the dacha with your own hands.
Attention! If the gazebo will be built on a columnar or strip foundation rather than a slab foundation, be sure to include a separate foundation for the barbecue in the plan - this is a heavy structure, it must be stable.
The barbecue is lighter, has a round shape, and can be placed in the center of the building. It can also be metal or brick. A metal barbecue is placed in a ready-made garden house on a floor covered with sheets of tin. In a gazebo with a barbecue you need to provide an exhaust hood. A complex shaped brick barbecue might look like this.
It is also necessary to make a drawing of the grill itself. A barbecue with a chimney may look like this.
It is better to make the hood in the form of an umbrella; it is more effective.
If the barbecue is lined with bricks, then you need to draw up orders, that is, diagrams of the arrangement of bricks in rows. This will help you not only quickly and accurately build the hearth, but also calculate the amount of bricks for it. The order will also come in handy if you are planning to make a stove or fireplace.
You can also make a Finnish gazebo with a grill located in the center of the room on a stone countertop.
Do-it-yourself wooden gazebo 3m by 4m, drawings and dimensions
The gazebo shown above was 3x3 square. Another option is if you are making a rectangular one, the dimensions of which are 3x4.
The drawing will look like this.
Another drawing of the same gazebo, only with a hipped roof.
Or this drawing of a gable gazebo.
To build such a gazebo, it is best to use a foundation with 9 or 12 supports. Concrete blocks work well as supports. You can also dig holes about 30 cm deep. Level the bottom of the holes, compact them and lay a brick pillar in the hole in five rows. The last row should be above the ground. Instead of bricks, you can take the same concrete blocks. They are covered with roofing felt on top.
The lower trim is installed on these supports. Vertical supports are selected 2 m long, timber size 100x100. The supports are leveled with a plumb line and reinforced with jibs.
A rectangular gazebo implies three roof options: one, two and hipped. The simplest one to implement is a pitched roof. If you decide to make a pitched roof, then at the stage of installing the front racks, you need to make them slightly higher than the rear ones.
Rafters are attached to the beam of the top frame using metal corners, screws or nails.
The distance between the rafters is 80 cm. The lower edge of the rafters should protrude beyond the frame of the gazebo by at least 30-40 centimeters.
After this, the sheathing is attached to the rafters. A 50x50 beam is used for it. The distance between the sheathing beams depends on the roofing material. When covering with metal tiles, this distance is less than when covering with slate. Before covering with roofing material, a waterproofing material, such as roofing felt, is placed on the sheathing.
Having finished with the roof, we move on to the floor. A floor board is attached to the logs that are located between the beams of the lower trim. Self-tapping screws serve as fasteners.
And finally the finishing. Traditionally, clapboard covering half of the gazebo is considered. The top part can be glazed, left open, or covered with a patterned strip.
Small capacity
The best option is a compact gazebo. It creates an atmosphere of comfort, is inexpensive, and can be built with your own hands without much difficulty. Designs with small capacity are mainly used for family vacations. 6-8 people can fit here. This category includes structures with dimensions of 2x2, 3x3 and 3x4 m.
2x2
This design is one of the most easily erected small-capacity buildings in the segment. Typically, a gazebo is built using pine, spruce, and deciduous trees. Today metal pipes are actively used.
Design differences:
- Compact interior space. Accordingly, strict requirements are put forward for the layout, since benches and a table will most likely be installed in the structure. You need to foresee in advance what it will look like.
- Low windage of the roof - the requirements for roof strength are not too high.
- Low weight - significantly simplifies the construction of the foundation.
This is interesting: tips for building a 2 by 2 meter gazebo with your own hands.
A 2x2 m gazebo is a cozy corner where you can have a family dinner or relax after a working day, but this design is clearly not suitable for large-scale celebrations.
3x3
Gazebos of this size will fit perfectly into the landscape of a suburban area, even for conditions with a small area. Usually the structure is built from timber. Basic construction rules:
- for construction you need to install 4 wooden blocks at the corners of the gazebo with cuts;
- a diagonal bundle is formed from the boards, it is installed in the profile;
- then the roof of the structure is assembled. A 3x3 m gazebo looks great with a hipped roof;
- At the final stage, you need to make lathing and pave the floor with boards.
This format of gazebos is very popular. Nine squares is more than enough for a family dinner or get-togethers with friends.
3x4
Rectangular version. This gazebo is also easy to build. To create a secure structure, follow the standard instructions, adjusting them to the size of the gazebo and its shape.
See also: rules for creating a compact 3 by 4 meter gazebo.
The materials we need are concrete for pouring the base, covering for the floor and roof, and frame elements. You should have a drill, saw, ladder, building level, and tape measure at hand. The following is the workflow:
- Pouring a columnar foundation.
- Installation of the frame.
- Roof installation.
A 3x4 m gazebo will successfully fit into almost any conditions, and due to its simplicity, a homeowner with minimal construction skills can build such a gazebo.
Chinese style gazebo (with drawings and dimensions)
Recently, it has become fashionable to build gazebos in some national style. The most popular is the Chinese style.
Here are diagrams and drawings for construction in the Chinese style.
The size of the gazebo is 3.5x5 m. Drawings of the side facade and roof:
As can be seen from the diagrams, the foundation is the columns. At the beginning, a concrete slab is placed on which brick columns are laid out. Ten go directly under the frame and two under the steps. The diagram shows the location of such columns.
Roofing felt is placed on the finished posts for waterproofing. After that, the lower trim is made, the racks and the top trim are installed. The diagram of the upper and lower trim is shown below.
A tongue and groove floor board is placed on the bottom trim. After this, support posts are installed. According to the diagram, there are 10 of them. The following drawings show the installation of racks and the roof diagram.
Next, the middle strapping is made at approximately a height of 80 cm. For this, 50x150 mm bars are used. They are attached to the vertical posts using corners.
The following diagrams show the installation of steps and railings.
To give the gazebo a Chinese style, curved wooden plates are attached to the rafters at the corners of the roof.
Mini gazebo
This small garden house for 4 or 6 people consists of a table with benches and a roof. It can be made entirely of wood or have a metal frame. This option is suitable for a small area. The width of the gazebo is 150 cm, the length is 150 cm for 4 and 200 cm for 6 people. Table length - 80 or 120 cm, width - 60-80 cm, seat width - 40-45 cm.
A gazebo of this shape can be made larger, as in the drawing below.
Large gazebo on the foundation
Here we are talking about gazebos of quite large sizes, which require a strip foundation.
For example, this photo shows a gazebo that is also a barbecue.
The foundation itself depends on the material of manufacture: wood or metal, as well as whether it will be closed or open. The following figure shows an approximate drawing according to which such a structure can be erected.
Why is the correct choice of dimensions so important?
The size of the waste, which is so important to take into account during construction, also depends on the proportion of materials:
- Most often, during construction work, materials with standard numbers are used, which are produced in standard lengths.
- If you do not take into account the scraps of raw materials that are not suitable for further construction, then you may encounter waste.
Note. Domestic wooden beams are produced in multiples of 2 or 3 meters. If you need a meter of timber to remain unaffected, then the size of the gazebo should be 6x4 or 3x4 meters.
Much depends on the size
The harmony of landscape design depends on the correct proportions:
- The dimensions of the gazebos should not be too large, or vice versa small. In both cases, external harmony will be disrupted.
- Based on the opinion of highly qualified specialists, the optimal size for an average plot is 15 m2, with an architectural height of up to 270 cm.
It is this model that will allow you to acquire furniture and at the same time leave space at the back of the seated guests. For a number of 3-5 people, the optimal solution for a gazebo is a diameter of 3 meters and above. We recommend watching the video and choosing the right size for your design, build with pleasure.
Drawing of a gazebo-swing
The swing gazebo is a rather original structure, which serves more for relaxation without a picnic, although there is a table in the drawings. But, you must admit, it probably won’t be very comfortable to swing when there is food or drinks on the table. But, nevertheless, as you like.
Since this type of gazebo is somewhat different in its functionality - there are swinging elements, it must be secured very thoroughly. Most often, the legs of such a gazebo are dug into the ground and concreted.
Optimal sizes of gazebos
Small (up to 10 sq. m.)
This type is designed more for a family vacation than a group one. The recommended number of people is 4-6.
Made of metal
Gable with extension
From logs
Small size
Building in the yard
Gable with straight posts
Due to its small size, there is no need to seriously invest in construction. Little building material is needed, so labor and money will be invested optimally. If you want something more serious so that you can hang out with a large group, then take a closer look at the medium size.
Medium (from 10 to 20 sq. m.)
Medium-sized buildings look much more impressive. They can accommodate 10-15 people, and everyone can accommodate them without discomfort. This approach to relaxation can already be called “in a big way.”
Made of metal
With a paved path
With a beautiful floor
Open design
Gable
Interesting gazebo and barbecue project
The optimal size ratio for a medium type is a 4 by 4 meter gazebo. If you do not clutter it with a large table and massive chairs, then a large group of people (up to 15 people) can easily fit in it.
Large (more than 20 sq.m.)
Large-scale structures in most cases are made open so that the crowd inside is blown with fresh air. A similar format is used during weddings, birthdays and other public events.
The universal dimensions are considered to be buildings of 6 by 6 meters, which can easily accommodate more than 30 people.
It is impractical to erect such a building just to have a large and free area. It will require a huge amount of material and labor, and the gazebo will not be used often. Therefore, they are preferred at recreation centers.
Photos of original wooden gazebos without drawings
And in conclusion, a few photos of interesting options for gazebos. All of them can even be called a work of arbor art, they are so beautifully made.
I hope this material will help you choose and build your gazebo. Be sure to share your creation. Good luck!
Metal garden gazebo
There are also metal garden buildings on the market, usually made of lightweight aluminum coated with a colored protective coating and a polycarbonate roof. They can be chosen by lovers of modern industrial-style architecture and minimalist gardens.
To soften the effect, a metal gazebo after treatment (source) can be equipped with air curtains made of fabric.
Ideas for building other gazebos
On our website we often publish detailed construction instructions with photographs. This is our key competence - to create useful and interesting content for users of our site, that is, for you.
Therefore, I offer you several links to publications that you will find, albeit different, but still quite simple gazebos. If you want to look at beautiful and elite buildings, then you can follow this link - photos of elite gazebos for a summer residence.
One of the proposed ideas
- With dimensions of 3 by 3 meters from 150 mm timber - one of the best instructions on our website. Project from Dmitry Maltsev .
- From timber 3.5 by 3.5 meters - a Ukrainian approach to construction from massive timber with a detailed video analysis from Taras Khodorchuk .
- Hexagonal made of wood - if you want to move away from the classic square or rectangular shape, then a structure with six corners may be of interest to you.
- A garden with a hipped roof is a very simple project, which was also presented by Zheka Shapovalov . In addition to the main structure, there is a decorated well nearby.
- Made of metal and polycarbonate - if for some reason wood does not suit you, then you can give your preference to a profile pipe and modern polycarbonate boards.
Garden gazebo options
Most often, a gazebo in a garden serves as a place to relax among family and friends. Thus, you will find comfortable armchairs and couches, as well as a table for coffee, snacks and drinks. In summer it is very pleasant to eat outside.
So, let's prepare a table with chairs in a gazebo of normal height and a convenient wardrobe that serves as an assistant for dishes and table linen. If you like to cook and feast outdoors, you can place a grill there or set up a dining room next to it.
Gazebo styles
There are different styles in which wooden gazebos are built on sites. Choose which option suits the whole family:
- Recreation facilities in eco-style represent buildings using plants and trees as a frame and decoration. For example, metal structures or wooden frames can be hidden among fruit trees. The role of the roof can be performed by transparent polycarbonate or other material. The walls are made of climbing plants: vines, ivy, hops, wild grapes, honeysuckle. In winter, such a structure cannot be used.
- The rustic or classic style is a simple rectangular version of the design, which is a continuous sloping or gable roof and partially solid walls. As a rule, the walls are only half closed, the upper segment is open or decorated with slats. This will allow you to admire the view of a blooming garden or observe nature.
- Oriental style - original designer gazebos, in which the main emphasis is the shape of the roof. The roof is usually laid on rafters that have a bend towards the edge. Additionally, the structure is decorated with decorative elements in oriental style. Wood or stone is most often used for construction.
Make a wooden gazebo at your dacha in the popular “rustic” and “eco-style” styles.
