How To Build a Gazebo
A gazebo is a freestanding, often octagonal-roofed structure. Gazebos can be installed to the top of a deck or set on a concrete slab. You can purchase gazebo kits of various sizes and styles with preassembled wall and roof panels for easy installation. The only real drawback to purchasing a gazebo kit is that they are very expensive and can be damaged when they are delivered.
We recommend using continuous 6x6 posts to support the deck and roof structure. In order to do this, you will need to notch out the posts to accept the deck beam and roof header. This will involve notching an angle to allow the splices in the beams to bear over the post.
After the deck floor is framed, you can move on to installing the header beams between the posts to support the roof rafters. We recommend using 2-2x10. The next step is to build a hub out of 2x4 pieces to form the center of the gazebo roof.

Once you have constructed the hub component, you can temporarily elevate it into position at the center of the octagon. From here you can begin installing the ridge rafters from the corners of the header beam to each flat surface of the hub. The ridge rafter will be composed of 2-2x6s and form a birdsmouth connection over the header beam. It will also use a couple of fairly complex miter cuts across the top surface to allow your roofing to lay flat on top of a pitched octagon.
With all of the ridge rafters connected to the hub, you can complete the roof frame by adding common rafters which also attach via birdsmouth over the header beam. The ends of the rafter tails can then be tied together using a 2x6 fascia cap.
The final step involves laying sheathing over the roof frame and finishing the roof with felt paper, a drip cap and shingles. The intersections between roof sections must be covered by a ridge cap.
Gazebos can be finished using a variety of trim, screens, interior ceiling materials and a decorative cupola to cap the roof.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Planning and installing a DIY brick or stone paver patio is a big project. Learn how to build a paver patio from start to finish here.
Different Types of Porch Roof Designs
There are a few roof types and designs when building your porch. Learn the difference between gable, hip, shed style and more porch roofs types at Decks.com!
Engineered & Premade Porch Roof Trusses
Using engineered porch roof trusses can take a lot of the hassle out of building your porch roof. Learn more about premade porch roof trusses at Decks.com!
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
Installing Composite Decking
Learn about how to install composite decking. Topics include expansion and contraction issues and hidden fastener systems.
How to Demolish & Remove a Deck
At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Learn more about what's involved in a deck demolition and removal project.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
How To Build a Gazebo
A gazebo is a freestanding, often octagonal-roofed structure. Gazebos can be installed to the top of a deck or set on a concrete slab. You can purchase gazebo kits of various sizes and styles with preassembled wall and roof panels for easy installation. The only real drawback to purchasing a gazebo kit is that they are very expensive and can be damaged when they are delivered.
We recommend using continuous 6x6 posts to support the deck and roof structure. In order to do this, you will need to notch out the posts to accept the deck beam and roof header. This will involve notching an angle to allow the splices in the beams to bear over the post.
After the deck floor is framed, you can move on to installing the header beams between the posts to support the roof rafters. We recommend using 2-2x10. The next step is to build a hub out of 2x4 pieces to form the center of the gazebo roof.

Once you have constructed the hub component, you can temporarily elevate it into position at the center of the octagon. From here you can begin installing the ridge rafters from the corners of the header beam to each flat surface of the hub. The ridge rafter will be composed of 2-2x6s and form a birdsmouth connection over the header beam. It will also use a couple of fairly complex miter cuts across the top surface to allow your roofing to lay flat on top of a pitched octagon.
With all of the ridge rafters connected to the hub, you can complete the roof frame by adding common rafters which also attach via birdsmouth over the header beam. The ends of the rafter tails can then be tied together using a 2x6 fascia cap.
The final step involves laying sheathing over the roof frame and finishing the roof with felt paper, a drip cap and shingles. The intersections between roof sections must be covered by a ridge cap.
Gazebos can be finished using a variety of trim, screens, interior ceiling materials and a decorative cupola to cap the roof.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Planning and installing a DIY brick or stone paver patio is a big project. Learn how to build a paver patio from start to finish here.
How to Build a Patio With Stone or Brick Pavers
Planning and installing a DIY brick or stone paver patio is a big project. Learn how to build a paver patio from start to finish here.
Backyard Patio Ideas and Inspiration for 2023
Looking for ideas on how to decorate and design your patio? We’ve compiled ideas for all types of patio designs. Find your inspiration at Decks.com.
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
How to Demolish & Remove a Deck
At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Learn more about what's involved in a deck demolition and removal project.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights