Free Gazebo Plans

This step by step diy project is about free gazebo plans. Building an octagonal gazebo is a complex project, as it requires a large investment and quality materials.  After choosing proper plans, we recommend you to adjust its size and design to fit your budget and to match the style of your garden. A gazebo will enhance the living area and create an unique recreational place to spend your afternoons.

An octagonal gazebo is a more complex construction as compared to rectangular or square shapes, as it requires more materials and complex carpentry techniques. Nevertheless, if you use the right plans for the job and plan every aspect of the project with attention, even a beginner can get the job done in a few weekends. Invest in quality and durable lumber, such as cedar, pine or cedar. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

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DIY Octagonal gazebo

  

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 8 pieces of tube forms, concrete FOOTINGS
• B – 8 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 113″ long POSTS
  
• C – 8 pieces of 2×6 plywood – 62 1/2” long RIM JOISTS
• D – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 151 3/4”, 2 pieces – 75″, 4 pieces – 74 1/2″ JOISTS
• E – 8 pieces  of 2×6 lumber – 25 1/4″ long, 8 pieces – 40 1/2″ long JOISTS
• F – 2×6 lumber DECKING

• recommended materials

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Post hole digger, Concrete mixer

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Part 1: Free gazebo plans
• Part 2: Gazebo roof framing
• Part 3: How to build gazebo railing

Building an octagonal gazebo

Building a gazebo

Top Tip: Building an octagonal gazebo is a complex outdoor project, as it requires professional plans and tools. In addition, we recommend you to ask a skilled friend to assist your, especially if you are new to woodworking.

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Free gazebo plans

Laying out the gazebo

The first step of the project is to lay out the octagon gazebo. As you can see in the image, you need to use batter boards and string. The easiest way to lay out the octagon is to make a square and to cut the corners until you obtain the desired shape.

Dig 3′ deep holes and set tube forms. Use a straight edge and a level to check if the footings are at the very same level, before pouring the concrete and installing the post anchors.

Building the posts

The next step of the project is to build the eight posts of the gazebo, using the information from the diagram. It is essential to use at least 4×4 lumber for the posts, otherwise the construction won’t be rigid.

Cut out a small piece of the top of the posts, as to create enough roof to fit the rafters. In addition, we recommend you to make the bottom of the posts in a professional manner, cutting one side in a V-shape.

Attaching the rim joists

Continue the project by attaching the wooden posts into place. Plumb the posts with a spirit level, drill pilot holes and lock them with bolts. Repeat the process for all the posts, before attaching the rim joists.

Top Tip: Build the perimeter joists from 2×6 lumber, making sure you cut their ends at 67.5º. Pre-drill the components before attaching them to the posts with 3 1/2″ galvanized screws.

Installing the joists

Next, install the middle joists, using the pattern described in the image. Use metal hangers to lock the joists to the posts, after checking if they are perfectly horizontal. Make sure you align the joists ta both ends, otherwise the structure won’t be symmetrical.

Use a good saw to make the angle cuts, as it is essential to create rigid joints. Add waterproof glue to the joints, in order to reinforce the bond. Check if the main joists are perpendicular, with a carpentry square.

Building the intermediate joists

Afterwards, you need to install the intermediate joists into place. Build the joists from 2×6 lumber and lock them to the main joists with galvanize screws. Pre-drill the lumber to prevent the wood from splitting.

Installing the decking

Continue the outdoor project by attaching the 2×6 decking into place. Cut both ends of the wooden boards t 67.5º with a miter saw, using the information from the free plans, and lock them to the joists with 2 1/2″ stainless steel screws.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to countersink the head of the screws and to insert them properly. Place a nail between the boards, as to leave a small gap between them for drainage.

Fitting the top plates

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to install the top plates into place. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to cut both ends of the 2×4 slats at 67.5º.

Top Tip: Fit the wooden slats between the posts and lock them into place with galvanized screws. Make sure you plumb the eight posts with a spirit level, each time you install a new component into place.

Free gazebo plans

Lastly, pay attention to the finishing touches. Insert all the screws at the same level with the wooden surface and smooth the sharp edges. Apply a few coats of protective paint to prevent the wooden components from decay.

Top Tip: Smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper along the wood grain and clean the residues. Afterwards, apply a few coats of paint or stain to the structure.

This woodworking project was about free gazebo plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.  LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest updates and submit pictures with your DIY projects.

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