Gazebos

Vibe: Cedar instills a natural, comfortable atmosphere. It has an inherent calming influence.

Grades: Cedar products are available in Clear and Knotty grades. Clear cedar features warm tones and variegated colours. Knotty cedar offers a more rustic look and feel.

Context:  Contrast is a great way to vividly enhance the natural effect of real wood. Too much wood can spoil the result while contrasting tones enhances the impact.

Natural stone, (mat or semi-gloss) black iron, whites and offsetting paints naturally enhance the look of cedar.

Moisture: Due to its natural properties, cedar performs amazingly well in high humidity spaces (pools, hot tubs, steam rooms). It will absorb and discharge moisture to attain equilibrium with the surrounding space without compromise to its structural values (used in humidors and guitar shops).

Finishing options: Use a commercial bleaching agent for a sun-bleached driftwood effect.- Clear satin lacquer can be used to create a transparent protective layer,.- Clear penetrating finishes define the grain and enhance cedar’s variegated color without adding sheen.- Non-tinted sealers prevent water staining in damp spaces.

Fasteners: Using a good all weather construction adhesive in addition to coated wood screws will enhance lateral stability.

Layout: For flooring and roofing on hexagon or octagon structures, work from the outside in, one complete course at a time. Double check cross over measurements before you start. Misalignment at the start will affect the entire build.

Assembly: Starting with a hexagon or octagon core block can greatly simply your starting positions for both floor joists and hip rafter assembly.

Roof: Cutting a birds-mouth on each rafter where it mounts onto the plate will enhance accuracy in positioning and help anchor rafters more securely.

Lumber Care: Once you start construction, keep your wood building materials covered with a tarp, especially on hot sunny days. This makes a huge difference as it keeps your lumber straight & true!