Gazebo Kits   
Prefab Gazebo   
Gazebo Building Kits   
Gazebo Manufacturers   

Choosing A Gazebo Kit Type

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.

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.