Gazebo Design Instructions

Choose the materials that you want to work with in your design. Wood is a standard option in the building of many gazebos, but you still need to pick a type of wood that fits in with the rest of your outdoor decor.

Pick out the main color for the gazebo, such as the hues found in outdoor paint or stains if you are working with wood. With other materials, such as concrete, color can be added while it is mixed.

Look through design magazines and the Internet to decide on a shape for your gazebo. An octagon is one of the most conventional shapes of these structures, but you can design it in any silhouette that you feel best fits the space in your yard.

Consider your outdoor lighting needs when designing a gazebo. Think about the time of day that the area will be used the most. Look into green landscaping options, such as solar powered lights, so you don't have to worry about wiring.

Think about the smaller details of your design, such as seating areas and display tables. Account for even small things like potted plants in your plan.