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January 15, 2015
There are different types of foundations you can use for your gazebo. Find the time to lay a fantastic and sturdy foundation and you will be able to enjoy your gazebo for years. There is nothing to become harried or upset about even if the gazebo is built on soft, inclined, or rugged terrain. There are ways to lay a solid and strong foundation so that the structure you are going to erect is robust and level notwithstanding the type of terrain it is built on.Patio Stones
Patio stones are the easiest way you can support the wooden floor. They make for a formidable foundation when the ground is relatively level and the structure is not too large. Patio stones can be used for the foundation if your gazebo is less than 14 ft. They are easily available from local building suppliers and are easy on your pocket.You need to lay out the patio stone foundation in proportion to the size of the frame. Start by placing one stone under each gazebo right-side up and one or two stones at the center of the floor. The patio stones must not surpass the floor in its perimeter otherwise the installation of the skirting will become affected. Ascertain that one patio stone is placed squarely “beneath” the runners.Once this exercise is over, you can start leveling the entire floor with shims. Any materials which are handy in leveling the floor over the patio stones are called shims. They are made of wood or metal but cedar shims are most popular because of their durability.Irrespective of the size of your gazebo floor, please make sure that the stones stand upright underneath each gazebo.Recommended: To prevent the floor from sinking use 2″ x 12″ x 24″ (or 24″ x 24″) patio stones to distribute your gazebo foundation uniformly across a large surface area. Adding an even layer of crushed stones underneath the patio stones can help with drainage and will achieve a level ground for the foundation.Cinder Blocks
These are a suitable and judicious choice for a foundation option and another easy way to level your gazebo floor. These too are available at the local building supplier or home improvement store and can be used to level gazebo floors on not too inclined surfaces.Cinder blocks come in 8”x16” and offer inexorable strength but can cause the gazebo to sink if the underlying surface is soft. Therefore, it is essential to use a number of such cinder blocks and overlapping rows to overcome any chances of sinking.Recommended: Add a skirt to your structure to hide the cinder block foundation. Usually, a single row of skirting comes with the kit which can be used to cover the foundation lying below. Skirting can also help keep troublesome critters away from the bottom of the gazebo.Super Spikes
Super spikes can be used when one end of the gazebo has to be raised to give a level foundation and where you want to avoid the drudgery of pouring footings. In certain cases, you may want to raise the floor of your gazebo. Only super spikes will enable you to achieve this.Before a visit to the local building supplier to purchase super spikes, it is essential to go through the rules and codes for construction within your jurisdiction.Super spikes should be used in warmer regions, which are not likely to suffer snowing/frosting.Recommended: If the gazebo is raised, then you can consider attaching a skirt, lattice, or stairs to mask the foundation.Sonotube/Concrete Footings
Sonotube or concrete footings is used when the gazebo requires to be raised, where the ground is uneven or where building permit is necessary. They are expensive to install but are a fantastic foundation on highly inclined surfaces. Concrete footings are not included in the kit and it is better to seek professional help.Recommended: Hire a contractor who is aware of the building codes in your area and will raise the structure in a way that complies with them.Concrete Pads
Concrete pads are a concrete base on which to mount the walls of your gazebo. This option is used for hot tub which cannot be supported by a wooden floor, or if you were going to house pool equipment such as a heater, filter, or a pump or if you were going to install a plumbing system.Concrete pads are usually used when the buildings are large and may need a permanent foundation. For a better look, you can install a flagstone on the concrete pad. Flagstone is popular with people who want a textured or colored gazebo floor to match their garden or as a rustic look for a backyard.Concrete pads are an expensive option where the installation ought to be left to a professional. Professionals are aware of the building codes in your area and will ensure that your structure adheres to those rules.January 15, 2015
