How To Build A Gazebo Cheaper Way (Find OUT)

Gazebos are a great way to add extra space to your home, whether you’re building one in the backyard or adding it to your yard or patio.

They’re also a great way to create shade when you need it, but don’t want to spend a ton of money on an umbrella or canopy.

Gazebos can be expensive, but if you follow these tips and tricks for how to build a gazebo cheap, you’ll be able to make one on your own for less than $100!

DIY ONE DAY GAZEBO

Takeaways
Building a gazebo can be made more affordable with the right approach.
Researching cost-effective materials and techniques can help in building a gazebo on a budget.
Exploring alternative methods and designs can provide cheaper options for constructing a gazebo.
Seeking guidance from DIY resources and tutorials can assist in building a gazebo in a cost-effective manner.
Prioritizing planning and careful budgeting can contribute to building a gazebo in a cheaper way.

1. Build It From Scratch

Here’s how you do it:

Build it from scratch. Use wood and nails, a hammer, a saw, a drill, screwdriver and level.

Measure the perimeter of where you want to build your gazebo and mark off that length in feet on one side of the board; this is going to be your starting point for measuring out all other lengths.

Measure each side of your rectangle at its widest point with a tape measure (make sure it’s still square).

Then use these measurements as guides for cutting two pieces of 2×4 lumber for each leg (the pieces should be exactly 14 inches longer than those measurements).Mark off 3 inches from one end on each piece this will be where you attach them together using screws later on down this road when we talk about building frames onto our gazebo bases!

When it comes to building a gazebo roof, having the right knowledge and advice is crucial. Our comprehensive guide on gazebo roof construction provides valuable tips and step-by-step instructions to ensure your gazebo is both durable and visually appealing.

2. Buy An Old Gazebo

Now that you have an idea of what you want to buy, it’s time to source your gazebo. If you want to save money and don’t mind a little work, consider buying an old gazebo. You will probably be able to find one at a yard sale or second hand store for cheap.

Even if the materials are in poor condition, they can be replaced easily by anyone with basic carpentry skills (and who knows how many yards sales there are in your area? I’m sure this won’t be hard).

If you’re looking for something more permanent and sturdy, then consider buying one that is ready-to-assemble from Amazon or another retailer like Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse

These pre-made units are usually more expensive than the ones found at garage sales; however, these models tend not only come with all of the wood needed but also hardware such as screws and brackets so everything lines up properly when put together.

Pros	Cons
Affordable	May require repairs or refurbishment
Vintage charm	Limited customization options
Potential for unique design	May have outdated or worn-out materials
Reduced environmental impact	Limited warranty or support
Possibility of finding high-quality craftsmanship	Potential for hidden structural issues

3. Build It From Pallets

Pallets are a popular building material for a number of reasons. They’re usually free, they come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and they’re easy to find.

Plus, they’re easier to work with than other wood products because you can cut them down into any size that you need.

To build both the floor and roof, lay pallets flat on top of each other to create your desired structure. Measure the width and length of your gazebo and then cut each pallet accordingly before stacking them up.

For the sides, use two or three more layers depending on how big you would like it to be (you might want more than one so that it will look more sturdy).

You can also cut out holes in different areas if needed for windows or doors; this step is optional but recommended for ease-of-access later on when building these structures inside your finished gazebo!

Looking for a simple guide to create your own gazebo? Our step-by-step tutorial on building a gazebo offers easy-to-follow instructions and essential tips to help you construct a beautiful outdoor structure that fits your budget and style.

4. Build It With Old Windows

If you’re handy, you can use old windows to build a gazebo for your yard or garden. The main thing is to make sure the glass is in good condition and not broken. If it is broken, use it as a pattern and cut new pieces of plexiglass that fit inside the old window frames.

You’ll need wood planks to frame them within an inch of each side so they are flush with the outside edge of your gazebo flooring.

If you don’t have enough wood planks around your home, try looking in junk yards where they may sell them at reasonable prices if they aren’t too damaged by moisture exposure over time due to being outdoors all year round (not recommended).

There are also many tutorials online showing how easy it can be done so don’t worry about getting overwhelmed once again!

5. Build It With Old Doors

If you don’t have enough money to buy a brand new gazebo, there are still plenty of ways to save cash and make your own.

One way is to use old doors as the roof and base of your gazebo. Old doors can be picked up from flea markets or even from friends who are throwing them away.

The sides, floor and walls will also come from old doors this way you’ll need fewer materials for construction!

Pros	Cons
Eco-friendly option	Inconsistent sizes and shapes
Unique and customizable design	Potential for rot or damage
Cost-effective alternative	Additional preparation and modification required
Recycle and repurpose old doors	Limited availability of matching doors
Adds character and charm	Potential for structural integrity issues

6. Build It With Apple Barrels

You’ll need to build a structure that looks like this:

Use old windows for the walls. This will make your gazebo look more rustic and reduce the cost of buying new windows.

Use old doors for the roof. Again, these can be found at thrift stores and auctions, but sometimes you’ll have to buy them new if they’re not salvageable or don’t fit your specific needs. If you can find a good deal on some older doors, it’s worth it!

Use wood from pallets as framing material—this is cheap and locally sourced! You’ll also use reclaimed wood (such as reclaimed barn lumber) for flooring so that your gazebo looks even more beautiful than ever before!

Discover a better way to build your gazebo with our expert techniques and insights. Our article on building a gazebo explores innovative approaches and cost-effective strategies to make the construction process smoother and more efficient.

7. Build It With Old Shutters

Using old shutters is one of the easiest ways to build your gazebo. You can either buy them, or find them in the trash.

Look for houses that are being remodeled and ask if they have any old shutters you can use. If you live in a house with old wooden shutters on your windows, chances are there will be some that can be used for this project!

To build a gazebo with these materials:

Measure out how tall you want it to be by measuring from floor to ceiling and dividing by 2 (this will give you the height of each section).

Then measure out how long each panel needs to be (this will depend on how long your windows are).

You’ll probably want 4 panels per side of your box shape gazebo frame so double those numbers if using two types of wood like I did here at my home in San Francisco where I made my own version using wood left over from building our deck as well as scrap wood found laying around outside without any tools needed beyond what comes included with every carpenter tool set sold anywhere today!

8. Buy A Kit And Assemble Yourself

Buying a kit is another great way to go. You can find kits online, at your local home improvement store, or through friends and family who have already built one.

If you’re looking for something more unique than the traditional vinyl gazebo, look out for estate sales sometimes they’ll have old wooden ones available that are just as sturdy as new ones and ask if you can buy them from them at a lower price point than what they normally sell for.

Pros	Cons
Convenient and time-saving	Limited customization options
Clear instructions and pre-cut materials	May require additional tools or equipment
Simplified construction process	Assembly skills and experience needed
Potential cost savings compared to custom-built gazebos	Limited design flexibility
Wide range of kit options available	May not achieve the same level of durability as custom-built gazebos

9. Create The Top From Pvc Pipe And Fabric Or Screening Canvas

The top of your gazebo is what will hold up the roof. To create this, you’ll need to build a frame of pvc pipe and cover it with fabric or screening canvas.

To make the frame, use pvc pipes and connectors of several lengths (see image). You can choose any size that works for your space, but 4 x 4 posts are recommended so they will be sturdy enough to support your weight when walking on them.

Create corners by connecting two pieces vertically at 90 degree angles and adding horizontal cross beams for stability (see images). Make sure each connection point is tight before moving on to the next step!

Next comes covering up this framework with fabric or screening canvas; zip ties work great here because they are easy to adjust after attaching them around all sides of every post/beam combination piece as shown in photos above).

Covering materials such as nylon mesh netting would also work well because they let light through while still providing privacy from outside onlookers like nosy neighbors who just want their own gazebo too…but who am I kidding?

That never happens! The final step involves securing everything together using twine rope wrapped around all sides evenly along seams where two pieces meet up vertically while tying off ends securely near ground level below where feet will walk most often when entering/exiting structure itself

Using rope instead would allow more flexibility but doesn’t look quite right unless it’s made out o leather strips braided together into one continuous length.”

Anchoring a gazebo to concrete is essential for stability and safety. Our simple guide on anchoring a gazebo to concrete provides step-by-step instructions and expert tips to ensure your gazebo withstands various weather conditions while maintaining its structural integrity.

10. Use Reclaimed Wood

Use reclaimed wood for the structure, roof, flooring and seats. It is much cheaper than buying new material and you can find it at salvage yards or online.

In addition to being cheap and eco-friendly, using reclaimed wood has other benefits as well:

Its natural wear adds character to your gazebo
You can make sure that the wood comes from a sustainable source
You will be helping to protect the environment by preserving trees

11. Use Planter Boxes As A Base To Give Your Gazebo More Legs

Once you have the frame of the gazebo built and installed, it’s time to give your structure some legs.

You can use planter boxes for this purpose, but in order for them to work properly as a base for your gazebo, they need to be secured to something more sturdy than plastic stakes. This is why concrete blocks or cinder blocks make excellent bases for these planter boxes.

Once you’ve got those lined up on the ground where you want them, it’s time to get hammering! Hammer nails into each one so that they’ll stay put when it’s time to secure them on top of those concrete slabs or cinder blocks (which will act as pillars).

12. Use Shipping Containers As A Base And Shelves For Storage Underneath

Now that you have the frame built, it’s time to add some storage. This is a great way to use shipping containers as a base and shelves for storage underneath.

First, cut out two pieces of plywood (or OSB) that will become the top and bottom of your storage container. The size should be 3″-5″ larger than the opening on either side so that there is room for shims and leveling purposes.

Second, cut four pieces of 2x4s to create braces for attaching the plywood sheets together into a box shape. These lengths should be equal or slightly shorter than the width of each shelf unit you intend to put inside this box shape (e.g., 24″).

You’ll end up with two sets of these 2x4s per side (front/back), which makes four total width-ways supports in total; one set per side (left/right) makes two depth-ways supports in total; and one set per corner makes two depth-and-width ways supports in total so eight total corner brackets needed altogether!

If you have a gazebo and want to secure it on pavers, we’ve got you covered. Our article on anchoring a gazebo to pavers offers practical tips and techniques to help you properly secure your gazebo on a paver surface, ensuring stability and peace of mind.

13. Create A Covered Pergola Type Structure Instead Of A Solid Roofed Gazebo

If you’re on a budget, or if you simply prefer a more open-air feel over an enclosed gazebo, consider creating a pergola structure instead.

Pergolas are similar to gazebos in that they provide shelter from the elements and can be used to highlight features in your yard.

They also provide some protection from insects and birds while making it easier for you to enjoy your yard even when it’s raining!

One of the best ways to create this type of structure is with cedar posts and beams. These materials cost less than other types of wood but will still last longer than most other options since they are resistant against rot and decay.

They also come pre-cut so all you have to do is attach them together using bolts or nails (depending on how large your project is).

And if you want extra support for windy areas like beachfront locations, consider adding braces between each post these are usually sold separately but aren’t very expensive!

Conclusion

Whatever you choose to make your gazebo from, keep in mind that this is a project that you can enjoy doing with family and friends. It’s also a good way to learn new skills, get some exercise and have fun while doing it!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about building gazebos:

How long does it take to build a gazebo?

The time required to build a gazebo can vary depending on factors such as the size, complexity of design, and the skill level of the builder. On average, it may take several days to a few weeks to complete the construction process.

What materials are commonly used for gazebo construction?

Common materials used for gazebo construction include wood, metal, vinyl, and sometimes even recycled materials like pallets. The choice of material depends on factors such as durability, aesthetics, and personal preference.

Do I need a building permit to construct a gazebo?

The need for a building permit varies depending on your local building codes and regulations. It’s important to check with your local authorities to determine if a permit is required for building a gazebo in your area.

Can I build a gazebo by myself, or do I need professional help?

Building a gazebo can be a DIY project, especially for those with basic carpentry skills and the necessary tools. However, complex designs or larger gazebos may require professional assistance for proper construction.

How do I maintain and care for a gazebo?

Regular maintenance and care can prolong the lifespan of your gazebo. This may include cleaning, sealing or staining the wood, inspecting for any damage, and making repairs as needed. Additionally, removing debris and keeping the area around the gazebo clean can help maintain its appearance and functionality.

Hellen James

I am Hellen James, a professional handywoman with expertise in improving home and garden spaces by using pergolas, gazebos, and tents.