How to build a Gazebo

The Handrail

Ft and inch version: (metric version below)

Handrail, top and bottom rails

You will need 14 pieces of 2×4 treated lumber approx 36″. These are the top and bottom rails.
Cut one end off at an angle of 22.5 degrees and then measure back 32″ and do the same the other end. (See fig 10.)
On one side only, pencil two lines 1″ apart along the length in the center of the rails as per fig 10.
Set the blade on your circular saw to a depth of 3/4″ and do repeated cuts along and between the two pencil lines.
Clean out with a chisel.
This will give you a rebated groove 1″ wide x 3/4″ deep along the center on one side of each rail.

Handrail boards

You will need 40 lengths of 1×6 lumber boards (the same as used for the roof) Any pattern of your choice can be implemented.
The pattern in (fig 11) is just one idea.
Make the pattern on one piece of board and use that as a template to do the rest.

Fitting the handrail

Fit the boards into the rebated grooves in the top and bottom rails.
This is best done by laying the top and bottom rails on the ground and then inserting the boards into the grooves.
The number of boards will not work out exactly, so one of the boards will need to be marked and ripped (cut) down.
When one section is finished, tie a rope around each end so the boards will not fall out while that section is being installed.
Nail each section in, 4″ off the ground and fix the rails to the posts with 4″ galvanized nails.
Do this to all seven sections.
One section (section eight) is not made, as this is the point of entry into the gazebo.

Have fun!

Metric version:

Handrail, top and bottom rails

You will need 14 pieces of timber 100×50 sawn treated pine approximately 900mm long. These are the top and bottom rails.
Cut one end off at an angle of 22.5 degrees and then measure back 810mm and do the same the other end. (See fig 10.)
On one side only, pencil two lines 25mm apart along the length in the center of the rails as per fig 10.
Set the blade on your circular saw to a depth of 20mm and do repeated cuts along and between the two pencil lines.
Clean out with a chisel.
This will give you a rebated groove 25mm wide x 20mm deep along the center on one side of each rail.

Handrail boards

You will need 40 lengths of 150×25 timber (the same timber as used on the roof) Any pattern of your choice can be implemented.
The pattern in (fig 11) is just one idea.
Make the pattern on one piece of paling and use that as a template to do the rest.

Fitting the handrail

Fit the palings into the rebated grooves in the top and bottom rails.
This is best done by laying the top and bottom rails on the ground and then inserting the palings into the grooves.
The number of palings will not work out exactly, so one of the palings will need to be marked and ripped (cut) down.
When one section is finished, tie a rope around each end so the palings will not fall out while that section is being installed.
Nail each section in, 100mm off the ground and fix the rails to the posts with 90mm galvanized jolt head nails.
Do this to all seven sections.
One section (section eight) is not made, as this is the point of entry into the gazebo.

Have fun!