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TYPES
OF GAZEBOS
8
ft Hexagon Gazebo
10
ft All Season Gazebo
10
ft Hexagon Gazebo
10
ft Square Gazebo
12
ft All Season Gazebo
12
& 14 ft Octagon Gazebos
Teahouse
Gazebo
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
Permits
Shipping
Information
Site
Preparation
Foundation Information
Care
& Maintenance
Warranty
Information
Gazebo
FAQs
SHEDS &
OTHER PRODUCTS
Available
Through the U.S.
Steel Shed Kits
Vinyl Shed Kits
Cedar Shed Kits
Greenhouse Kits
Cedar Gazebo Kits
Garage Shelters
Party Tents
Hot Tubs
Hammocks
YOUR
IDEAS ARE INVITED!
Please email us at anytime with comments, suggestions, questions.
We'd love to hear from you!
info@bettergazebos.com
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We
recommends three different methods for constructing basic
foundations for our gazebo products:
 •
Patio Stones
•
4x4 Pressure Treated Beams
•
Concrete Slab
With
all our products, we recommend the following
"Step-By-Step" procedure. |
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STEP
1: Prepare Your Site For Construction
Before You
receive your garden shed or gazebo, clear the construction
area. Remove all debris, roots, grass and rocks.
Make sure the ground slopes away from the site at least 10
feet in all directions. If necessary, build up the soil in the
center of the site and slope away for the high point to
provide drainage. Fill in any low spots within the perimeter
of the site. A slope of 1/8 inch per foot is enough to prevent
water accumulation. |
A Simple Solution For Uneven Ground
We
recommend excavating the site 4 inches deep and laying gravel
or crushed rock where drainage may be a concern.
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STEP
2: Layout Your Foundation
No matter which
type of foundation you’ve chosen, start by outlining the
"footprint" on the site. Start by choosing one
corner of center of gazebo and mark it (A) by driving a stake
into the ground.
3-4-5 Triangulation Method
Measure along the line 3 feet from the first stake A, and
mark the string at this point. From stake A, run a second line
perpendicular to the first. Measure out 4 feet to locate point
C. If this second line is exactly at a right angle to the
first, the diagonal line between A & C will be 5 feet. If
not, move point C left or right until the diagonal measures 5
feet and stake that point. |
LAYING OUT THE FOUNDATION 1.
Mark one corner of the proposed shed by driving a temporary
stake, then set temporary batter boards at right angles to
each other to provide support for guidelines.
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LAYING OUT THE
FOUNDATION 2.
Run a line across two stakes. Measure from point A on the
first stake along this line 3 ft. and mark point B. |
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LAYING OUT THE
FOUNDATION 3.
Run a second line perpendicular to the first across point A.
Mark point C 4ft. from point A. Move line AC so that the
distance BC is exactly 5 ft. Angle BAC is now 90 degrees. |
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LAYING OUT THE
FOUNDATION 4.
Set up batter boards and guide lines to outline the entire
shed, making right angles at each corner using the 3-4-5
triangle method described in step 3. |
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Stretch
a radial line from center stake A. Calculate the radius by
using 1/2 the diameter of gazebo. Using orange spray paint or
something similar, mark out a circle. First determine door
location by using one Rim Joist of Gazebo, stake points where
rim joist intersects circle. Move around circle staking out
all intersecting points until all corners are connected. See
Specifications Sheet for Rim Joist size and radius
measurement. |
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| STEP
3: Determine The Type of Foundation
1. Patio
Stone Foundation
If
the ground is stable and has sufficient drainage, you can set
patio stones directly on firm, compacted soil. If not, lay on
gravel or crushed rock as previously described.
Position patio stones on
outline of gazebo previously described. For details of how and
where stones go, see specific instruction manual. Use a 2x4
straight piece of lumber on edge and a carpenter’s level to
position correctly. Add or remove soil/sand under each stone
until level. When stones are level, position completed
sub-structure (Rim, Long & Short Joist and Core Block) on
top. Once again, use a level to confirm positioning and make
any necessary adjustments. |
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2.
4x4 Pressure Treated Beam Foundation
You
can build directly on pressure-treated beams or railroad ties
laid on a properly prepared construction site. Run beams
perpendicular to floor joists. Use a 2x4 straight piece of
lumber on edge and a carpenter’s level to position
correctly.
To prevent the beams from shifting, secure them with a
1/2" inch rebar inserted through holes drilled in the
beams and driven 3 to 4 feet into the ground. Leave each side
or end of the foundation open to promote drainage and air
circulation beneath the floor.
This simple
foundation (right) consists of pressure treated beams laid
directly on compacted gravel base. Use 1/2 " rebar to
prevent beams from shifting. Joists are attached to beams with
16d galvanized nails. |
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3.
CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION
Typically
a slab 3-4 inches thick laid over a sub-base of 4 inches of
gravel or crushed rock is sufficient but may vary depending on
your geographic location.
Using either mix your own concrete of having it delivered by
truck, ready to pour, depends on how much time and effort you
have to dedicate to the project. A slab for our 8x10 foot
Rancher or a 10 foot gazebo both to a depth of 4 inches will
require approximately 1 cubic yard of premixed concrete.
Use the following procedure:
1. Excavate the slab area and footing trench.
2. Excavate the slab area to a depth 6 inches. This would put
the finished slab surface 2 inches above ground (4 inches of
gravel)
3. Set up your batter board strings to represent the outside
face of the slab. At each corner, drop a plumb line from the
intersecting strings to the bottom of the trench, then drive a
2x4 stake at this point. Using the plumb bob again, drive a
nail into the top of the stake where the plumb bob touches it.
Attach strings between the stakes. Using the strings as
guides, drive the 2x4 form stakes around the trench perimeter,
spaced on 2 foot centers.
4. Attach the form boards to the stakes with double-headed
nails. Make sure the stakes are on the outside of the boards
and flush with or below them.
5. Use 2x4 stakes to brace the corners of the forms.
6. Backfill the excavation with 4 inches of gravel, then lay
down a plastic vapor barrier.
7. Spread or pour concrete with a rake or hoe, compacting it
gently into the footing areas. Use a shovel to move concrete
into footing trench. Make the pour to about 1 inch above the
forms to allow for settling. Use a long 2x4 to level the
concrete. Move the board in a side-to-side motion as you pull
it towards you.
8. Use finishing tools, such as a bull float and trowel, to
smooth the concrete surface. Allow the concrete to cure fully
(seven to ten days). |
CONCRETE SLAB
FOUNDATION 1. Backfill excavation with gravel; install vapor
barrier.
CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION 2. Pour concrete into the forms, and
spread it with a rake or shovel. Use a long 2x4 to screed the
concrete level.
CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION 3.Use finishing tools, such as a bull
float and trowel, to smooth the concrete surface to the
desired finish. |
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