Now that summer is almost over, many of us want to make the most of the nice weather — and what better way to enjoy those warm nights than to spend them relaxing in a gazebo? While these might not be a necessity, they certainly make a nice addition to your home. We have to admit that they do look amazing and they are also a great spot to spend free time in.
If you have the space and can spare the funds, a gazebo will be an ideal extension of your house. Not only does it look aesthetically pleasing, but it will also add more value to your home. This way, your investment will pay off if you ever decide to sell.
Now that we have managed to grab your attention, we would like to share a list of useful tips you need to keep in mind when building a gazebo. These include everything — from the basics, like how to get a permit and which building materials to use, to more specific ones, like what magnesium oxide is.
Make a Plan and Get a Permit
The first thing you need to do is pick a perfect spot for your new gazebo. Examine your backyard carefully, and make sure to check whether there are any underground pipes or wires you need to avoid. Have your premises inspected beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises later on.
Once that is out of the way, you can also consider making a plan. You could find some building instructions online that will help you familiarize yourself with the process. Then, you can also account for the materials like concrete, MagPanel, wooden floorboards, and anything else you may need.
Now, you can focus on obtaining the necessary permit. To have your plan approved, it will need to be in line with local codes and regulations.
Clear the Area
If there are any trees, flowerbeds, or vines nearby, you need to take their growth into consideration. Foliage can easily interfere with your gazebo and cause irreparable damage, especially during a storm. To prevent that from happening, make sure you clear the adjacent area as much as possible.
Then you can move onto the next step — leveling the ground. The area where the base of your gazebo will stand needs to look spotless. This means it needs to be both level and solid. It should also have a foundation made of durable materials, like bricks, concrete, or wood.
Mind the Building Process
The building process itself is not as complicated as it seems. Many gazebos come with detailed instructions and kits. In fact, some homeowners like to turn this into a fun DIY project.
Numerous experts suggest starting with a concrete slab foundation. They argue that although it requires a lot of hard work, concrete is well-known for its durability and longevity. However, before you start building on top of it, make sure it’s completely dry.
If you prefer wood, then you can also install a wooden deck frame. You can even consult the professionals and add an MgO floor board as subflooring for an extra layer of protection. Then all you need to do is set up the posts that will support the roof.
Strengthen the Roof
The roof is probably the weakest point of a gazebo, as it endures most of the weather damage. This is why you should make sure to strengthen it any way you can. Magnesium oxide is a well-known material in the building industry, and magnesium oxide sheathing has become very popular over the past years.
A MagPanel is an excellent option for this endeavor since it is known to be highly water- and fire-resistant. What is more, this is one of the rare building materials that termites are not particularly fond of. It is also extremely builder-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about that either.
Decorate It
The final and probably the most enjoyable step is decorating your brand-new gazebo. Make sure it reflects your style and preferences. After all, this is a place where you want to relax after a long, tiring day, so the furniture should be extra comfortable. Add some fairy lights, a couple of decorative cushions, and lay back and enjoy the view — you’ve earned it.