How verandas and gazebos are made: differences and similarities

Terrace-gazebo in a country house The good thing about a country house is that there is always an opportunity to relax on the existing plot. A gazebo, terrace or just a canopy attached to it allows you to create the most comfortable conditions for this.

Moreover, they can be arranged in such a way that it will be convenient not only to grill barbecue and organize family gatherings, but also to organize any event that involves receiving a large number of guests. That is why the video in this article and the article itself are devoted to the topic: “Do-it-yourself gazebos and terraces.”

Design advantages

A two-story gazebo has the following advantages:

1. Multifunctionality - this design is large in size, so it can be divided into several zones. Experts advise dividing the space of the gazebo into two floors into a summer and winter zone. You can make a separate children's corner.
2. Aesthetics - such buildings decorate the dacha.
3. Space saving - in a small area you can build such a spacious structure as a two-story gazebo with an open terrace.
4. Complete rest - the structure in question will allow all family members to enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

When building a gazebo on a summer cottage, it is recommended to take into account the following requirements:

1. The building should be cozy and comfortable, but at the same time have optimal dimensions.

   
   Project option for a two-story gazebo made of timber

   Read also:  Technology of plastering walls with gypsum plaster
2. Design drawings are prepared independently or with the help of professionals. On the diagrams we indicate the dimensions and indicate the construction zones. Experts advise making drawings on graph paper.

A wooden gazebo is built with your own hands according to a previously prepared project. You can use ready-made ones or prepare projects yourself. You must first decide on the functionality and season of use (all year round or in summer) of the building.

Independent design

When building a closed winter gazebo, special attention is paid to its layout. This is explained by the fact that snow will accumulate on the roof of the building. This design requires insulation and glazing. Tasks of designing an open and closed gazebo for a summer residence:

• location of the structure;
• options;
• degree of illumination;
• material calculation;
• type of construction;

  
  Drawing with dimensions for building a gazebo

• presence of foundation;
• walling;
• roof installation.

To independently carry out the above tasks, experts advise using various computer programs. With their help you can create 2D and 3D drawings. The last image allows you to look at the future structure as realistically as possible. But 2D drawings are easier to work with. Beginners can use programs such as HomePlanPro and ArConHome. The user can choose for himself the optimal ready-made template for future construction. In this case, individual sizes are specified and suitable consumables are determined.

The following computer programs can be used to design a gazebo:

1. GoogleSketchUp - great opportunities open up for the user in planning a future design.

   
   This is what a designed gazebo looks like in GoogleSketchUp.
   To automatically create a three-dimensional model, the user needs to use simple tools (shapes, two-dimensional lines, abstract forms). Beginners can prepare a project using such a program using built-in tips.

2. AutiCAD - you will need professional skills to use it. With its help, the user will be able to design certain structural elements with a terrace (stairs, columns, windows).
3. 3D Studio MAX is a professional program for architects that helps create a report on the quantity of consumables and creates a detailed design of a gazebo for a summer house.

Preparatory work

A gazebo is built with your own hands from various materials (stone, brick, wood). The choice of material depends on the following factors:

• the load that will be exerted on the structure;
• average number of vacationers;
• dimensions of the structure;
• the presence or absence of an equipped open terrace;
• open or closed gazebo;
• form of construction.

To make a rectangular two-story gazebo for the dacha, we use wood as a base - beams and tongue-and-groove boards. For the roof you will need to buy metal tiles. The lower trim is made using untreated beams with a cross-section of 120x150 mm, and the top - from similar elements with a cross-section of 100x100. Sanding bars (100x100) can be used as stands.

Frame diagram of a rectangular two-story gazebo

To make the railings you will need lumber. The floor will be constructed from tongue and groove boards. To sheathe the ceilings, we use wooden lining. The rafters will require beams (50x150 mm). We will lay the sheathing from edged boards. You can make the stairs yourself from polished beams or buy them ready-made.

A wooden gazebo with 2 floors is assembled on a flat area. To do this, we use free-standing pillars or reinforced concrete strips. Since the weight of the structure being erected is small, it is possible to arrange a shallow foundation. If you plan to build a gazebo with a terrace, then the foundation and roof are waterproofed. The tools you will need are a level, a tape measure, a concrete mixer, an angle grinder, buckets, and a shovel.

Advantages

The main advantage of such a forged structure is its durability, and for this you do not need to constantly care for it. The fact is that gazebos are made from high-quality metals and have considerable resistance to harsh climatic conditions.

Beautiful gazebos are in perfect harmony with other materials that are used to create this structure. In addition to all this, the gazebo has considerable weight and there is no need to worry that strong and gusty winds will distort the gazebo, or it will even fall, as happens with tension ones.

Another advantage is that forged gazebos can be installed on any foundation, it can be concrete or natural stone, or even a lawn or earth.

It is also popular to install barbecues or fireplaces in gazebos; the advantage here is that the structure is made of metal products, and therefore is resistant to fire.

Step by Step Actions

1. We first prepare the columnar foundation. To do this, we dig out a pit, arrange and compact “pillows” from consumables.

   
   Installation of the foundation for a two-story gazebo

2. Then reinforcement, mortar pouring and waterproofing work are carried out. On the resulting base we lay a frame made of beams that have not been sanded. An insert is used to connect them. To ensure such a docking, you will need to make recesses for 1/2 of the element.
3. The next stage is the installation of vertical racks. In this case, a step of 1 m is observed. We first fix the racks with braces. Then the interfloor lining is laid from beams of a smaller cross-section. The components are connected using a similar method. To strengthen the resulting structure and prepare the basis for the future plank covering, floor joists are installed on all floors.

   
   Scheme for installing vertical gazebo posts

4. Then we install racks of another level according to a similar principle described above. To move around the second floor, experts advise installing a temporary floor. We lay the final strapping on the finished posts. It will combine the individual elements of the 2nd floor. To join the beams we use the scheme described above.
5. For better fixation of the racks, experts advise using metal corners. We fix the pillars on all sides. In this case, the installation of products is carried out from below and from above. Taking into account the shape of the roof, the rafter system is assembled. Its elements must be installed in the same plane. Otherwise the coating will not be even.

   

6. If the rafter joists are installed, we fill the sheathing (step 300 mm). At the same time, we leave a space from the bottom bar (2.3 cm). This technology ensures that the first wave of the structure is laid on the board.

   
   Project of a two-story gazebo with wooden latticework

7. The next stage is the layout and fastening of metal tile sheets. This process is carried out so that the capillary groove is on the left. We install skates at the top junction of the canvases.

Implementation of the idea

For construction to be successful, you need to draw up the drawing correctly. In the case of an open gazebo, you can do this yourself, but if you want a closed structure, you cannot do without special knowledge.

The classics of the genre are rectangular buildings. You can view typical projects on the Internet. By analogy, it will be possible to develop an individual plan without any problems.

The drawing must indicate the dimensions of the gazebo. It is advisable to consider arranging the room with additional components. Based on the calculations, you will decide what material is needed and how much.

You will also need a standard set of construction tools.

Foundation

Correctly erecting the foundation of a structure is the most important stage of construction. The features of the foundation depend on the type of gazebo chosen: open or closed, and from what material.

The two-story wooden structure is not too heavy; a columnar base is quite sufficient. It is made from blocks or by filling monolithic pillars with cement.

Preparation begins with choosing the area for construction, markings and twine. We clear the area from the top layer of soil, determine the points of future foundations for frame supports.