DIY Network

Wedding Gazebo A gazebo with deck flooring is the ideal backdrop for this intimate backyard wedding. From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-308

John and Sharon Todd offered to host their son's wedding ceremony in their yard, only to soon realize they were not prepared. The yard needs a lot of work and lacks an attractive focal point (figures A and B). To address their needs, landscape designer Dean Hill and Jackie Taylor, along with the Todds' friends and family, get to work on building a deck and gazebo. Then they make outdoor flowerpot candles and decorate the gazebo for the wedding.

Figure A

Figure B

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Tools
shovels
posthole digger
rakes
wheelbarrow
hammer
screwdriver
screws
gloves
safety goggles
measuring tape
reciprocating saw
circular saw

Building the Deck and Gazebo

The Todds have a deck but it's tucked behind trees and bushes, overlooking a serene creek. They want to extend the deck area with a gazebo, so they start by building a deck flooring for the gazebo.

Materials
landscape marking paint
8 (2"x4"x8') pressure-treated posts
20 (2"x10"x12') cedar planks
30 (2"x6"x12') cedar planks
10 bags #80 quick-setting concrete mix
12'x12' gazebo kit
3 (3'x4'x6") snapped steps
decking screws

First the crew marks the deck area and where the posts will go, using landscape marking paint. They remove plants from that area, and Hill uses a posthole auger to dig 30 inches into the ground for the posts (figure C). After placing the pressure-treated posts into the ground, they fill the holes with quick-setting concrete mix and water (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Next, they connect the posts with the cedar planks, using decking screws, making sure that the frame is level (figure E).

TIPS: When cutting boards to fit, make sure to always wear safety goggles and gloves. A naturally weather-resistant wood such as cedar is both functional and attractive.

The crew supports the deck's framing with enough joists in the center and adds a center post and cross supports. They secure the cedar planks to the frame using deck screws (figure F).

Now that the deck flooring is complete, they are ready to assemble the gazebo and attach it to the flooring. Buying a gazebo kit makes the construction much easier; the manufacturer's instructions are already included, and many gazebo styles also come with their own flooring.

The crew fits the tongue and groove boards together to build the walls (figure G), securing them with screws. Then they assemble the roof and add the shingles (figures H and I). They secure the gazebo to the floor boards with screws. Finally, they add steps to connect the yard to the gazebo (figure J).

The completed gazebo with deck flooring (figure K) is a beautiful addition to the manicured lawn and serves as a lovely backdrop for the intimate backyard wedding.

Figure H

Figure I

Figure J

Figure K

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