Pergola covered with polycarbonate. DIY polycarbonate gazebo. Work prior to the construction of a summer structure

To have a good rest, you need to work hard at it.

(c) Kashcheev E.

Attractiveness, low cost and easy installation - what trinity could be better for a gazebo? A self-made polycarbonate gazebo meets all these basic needs of owners of summer cottages and private houses, holiday homes and cafes.

Advantages and disadvantages

A gazebo made of polycarbonate will be a joy thanks to the following advantages:

external attractiveness;
large selection of design options;
impact resistance (polycarbonate is 200 times stronger than glass);
Ease of use;
quick installation;
withstands any climatic conditions and weather vicissitudes from -400 to +1200C;
the low weight of polycarbonate reduces the requirements for supporting structures;
the possibility of creating prefabricated structures for cleaning in winter;
low cost;
transmits light while blocking ultraviolet rays;
moisture resistant and does not rot;
completely fireproof (polycarbonate does not burn);
absence of fragments and other dangerous phenomena in the event of a breakdown;
The honeycomb structure of polycarbonate allows glass to retain heat in a room better and blocks sounds (sound insulation).

Such gazebos also have disadvantages. Among them:

The presence of a frame made of a metal profile requires maintenance: cleaning from corrosion, painting. The wood frame also needs care - impregnation, varnishing;
Scratches appear on polycarbonate quite easily;
if the seams or edges of polycarbonate are poorly processed, the material begins to darken inside;
solid structures do not allow air to pass through. On sunny days it can be very hot and stuffy inside the gazebo.

Attention! Since polycarbonate expands when heated, this should be taken into account when building a summerhouse.

The presence of shortcomings rarely discourages those who want to build a gazebo from polycarbonate, because it is one of the most flexible and easy-to-work materials.

Which polycarbonate to choose?

High-quality materials are the key to long service life of the product. This is also true for polycarbonate gazebos. What do you need to know to choose polycarbonate for a gazebo? What is the best material to buy?

First, decide how critical the service life of the gazebo is for you. The fact is that polycarbonate comes in 2 grades: the first (from primary raw materials) and the second (from recycled materials: plastic bottles and other similar products). Second grade polycarbonate can be determined by the following criteria:

cracking sound when bending;
sheet breakage when bent;
inclusions, uneven color, low transparency;
inappropriate weight. It is unlikely that you will be able to check this with the seller, but know that 1 m2 of high-quality polycarbonate with a thickness of 4 mm should weigh 800 grams, 6 mm - 1300 grams, 8 mm - 1500 grams, 10 mm - 1700 grams.

Secondly, you should decide on the thickness of the material, since it also plays an important role in the life of the structure. Thickness 4 mm – absolutely not suitable for a gazebo. 6 mm and 8 mm will be optimal. Choose between these types depending on the size of the future structure. Thickness 10 mm - suitable for any structure and will last for many decades with proper installation.

Advice! For a summer gazebo, it is better to choose light transparent colors of polycarbonate. It heats up less and does not distort sunlight and the space inside. It will be a pleasure to be in such a gazebo!

Options, drawings

To visually see how a polycarbonate gazebo will turn out, you need drawings. Before creating a sketch, be sure to solve some questions:

The purpose of the gazebo: as a table for feasts and communication, as a place for barbecue, as a children's playroom, etc.
Required dimensions.
Material for support posts.
Using a gazebo in winter.
Possibility of dismantling and moving for wintering or to another place.
Is gender necessary?
Will the structure be open or closed?

Having identified these points for yourself and once again looked at the exterior of the site, proceed to the drawing indicating the dimensions.

Advice! For a beginner in construction, it is better to choose a simple square or rectangular open-type structure.

The following design options for polycarbonate gazebos are possible:

barrel is a simple design that requires only 1 sheet. Polycarbonate is bent along the frame and it simultaneously performs the function of ceiling and walls;

a canopy is another simple structure, the manufacture of which requires only 4-6 supports, their strapping on top and sheathing for the roof. You can install a straight pitched roof, arched or gable;

the spherical design will be difficult for a beginner. Especially if it has sliding doors;

classic quadrangular gazebo design, but with a polycarbonate roof and walls. It is simple and should not cause any difficulties in installation. Sometimes such a gazebo is closed entirely, and sometimes the walls (partitions) are mounted only from below. It can be made from several types of materials, not only polycarbonate.

Step-by-step construction of a polycarbonate gazebo

How to make a polycarbonate gazebo with your own hands? There is nothing too complicated about this if you choose one of the simple designs. Let's look at the details of what should be done and how.

Location

Choosing the right location is the key to a quality and pleasant stay. What you should pay attention to?

Ground water level. Even if the gazebo is built on a monolithic foundation and, even more so, if it is simply on the ground, it is advisable that the area nearby is not flooded after heavy rains and you can easily walk to the resting place. In addition, if the groundwater level is low, you can avoid making a foundation at all, and limit yourself to butting to install pillars.
The presence of shading is an important aspect for a polycarbonate gazebo, because... the material gets very hot in the sun. The polycarbonate roof does not provide enough shade for a pleasant afternoon rest.
If the gazebo is open, choose a place without drafts. This is important for health.
The closer the gazebo is to the main buildings, the easier it will be to organize a good rest, install communications (electricity, water) and the less materials will be required to lay out the paths.
The smoother the terrain, the easier it will be for you to prepare a platform for the gazebo.

Drawing and preparation of materials

Based on the drawing of the future gazebo, you can calculate the required amount of materials and, possibly, adjust the dimensions. Standard sizes of cellular polycarbonate sheets: 2.1x6 meters and 2.1x12 meters. If you use monolithic polycarbonate to build a gazebo (it is more expensive), then you need to remember that it is sold in sheets of 2.05x3.05 meters. Some sellers sell half a sheet, others only whole sheets.

Metal and wood are suitable for the polycarbonate gazebo frame. Metal is more reliable and durable. The service life of the metal frame is comparable to polycarbonate. Wood is cheaper and easier to install, but if you use average-priced wood, its service life will be shorter than that of polycarbonate. Both metal and wood require periodic maintenance. Wood must be treated with impregnations against bugs, rotting and moisture absorption, and metal must be cleaned of corrosion and painted.

Foundation preparation

If the gazebo is temporary or only for summer use, it can be erected without a foundation. Support posts can be driven in or dug in. For greater reliability, use butting or concreting below the soil freezing level.

Portable summerhouses made of polycarbonate are made on a solid frame and do not require a foundation: it is enough to level a small area at the installation site.

If the gazebo is planned to be solid or you want to have a full-fledged floor, you can pour a shallow foundation up to 10 cm. To do this, just remove the top fruit-bearing layer, pour crushed stone and fill it with cement. It is better to concrete it immediately together with the supporting pillars to create a monolithic structure. The posts should be in holes of 50-70 cm. Any floor covering can be laid on top or concrete can be left.

Another option that is extremely rarely used in polycarbonate gazebos: a pedestal. It is quite enough to make a floor in a small or medium-sized structure. You can make a pedestal using pallets (by the way, you can build a very simple one) or an additional welded structure along the bottom of the supports, on which there will be a sheathing, and a floor on top.

Polycarbonate gazebo frame

As already discussed in the section on preparing the material, metal will be the best option for the frame: it will last as long as polycarbonate and requires less maintenance than wood.

For the frame, profiled pipes with a square section of 50x50 mm are best suited. They look more attractive than a welded structure and it is easier to attach polycarbonate to them. In addition, such transverse pipes are suitable for simultaneously fastening polycarbonate and benches. To connect the pipes to each other, use a 45x45 mm corner.

Roof for a gazebo made of polycarbonate

As a rule, a polycarbonate gazebo is covered only with this material, but soft roofing, corrugated sheeting or slate can also be used. Of course, a polycarbonate roof would look better. It is transparent and airy, attractive and harmonious. You can use the same polycarbonate as on the walls of the gazebo, or a material of a different color to separate the structural elements.

The roof is attached to the top frame frame in the same way as the wall panels: with a thermal washer with a lid. This ensures the best protection against moisture.

The roof can be pitched, gable or spherical. If there are joints of material on its surface, the seams should be carefully sealed with silicone and special tape. Cover the ridge of the gable roof with a standard profile for soft tiles. Its width is enough to protect the polycarbonate from water ingress.

Advice! The side and top ends of the material should always be covered with an aluminum or polymer profile. It is better to leave the lower ends open to allow accumulated moisture to escape.

Exploitation

Caring for polycarbonate is extremely simple: just water it with a hose or wipe the dirty areas with a damp cloth.

Attention! Do not use abrasives or household chemicals containing chlorine and alkali under any circumstances! They can damage the protective layer from ultraviolet radiation.

To decorate and make a cozy polycarbonate gazebo with your own hands, just add some little things:

lighting. You can lay electrical wiring to a stationary gazebo before pouring the foundation, or install a battery-powered lantern for a mobile structure. As a temporary solution, you can run an extension cord there from the house and connect a lamp;
paint the frame if it is metal, or treat the wood with stain and varnish;
flower beds next to the gazebo make it more attractive and cozy, and also add a pleasant aroma;
may indicate the path to a resting place or simply stand nearby as an exterior decoration;
The inside of the gazebo can be made cozy with the help of flower pots (hanging flowerpots will look especially beautiful, exotic and original), fabric products (tablecloths, pillows, furniture covers), dishes, etc.

A polycarbonate gazebo that you make with your own hands will become a pleasant place to communicate with friends or family gatherings. If you still have any questions regarding its construction, choice of materials or decoration, ask them in the comments. We will be happy to answer them!

Many owners of their houses or summer cottages want to somehow elegantly arrange their yard. And the option with a gazebo is quite suitable for achieving such goals. How to do it? At the dacha or in the cottage you can create from different, modern materials. The most optimal solution is polycarbonate After all, it has the following advantages:

The structures are of modest mass. And such a gazebo does not always require pouring a foundation. Both dismantling and dislocation of this gazebo are very simple.
Ease of production. A similar gazebo is also available for sale in finished form.
Materials used are available. In terms of cost, the conversation turns out to be more profitable than brick, wood or forged.
This material combines well with a variety of materials(wood, metal, etc.)
Easy to drill and cut.
Flexibility in both directions.
Polycarbonate is completely non-flammable.
He has excellent strength.
Its service life is 20 years.
He Can also function in humid climates.
Resistant to thermal extremes.
Excellent light transmittance.
Powerful UV resistance.

There are two main types of polycarbonate:

Cell phone. Guarantees excellent warmth and sound insulation. Hides the interior of the gazebo. Scatters ultraviolet light.
Monolithic. Creates visual panoramic glazing. Absorbs ultraviolet radiation.

Thickness criteria:

Sheets from 2 to 6 mm: small gazebos for 2-3 persons.
8 mm. They have excellent wind resistance. Suitable for gazebos for 4-5 persons.
10 mm. Tasks: barbecue area, large gazebos for 8-12 people.
16 mm. They create powerful protection from winds and cold.

For better light dispersion, it is better to take sheets of light colors. Dark transparent options are also suitable.

External design work is as follows:

1.The façade is being finished. Simply a necessary operation for outdoor gazebos. Wooden components are painted and varnished.

The path to the conversation is being arranged.
Flower beds are placed along the perimeter.
Lighting is being carried out.

At combinations of polycarbonate and metal you will get a structure of powerful strength. You will need angles and pipes for the work. The action plan is:

Supports are being installed.
The lower trim is carried out, the floor is laid.
The fence and roof are being prepared.
Polycarbonate is installed.

The principle of work here is similar to the previous version (polycarbonate - wood), but there are some nuances.

If you have a finished project, you need the following set:

Steel pipes. Parameter - Ø5 cm. Material - steel.
Metal corner. Parameters: 4 x 4 cm. Task: making rafters, fencing and trim.
Fastening elements: brackets, screws (type for metal).
Finishing material for the floor. Examples: wood, concrete screed.
Polycarbonate. Elements for its fastening.
Sealant.
Welding equipment.
Hacksaw (metal view).
Soil drill.
Screwdriver.
Electric jigsaw.
Pliers.
Hammer.
Level.
Saw capable of cutting polycarbonate.

If you don’t know how to weld metal or don’t have the necessary equipment, hire a specialist or rent a machine for a couple of days.

Fastening the supporting elements and the floor base

Work plan:

Creating markup. Areas for supports are determined.
Created in the ground holes (requires a drill) 70 – 100 cm deep. Diameter – up to 10 cm.
Bottom covered with sand and gravel. Layer – maximum 20 cm.
Into the pits pipes are installed and leveled. Before pouring concrete, the supports are steamed. This is where a wooden beam comes in handy.
Concrete is poured and hardens.
After it has completely dried, it is done bottom harness. Corners are attached to the pipes by welding. On top of them are placed logs and flooring.
To attach a joist in a corner holes are created. Fastening is done using bolts.
Instead of flooring you can arrange a concrete screed (as an option).
If you intend to place it in a future gazebo, then the structure must be sheathed with fire-resistant material. Wooden floors are excluded. Only screed with a minimum thickness of 40 cm.

Work on the frame

Fences are attached. Transverse support elements are welded to the posts.
The top trim is welded. It will accommodate a roof for a gazebo made of half-carbonate.
Welding of rafters and other components. It can be installed directly on the ground, but only on a flat surface.
The frame rises and is securely welded to the support pillars.
The whole frame painted, coated with anti-corrosion agents.

Example of a metal frame:

Finishing work

After working on the frame, you need to glaze the gazebo with polycarbonate. With your own hands, sheets of working material are pre-cut to the required sizes. The same material can be used to cover the roof; in extreme cases, slate or corrugated sheeting will do.

To install the working material, holes are first created in the corner. The sheets are fastened with self-tapping screws having thermal washers. This fastener should not strongly clamp the material. To join polycarbonate you need special plastic profiles. The joint areas are treated with any sealant.

Option from profile

Example (photo):

Here the installation is similar to work with the metal version. Only the base consists of a combination of profile and polycarbonate.

The work requires a profile pipe. Its required cross-section: square or rectangular. For a gazebo, a square profile made of aluminum or other metal is optimal. Its strength and load resistance are very high.

Required Tool:

Welding equipment.
Hacksaw (metal view).
Bulgarian.
Electric drill.

Creating a foundation

Taking into account the lightness of the profile and polycarbonate a foundation of powerful strength is not needed for garden gazebos. It is optimal to arrange a strip foundation with a shallow depth here.

Work plan:

A trench is created along the perimeter of the proposed gazebo. Maximum depth – 30 cm.
Its bottom is covered with rubble.
A reinforced belt is created from rods.
The formwork is being created.
Concrete should be poured. Metal elements must be embedded in concrete. The profile will then be added to them.

If a large gazebo is being built, then the trench is made up to 70 cm deep.

Work on the base is carried out in strict accordance with the drawings. The parts are cut into the required lengths. The supports for fastening the roof are being prepared. It is best to concrete them. It can also be attached to embedded elements, but this option is less durable.

Example of roof fastening:

All frame elements can be connected with bolts, but this option has low strength. Therefore, it is better to weld all the components together.

Polycarbonate can also be used for the roof. The main thing is to install it correctly.

As a rule, gazebos made of aluminum profiles are less reliable. In addition, this material is not profitable in terms of cost.

Combination metal - polycarbonate

Option with.

Sidewalk version.

Option with polycarbonate roof

A modest-sized gazebo.

Mobile option.

Rectangular shape option.

When creating a gazebo made of polycarbonate with any combination and any type, the financial issue remains extremely important. Below are some price examples.

Polycarbonate (per sheet):

View	Color	Width	Length (m)	Thickness	Weight (kg)	Price, rub)
Monolith	Bronze	2,05	3,05	3	0,8	7065,50
Monolith	Transparent	2,05	3,05	6	1,3	9400
Monolith	Bronze	2,05	3,05	6	1,3	14131
Cellular	Transparent	2,1	6	3,2	0,48	2,250
Monolith	Red	2,05	3,05	8	9,6	20200
Cellular	Blue	2,1	6	16	2,1	9650

Depending on the manufacturer, regions, quality and parameters, prices vary.

Ready gazebo. Examples

View	Combination	Width	Length (m)	Height	Roof	Price, rub)
Closed. Multifaceted base	Metal	3	4	2,5	Polycarb.	17000
Open. Wooden base	Tree	1,6	2	2,1	Polycarb	11990
Open. Metal. basic	Metal. profile.	1,92	1,66	2	Polycarb.	1500

There is also a huge range of prices here. Both the parameters of the design itself and the working material for a beautiful gazebo are important.

Video instructions

One of the most sensible videos on the topic. The process of assembling a gazebo from a metal profile with a polycarbonate roof is in every detail. The disadvantage of the material is that you will have to prepare for a long viewing.

Country house owners can choose many options and materials for buildings inside their garden. In this list, polycarbonate structures occupy the first positions. A do-it-yourself polycarbonate gazebo will always fit organically into the interior and give it a fresh look.

The advantage of polycarbonate for creating a shelter from the sun

Polycarbonate is a versatile building material with unique properties that you will not find in other materials.

Among the advantages of the released plastic are:

High resistance to impacts and physical stress. A substance that is 8 times stronger than acrylic plastic and 200 times stronger than ordinary glass.
Light weight, unrivaled. You don't need solid support elements, as plastic is 15 times lighter than glass.
The product perfectly transmits sunlight, while serving as an excellent noise and heat insulator. High-quality manufacturers cover the surface of the panels with an additional layer against exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
The material can withstand temperatures from -40 to +120 degrees. Polycarbonate with high-quality installation will withstand hot weather with wind and heavy precipitation.

It is thanks to this set of qualities that polycarbonate has become an indispensable material on country and farm lands, in the form of canopies, greenhouses and similar constructions.

If you want to shape a metal product, at best you will have to exert physical effort and use tools; wood also needs to be processed. With polycarbonate, you can simply move your hand to give the panel the desired look.

A high degree of manufacturability allows you to cut panels even with ordinary scissors or a stationery knife, which is also a unique case.

Unlike the aforementioned glass, polycarbonate will not crumble into fragments when broken.

Thanks to simple methods of work, you need a minimum of knowledge to build a polycarbonate shelter. You can find many architectural solutions for a summer residence on the Internet or in this article.

Compared to gazebos made from other materials, building a gazebo made of polycarbonate requires a significantly smaller budget. Frame profiles can also be the cheapest. This is the most economical option when compared with the wooden, forged or stone version.

Preparing to build a polycarbonate gazebo

Choosing the right polycarbonate

To create a canopy or garden house, the following types of plastic are often used:

Monolithic polycarbonate, which is used for heavy structures on a farm or country house;
Profiled polycarbonate. In this version, the difference is in the shape of the material - it is wavy, which makes it excellent for creating roof coverings;
Cellular polycarbonate is the most common. This is an inexpensive and simple building material that allows you to create regular and nonlinear shapes and bends.

The decision on what material to choose so that the polycarbonate gazebo will last a long time is up to you. But we recommend avoiding dubious manufacturers and using only well-known brands. The required elongation limit must be at least 55 MPa, and impact strength (at least 25 kJ/m2), bending strength required - 90 MPa.

Choosing a frame and type of gazebos

For your gazebo sheathed with polycarbonate to be successful, you need to organize the correct installation of the main frame. This event is the main and most crucial moment in construction. Take the choice of materials for load-bearing supports seriously.
Common solutions for polycarbonate shelters are:

Metal pipes;
Concrete or building foam blocks;
Forged metal gratings.

The simplest option for you would be a design made of metal parts:

Hollow pipe;
Fittings of various diameters;
Construction corners;
Profile products.

According to the type of structure, there are two options for polycarbonate gazebos:

A do-it-yourself polycarbonate gazebo can be built either in a stationary version with any foundation, or portable. In this case, you can change the location of the gazebo as it suits you.

According to the level of complexity and equipment, polycarbonate gazebos can be divided into the following types:

Classification of plastic pavilions

Classic building

Polycarbonate gazebos are often made in the style of a simple polycarbonate canopy in a square or rectangular shape. This design is formed without difficult joints, which are possible with precise cutting and require good sealing of the joints. You can easily build a canopy on your own, without the help of others. You will receive a comfortable, summer structure within one or two days of work.

Barrel gazebo

As mentioned above, polycarbonate is a flexible material, which allows you to create the second most popular summer house structure made of polycarbonate: a barrel gazebo. By forming both the roof and the walls in “one stroke,” the builder will significantly save on material and also add a catchy design format. In addition, such a gazebo is very practical and can be portable. You just need to create a strong frame from rolled metal and cover it with a whole sheet of plastic, attaching it with self-tapping screws. You can find out how to do this correctly below.

Gazebo-sphere

In this case, you will have to work hard. Don't take on the job if you don't have the relevant knowledge and experience. However, a polycarbonate gazebo in this version will look very original and stylish. It is necessary to implement a well-functioning sliding system and correctly bend the metal profile.

Building a gazebo - polycarbonate gazebo with your own hands

A do-it-yourself polycarbonate gazebo is simple, economical and quick. For construction, you will need the following tools and materials: a standard list of grinders, drills, welding machines, chisels, shovels, hacksaws, etc. will do.

Choosing the material and base for the frame

You won't need to spend a lot of money and time. You need polycarbonate for mounting the roof, a board and batten, a wooden beam, a metal pipe, and a metal profile. You may also need building bricks for decoration and fastening.

Choosing a place for a gazebo

If you are planning a grandiose structure, pay attention to the soil of the future gazebo, which should be dry and have a flat surface. Check the groundwater level to see if it is within the acceptable range. Take into account the other characteristics of the area, exclude places with constant drafts and look for a place with shade, perhaps near trees. A properly designed gazebo will become a highlight of your garden.

A do-it-yourself polycarbonate gazebo is most practical in the case of a standard rectangular shape.

Creating the foundation of the structure

A large gazebo covered with polycarbonate with a barbecue will require the installation of a foundation. However, in the case of a standard gazebo, for several family members with a table and seats, you can limit yourself to supporting pipes, which will play the role of a base for your gazebo. To implement such a project, it is necessary to: create markings on site, dig or drill recesses for pipes and future filling.

Then the builder must install the load-bearing parts, center them in position and fill them with mortar, such as concrete.

Diagram: gazebo support pillars

You can also create a monolithic foundation over the entire area. After all operations, you need to wait a few days for drying.

We create the frame of the building

It all depends on the choice of your material, but the simplest and most effective option is to work with metal.

There are two ways to install the frame:

A gradual method, using corners and a metal profile.
Installation of a ready-made frame on a load-bearing support.

If you can carry out the first option on your own, then the second case will require teamwork, and, with a large mass, you will even have to use special transport.

In addition, the elements can be connected using either bolts or welding.

The roof and, if necessary, walls are also made of polycarbonate. It is necessary to secure the sheets of sloping material for effective drainage of sediments, and also hermetically so that water does not fall on the table and vacationers.

Important: polycarbonate is much like glass; this material can easily cut your hands or face at the junction. Therefore, the edges of the polycarbonate sheet, which can constantly come into contact with the human body, must be isolated with special plugs along the entire joint to prevent injuries.

You choose the cutting sizes yourself based on the situation. A very important step is securing the sheets with self-tapping screws. You should not damage the plastic and, in addition, follow the other rules, the main thing is not to overdo it with the screw, and complete the screwing when the fastener head comes into contact with the plastic.

You can choose the seats, backrests, and flooring to suit your taste. In the best case, all elements should be secured inside.

Design solutions for polycarbonate gazebos

A do-it-yourself polycarbonate gazebo can be made in various design solutions; we offer several options for inspiration:

There is nothing better after a hard week of work than relaxing on a warm summer day in pleasant company, and even in the fresh air. A gazebo at the dacha has become an integral part of summer holidays for many. It’s easy to assemble a polycarbonate gazebo at your dacha with your own hands. This article with step-by-step photographs will tell you how to make it.

Advantages of polycarbonate gazebos

Polycarbonate has long won the love of summer residents for its affordability and practicality, because it is suitable for the construction of not only greenhouses, but also for many other objects on a summer cottage. Including for arranging a gazebo. What are the advantages of such a gazebo?

Light weight. This means that during construction you do not have to pour a foundation. In addition, the gazebo can be moved to another area of the garden at any time.
Possibility of self-production. Buying a ready-made gazebo will not be difficult, because the choice is wide and varied. But by creating it with your own hands, you will not only emphasize the individuality of your site, but you can also take into account the overall design of the garden, the nuances of the climate and the location of the structure.
Low cost. Polycarbonate has an affordable price; in addition, when building a gazebo you will not need a metal profile.
Combination. Another advantage of polycarbonate is that it combines perfectly with other types of materials. You can draw the most daring gazebo designs and easily implement your unusual ideas.

It would be useful to remind you about the advantages of polycarbonate:

easy to bend;
easy to cut;
easy to drill;
not afraid of sudden temperature changes;
does not burn;
lasting;
durable;
UV resistant, but allows sufficient daylight to pass through;
Can be used in climates with high humidity.

Types of gazebos

Before you start building a gazebo, you need to understand exactly what it will look like and whether it will bear additional functional loads. Gazebos come in different types and types. Conventionally, they can be divided:

By type: open or closed.
Installation: stationary or portable.
Difficulty: difficult or easy canopy.
By function: with additional functional load (for example, a canopy for a pool) or a structure of a decorative nature.
Shape: rectangular, round, square or polygonal.

And only after you have finally decided on the shape and type of the gazebo, you can begin to build it.

Step-by-step instruction

As in the construction of any facility, the first and most important thing is design work:

It is necessary to determine the location for installation, taking into account the slopes, unevenness, features of your site, where to plant shrubs, trees that cast shadows, and the prevailing wind direction.
The selected area must be cleaned of all excess and the surface should be perfectly leveled.
Prepare a drawing of the gazebo, which takes into account the size, complexity and weight of the structure and determines the need to pour a foundation.

Gazebo frame

In order to correctly take into account the weight of the structure, it is necessary to decide what material the frame of the gazebo will be made of. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most common materials.

Tree. The advantages of a timber frame are accessibility, low price, decorativeness and environmental friendliness. The disadvantages include its fragility, high maintenance requirements and dependence on the weather.
Metal. Profile frames, or frames made of metal corners, are durable, long-lasting and reliable. The disadvantages include the high price when compared with the cost of a similar wooden gazebo.
Stone. Frames made of stone, concrete or brick have great advantages in terms of service life, ease of maintenance, and resistance to weather conditions. However, the disadvantages of such a structure are its heavy weight, which requires laying a solid foundation, and long construction.

Foundation

The next stage of construction is laying the foundation, if necessary. Lightweight structures can do without it, the same applies to portable gazebos.

The foundation is:

Tape. To construct a strip foundation, a trench is dug, formwork with a reinforcing layer is built, and concrete is poured. This type of foundation is considered the most common in construction: it can support buildings with heavy weight.
Columnar the foundation is suitable for light weight structures. During its construction, pillars are dug in at a short distance from each other and connected by beams.
Monolithic the foundation is created in the form of a solid slab. It is based on a metal frame immersed in concrete.

After preparing the foundation, you can begin installing the frame.

Advice. Treat this process very responsibly, because a lack of elements can lead to the polycarbonate sheets not being secured securely enough. In the future, this may cause the destruction of the gazebo.

Roof installation

Depending on your preferences, the polycarbonate roof can be made into a single-pitch, gable, complex shape or in the shape of an arch.

Sequencing:

apply markings to polycarbonate;
cut the sheets according to the markings;
drill holes for fasteners.

Advice. If you install the roof in parts, the process will be less labor-intensive and more comfortable.

When installing, it is better not to use screws or nails, as this can damage the material. It is best to fasten polycarbonate with special screws that have rubber washers on both sides. To seal, seal the joints with sealant. Once the roof is securely fastened, you can begin installing polycarbonate on the walls.

Attention! Make sure that the location of the stiffeners is strictly vertical. This will prevent moisture from collecting inside the leaf.

Gazebo interior design

After the gazebo is installed, it's time to start designing and interior arrangement. It is worth noting that many people, even at the installation stage, add stone fireplaces to the gazebo, which increase the decorativeness and functionality of the gazebo.

At the decorating stage, tables, benches, bar counters and everything else that you would like to see in your gazebo are installed. The main thing is not to forget that the material chosen for the interior corresponded to the operating conditions. After all, whatever one may say, the gazebo is located on the street, which adds the factor of temperature changes, increased humidity from rain and other things. All this must be taken into account when choosing furniture and decorative elements.

Exterior arrangement

At this stage, external work is carried out. They may include the construction of garden paths around the gazebo and the installation of lanterns. You may want to create flower beds at the entrance or plant ones that will wrap around the metal or wooden supports of your gazebo. This will give your building a special appeal.

Care

In order for a self-built polycarbonate gazebo to serve you for many years, you must comply with minimum care conditions. The main rule is the ban on the use of abrasive substances. It is not advisable to wash polycarbonate with products containing chlorine, alkali, or various salts. These substances can damage the outer layer designed to protect against ultraviolet radiation. To remove dirt, it is enough to wash the roof and walls of the gazebo periodically or with ordinary soapy water. In most cases, this is enough to remove any dirt.

Such a gazebo, built with your own hands on a country plot, will be an excellent addition to any landscape design. Polycarbonate gazebos can be used as functional structures (pool roof, canopy, etc.), or as decorative elements that emphasize the individuality and uniqueness of your site.

An excellent place to relax and simply decorate the yard of a private house or dacha will be a lightweight building in which you can hide from the scorching sun, rain, and enjoy the surrounding nature in a cozy atmosphere. When choosing material for such a design, owners increasingly began to give preference to polycarbonate. And for good reason, because, in addition to the affordable price, it has a lot of advantages.

After reading this article, the user will learn how to effectively apply it in practice and independently create a beautiful gazebo from it.

Thematic material:

Types of polycarbonate

When developing a project for a future structure, it is important to understand that this building material is produced in two types, which have significant differences both in appearance and in technical characteristics. Among them:

Monolithic. It is a continuous sheet 2–20 mm thick. Using hot forming, such polycarbonate can easily take on any shape. Resistant to environmental influences. Colors do not lose their brightness. And its increased strength allows it to be used for floors without installation. In terms of reliability and shockproof properties, it is many times better than the second option.
Cellular. It has the appearance of a multilayer panel, the balls of which are connected to each other by vertical stiffeners. The air in the voids creates thermal insulation, so material with a thickness of 10 mm and above is in no way inferior to double-glazed windows.

Pros and cons of polycarbonate structures

When assessing the benefits of purchasing polycarbonate for summer construction, it is necessary to note several compelling arguments in its favor. Among them:

high level of strength;
is inexpensive;
average service life – 20 years;
bends perfectly in any direction;
easy to install;
non-flammable (starts to melt at +1200C);
resistant to temperature changes and high humidity;
Regardless of color, it transmits light well into the room.

However, if the polycarbonate was stored in a place with high humidity, condensation could form in the middle of the sheets. To remove it you will need to treat the sheets with compressed air.

Photo: the gazebo is glazed with monolithic polycarbonate and covered with a soft roof

As for the finished structure made from this material, there are many advantages in using it:

Possibility of combination with metal, wood, stone, brick. Polycarbonate will look harmonious with any other type of material.
Construction time is reduced. A small gazebo can be assembled in 1–2 days.
Installation and assembly of the structure does not require special skills. Therefore, this design is easy to handle on your own.
For light-weight buildings there is no need to pour a foundation.
Making walls from this material opens up a wonderful view of the surrounding area and garden.
Mobility. Such a gazebo in the form of a canopy with a table can easily be moved to any other part of the summer cottage.
Speed of dismantling and ease of storage. It takes a little time to dismantle the structure.
This design will be cheap.
Polycarbonate roof and walls have good sound and heat insulation.
All elements of the building do not require additional maintenance.

This material does not have any significant drawbacks that could affect the strength and service life of structures.

But when cutting polycarbonate sheets, you need to tightly close the edges at the ends. To do this, it is better to purchase a sealant, perforated tape or end profile.

Choosing the shape of the gazebo

According to the owners’ idea, the building can take the form of absolutely any geometric figure and more. The most popular designs are:

square;
round;
rectangular;
modular;
six, octagonal.

In addition, there are gazebos in the form of a semicircle, triangle or barrel.

Photo: various designs made of rolled metal and polycarbonate

The following can be used as a roof:

single slope;
gable;
tent.

A combined version of a metal frame and a polycarbonate sloping roof in a pergola design will look beautiful. Or an attached carport with a polycarbonate roof.

You can attach a porch with wrought iron railings to a closed structure or make handrails.

It is worth noting that regardless of the choice of form, this point must be reflected in the building drawing.

Drawing: the material used is 6 mm cellular polycarbonate and a profile 40 x 40 x 2

The need for a foundation

If, according to the diagram, the future gazebo will have a massive appearance, and a combination of polycarbonate with wood or brick will be used as the main materials, then laying the foundation is a mandatory stage in assembling the structure. Columnar or . For a closed type of gazebo with a fireplace, barbecue or barbecue inside, you can pour a monolith. In addition, a separate foundation is created for the heating product.

But for lightweight buildings, you can get by with installing supporting pipes. They will become a simple but strong foundation of the structure.

Materials for assembling the frame

The step-by-step creation of a gazebo involves the manufacture of a reliable frame. You can take:

When making fasteners or cutting polycarbonate, you should know:

The sheet material is cut with a saw with fine teeth to avoid crumbling.
It is better to carry out all installation work on days with no or minimal gusts of wind, since the high windage of polycarbonate can lead to a traumatic situation.
Transparent sheets heat up much less and expand. Therefore, if the walls will be glazed with polycarbonate, then it is better to give preference to the colorless option.
It is necessary to drill holes on the sheet between the ribs, leaving at least 3 cm from the edge.
The best option for fastening the honeycomb type is thermal washers with protective covers.
The joints between parts of the roof or fence are treated with silicone.

Sealant should be applied to each end polycarbonate element, leaving only the bottom of the sheets exposed. This manipulation will avoid the accumulation of condensation inside the material.

Photo: docking strip for connecting polycarbonate

Users often search:

Step-by-step instructions for building a gazebo

If you are planning to build a gazebo yourself, you can use a different combination of materials. Below are the manufacturing steps and photographs of the two most popular designs.

Combined option: polycarbonate + wood

For such a construction, it will be necessary to erect a columnar base, and only then begin assembling the frame.

The work order is as follows:

The area is being leveled. Marking in progress.
According to the project, holes up to a meter deep (it all depends on the type of soil) and up to 50 cm wide are dug along the perimeter of the structure.
A 10 cm layer of sand and crushed stone is poured into the bottom of the pits.
Wooden posts, pre-treated with antiseptics, are installed in these openings. For better waterproofing of the building, the part of the support that will be concreted is wrapped with roofing felt.
The pillars are filled with mortar. Their evenness is checked by a level.
The foundation will dry out within a week. During this time, it must be moistened with water so that it does not crack.
The next step is installation of the logs. To do this, it is better to take a 5*15 cm beam. The logs are installed horizontally every 40–50 cm.
The flooring is made of wooden boards, previously treated with protective agents. Fastening - self-tapping screws.
Creating a pitched roof. The top trim is made with timber.
At the edges of the supports, grooves are cut into which the timber must fit to connect all the posts. Fastening - nails or self-tapping screws.
Load-bearing rafters are installed.
The sheathing is being done.
The top of the gazebo must be covered with polycarbonate.

For an open structure, instead of walls, you can make a small fence or fence, decorating it with forging elements, and install a table with benches inside.

Frame made of profile pipe + polycarbonate cladding

According to reviews from builders, such a covered structure will be durable and will last for many years. To install the frame, metal pipes and corners should be used.

Photo: profile pipe frame is ready

All main work is carried out in the following sequence:

The area is marked. Spaces are allocated for supports.
It is necessary to dig holes up to 10 cm in diameter and up to a meter deep. Their number is indicated in the project.
20 cm of sand and crushed stone are placed at the bottom and compacted.
The pipes are leveled and spacers made of timber are made under them. They are concreted.
When the solution has completely hardened, you can proceed to the bottom trim.
Metal corners are welded to the fixed pipes and wooden logs with bolts are mounted on top of them.
The elements of the upper trim are welded.
It is better to create the roof frame on the ground and weld it ready-made to the main structure.
The metal parts of the building are treated with anti-corrosion agents.
The floor is laid with edged boards or filled with screed and laid tiles.
Polycarbonate sheets are pre-cut to the required sizes. They are attached to the roof using self-tapping screws with thermal washers. Sealant is applied to the joints.

In such a gazebo you can install a grill or barbecue. For fire safety purposes, a concrete floor with a thickness of at least 40 cm is poured. And the area around it is finished with fire-resistant materials.

Construction of a gazebo with a stove

It is possible to install a stove or other devices for cooking and heating in a polycarbonate gazebo. However, this combination requires compliance with several important recommendations. Among them:

When choosing a site for a structure, you need to take into account the wind rose and whether trees and shrubs will be adjacent to the structure. According to the rules, the distance of the building from the neighboring plot and trees must be at least 5 m.
A separate foundation must be laid under the stove, and the area near the firebox must be lined with fireproof materials.
For finishing you can use natural stone, facing bricks, tiles.
The installation of the furnace is carried out before installing the polycarbonate.

Construction prices in companies

If opportunities allow, then it is worth purchasing a ready-made version of the structure of various designs and sizes, or buying individual elements and assembling it yourself. You can also order production according to an individual project.

Photo: metal profiles and polycarbonate in skillful hands turn into an excellent place to relax

You can get acquainted with the assortment, prices and make a purchase through online stores or by contacting the office of the construction organization.

The cost of 1 m2 of monolithic polycarbonate is from 750 rubles, cellular - from 160 rubles.

How much the finished structure will cost depends on the consumption of materials, shape, finishing elements, delivery distance and manufacturer. The price for a summerhouse 1.7 m wide, 3 m long, 2.2 m high starts from 16,000 rubles or 6,500 UAH. But it will cost 25 thousand rubles (10 thousand UAH) and more.

Owners who want to bring to life the idea of creating an unusual building on their site can use the help of specialists or rely on their own strength. The main thing is that the end result is pleasing to the eye and brings pleasure.