How to build a Gazebo

The Roof Rafters and Hub

Ft and inch version: (metricMillimeter measurements. version below)

Take 8 lengths of 2×4 sawnRough sawn; Not gauged, planed or dressed. treatedPressure treated. Refers to lumber that is treated in such a way that the sealer is forced into the pores of the wood. Refers to lumber pressure sprayed with chemicals to lengthen its life expectancy for outside use or inground applications. pine lumberAny of the framing wood. approx 74″ long, from which the rafters will be cut.
Cut one piece to the dimensionsAny of the three linear measurements, length, breadth and depth. of the diagram above and then use that piece as a template to mark and cut the other seven.

Once all rafters are cut, you will need someone to give you a hand to assemble them.
Start by nailing two opposing rafters to the hub whilst laying them flat on the ground.
NailA short nail with a large flat head used for securing roofing felt, plasterboard, sheet metal to wood etc. with 4″ galvanizedCovered with a protective coating of zinc. nails and drill first if necessary.
Place a scaffold plank (approx 9ft or longer) on top of the gazeboA freestanding, roofed, usually open-sided structure which provides a shady resting place. Usually square, hexagonal or octagonal shaped. If on the roof of a house, it is called a belvedere. beams and spanning the gazebo close to the center.
One person will need to be up on the scaffold plank and the other to pass up the two opposing rafters nailed to the hub.
While the person on the scaffold plank balances the first two opposing rafters, the other can fixTo secure with nails or screws. the birds-mouth (see drawing above) end of the rafters to the beamA supporting member., central over the postsee PILE.
Once the rafterStructural member of a roof that supports the roof load and runs from the ridge to the top of the side walls. is nailed in place, attach an angle clip for added strength on top of the beam and against the rafter (one each side) and fix with 2″ galvanized (flathead) nails.
The next rafter can then be put into place followed by an opposing rafter, and so on until all eight are in place and firmly fixed.

Metric version:

Take 8 lengths of 100×50 sawn treated lumber approximately 2000mm long from which the rafters will be cut.
Cut one piece to the dimensions of the diagram above and then use that piece as a template to mark and cut the other seven.

Once all rafters are cut, you will need someone to give a hand to assemble them.
Start by nailing two opposing rafters to the hub whilst laying them flat on the ground.
Nail with 90mm galvanized jolt head nails and drill first if necessary.

Place a scaffold plank (approx 2600mm or longer) on top of the gazebo beams and spanning the gazebo close to the center.
One person will need to be up on the scaffold plank with another to pass up the two opposing rafters nailed to the hub.

While the person on the scaffold plank balances the first two opposing rafters, the other can fix the birds-mouth (see drawing above) end of the rafters to the beam, central over the post.

Once the rafter is nailed in place, attach an angle clip (see fig.3 on page 3) for added strength on top of the beam and against the rafter, one each side and fix with 50mm galvanized clouts (flathead) nails.
The next rafter can then be put into place followed by an opposing rafter, and so on until all eight are in place and firmly fixed.