Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
Building a gazebo with your own hands is a challenging project, requiring the ability to install a wooden floor, construct walls, lay roofing—not to mention the carpentry skills needed for decorative detailing. Add to this that many gazebos have geometric shapes that include compound angles and dificult jointery and you have probably entered territory beyond the skills of even accomplished do-it-yourselfers.
Today, however, many quality manufacturers produce gazebo kits that already have most of the cutting and joinery done, with the pieces marked to correspond to the instructions for assembly. Some kits even come partially assembled. This not only makes the job of building a gazebo from the ground up infinitely easier but it also makes it a lot less expensive. All you do is pour a simple foundation and follow the assembly directions.
When deciding on a kit, look for a model that uses screws for all connections, which results in the finished product having a high level of integrity. Also ask about a company's shipping policy as shipping costs can tack on a significant amount to the bottom line. Many companies offer free shipping within a certain radius, so it’s wise to look into local manufacturers or larger companies with regional outlets. If time is of the essence to you, also inquire about when your order will be shipped. Some companies are prepared to ship within a matter of days.
