How To Build a Cabana (page 1 of 2)

People pay big bucks to relax in the cabanas at Vegas resorts, so why not bring Vegas home? This cabana adds a level of casual sophistication to the landscape.

Here's How You Do it:

Set the Posts current page
Add the Crossbeams current page
Add the Roof Planks current page
Trim the Posts current page
Attach Bamboo to the Roof and Back Wall current page
Attach Bamboo to the Sides and Front page 2
Add the Bamboo Caps page 2
Add the Accessories page 2

Set the Posts

To ensure that your cabana stands up to the wind and lasts, it's important to properly set your posts. Determine your size and mark spots for four posts. Dig holes 14 inches wide and 2 feet deep. Pour some dry quick-setting concrete in the bottom of each hole and set a 6x6 rough redwood post inside. Attach a level to the post and check it as you pour dry concrete around it. Expect to use about two 60-lb. bags of concrete in each posthole. All of the posts should line up with those to the side and behind or in front, creating a perfect square or rectangle. Once they are in the right place, add water to the concrete. Tamp down to get rid of any air bubbles and check your level again.

Add the Crossbeams

Using 4-inch heavy-duty wood screws, attach 2x10 rough redwood crossbeams on the outside of the posts to box this structure in. Adjust this height according to your preference, making sure you have enough room to walk under it, leaving a foot or two of the posts sticking up from the crossbeams. (The posts may not be even, but you'll cut them down later.) Double up by adding 2x10 crossbeams on the inside as well on the front and back of the cabana.

Add the Roof Planks

Using 3-inch heavy-duty wood screws, attach 2x4 redwood planks across the top of the cabana, securing them to the inner crossbeams. Space them approximately 12 inches apart. This will provide a sturdy roof frame for the bamboo.

Trim the Posts

Cut down the top of the posts so they all reach 12 inches above the crossbeams, or to your desired height. Top these with decorative posts. We used copper pyramid-style toppers.

Attach Bamboo to the Roof and Back Wall

The exterior for this cabana is made of bamboo fencing. For an upscale look we used a bamboo with a mahogany stain. You can buy this stained or stain it yourself. Bamboo fencing comes in different lengths and is held together with one or more metal wires that run the length of the fence panel. Depending on the length of your cabana, you'll need one or two pieces of fencing to cover the back wall. If you need two panels, attach them at the last bamboo poles with a thick metal wire. To attach the bamboo to the redwood, drill pilot holes through the bamboo and use finishing nails to secure it to the posts on the back wall and the planks for the roof.