Gazebo kits. In a perfect
world, we'd choose one in person. Walk around it. And
stand under its roof.
All the while visualizing how you'll
build it, how you'll use it, where to site it, and how to decorate
it -- inside and out.
Of course, that's not
always possible.
Especially when the kit is from a
distant resource.
So, EasyOutdoorDecor is here to
help in this not-so-perfect world.
The first step in living the gazebo lifestyle is finding the
perfect kit type.
Need a little inspiration?
Fabulous! Because, this article makes that first step with
you. Let's explore a variety of gazebo kit types, including lumber
package
s.
Is your
heart set on something less permanent and more lightweight?
Or click, click, click over to the
EasyOutdoorDecorGazebo Shopping Salon and
browse a variety of gazebos, gazebo canopies, and gazebo
replacement tops.
Let's get started!
Manufacturers make gazebo kits available in
several forms:
Plans with instructions
Lumber packages
Pre cut lumber packages
Panelized packages
Ready-built structures
Here's what to look for in each:
Choosing A Gazebo
Kit Type
Gazebo Plans With Instructions
This type of kit caters
to the tastes of the avid do-it-yourselfer. Or better said: the
skilled hobbyist!
These are also great
for the less-skilled, yet avid hobbyist who wants to take
it to the next level.
Before you buy, though,
know what comes in the kit. Plans for this type of gazebo
kit can vary a lot among gazebo manufacturers.
But all quality gazebo
kits are very detailed with truly step-by-step instructions.
Many gazebo
manufacturers have downloadable material lists available at their
websites.
Easy Outdoor Decor
Tip...The materials list itself should
be so complete that you could take it to your home
improvement center. Hand it to a clerk. And leave the
store with everything you need to complete the project.
Gazebo Creations specializes in red cedar, Northern white
cedar, treated Southern yellow pine, and vinyl gazebo
kits with downloadable material lists.
If yours is available online, download
it, and make sure it specifies:
All
materials
Grades and types of
materials
Quantities that
cover waste and the occasional builder faux pas
List of tools
required -- either purchased or rented
Foundation
specifications & dimensions
Easily readable
step-by-step instructions that also shows when and if a
helper is needed
Illustrated,
detailed, annotated drawings, schematics, illustrations, or
photographs of the steps to complete the project
Terms and
definitions lists
Task check
list
Lumber Packages
A lumber package gazebo
should have everything in the list above, and also include the
lumber you'll need to complete the job.
Pre-cut Lumber Packages
You don't need to come
from a long line of carpenters to tackle this type of gazebo
kit.
But gazebo manufacturers
recommend something beyond basic woodworking skills. Making this a
great one-on-one, bonding and teaching outdoor decor
project!
A quality pre-cut lumber
package comes with everything on the "Plans with Instructions" list,
plus all the actual lumber -- cut to length, but not pre-assembled
-- and ready to use!
Easy Outdoor Decor
Tip...Get acquainted with lumber grade
stamps. They tell you about lumber species,
frequency of defects, grade, and moisture content.
The stamp is there to guide you in choosing the right
lumber for your
project.
The materials are
color-coded, banded together, strapped to a pallet, loaded on a
truck, and delivered to your door.
Accessories like
cupolas, shingles, sealer and paint are add-ons you may need to
supply. So, talk to the gazebo manufacturer early on to see what
materials, cutting, milling, or drilling you'll need to do.
Besides the "Plans with
Instructions" list, a high-quality, all-inclusive pre-cut lumber
package gazebo kit should also have:
Precision cut lumber
for all floors, walls, ceiling, and roof
Tongue-and-groove
roof boards for a solid ceiling
Roofing felt
specified as a vapor barrier on top of the ceiling
Roof seam ridge
caps
Panelized Packages
Well, what do you know
-- it's instant gratification in a kit!
It comes standard in
panelized package gazebo kits. And they're extremely easy on the
wallet. What's more, it's a prefab
gazebo...meaning...modular...meaning...
Walls are delivered
pre-assembled
Lots of detail
options to choose from -- like rail and roof styles
Roof can be
delivered already finished in a variety of roofing materials
Upgrades like
optional flooring packages
This is an easy outdoor
decor project you can finish in a day. And you only need two tools:
a power screwdriver and a friend.
Before you commit, make
sure to get the particulars on any piece of the process you'll need
to do yourself.
Easy Outdoor Decor
Tip...Flooring packages for a prefab
gazebo aren't always modular. So that friend whose
helping -- well -- they'd be more helpful if they knew a
little something about working with wood.
A no-frills flooring
package cost under $1000. And if you have the floor installed by a
contractor, add about $500-$750 to your budget.
Ready-Built Gazebos
Some might say that
ready-built gazebos are the best of all gazebo kit worlds. A little
instant gratification blended with just a smidgen of do-it-yourself.
Does it get any better? I think not!
These are shipped
completely assembled, but not finished. The unpainted surfaces give
you a chance to get in touch with your weekend worrier without you
having to actually build the entire gazebo.
And did you know that
you can even rent-to-own a pre-built gazebo kit?
Easy Outdoor Decor
Tip...Know what you're getting with a
ready-built gazebo kit. Ask for detailed
specifications of the gazebo -- as you will receive
it.
You also need to know
what tasks you'll have to do yourself once your gazebo arrives.
And you want to know
about delivery access and site preparation. If your site is heavily
wooded, for instance, you may need to remove trees or grade a path
to the gazebo site.
Gazebo manufacturers
have contracts with delivery services that use specialized equipment
like crane-equipped trucks and zero-turning radius motorized
dollies.
The equipment helps them to navigate tight spaces and
confined areas so you can have your gazebo sited anywhere you
want.