Instructions: Very simple to use. Every time you make a change in any of the fields, the other fields are updated accordingly. The results are rounded to the nearest 1/16".
Octagon Layout Calculator
WHAT IS IT? It's a carpenter's aid for laying out a perfect octagon. Seeing as it's tolerance is to the nearest 1/16", it's no good for small projects such as jewlery boxes.
The Octagon Layout Calculator is a handy carpenter's tool for laying out a perfect octagon. Use it to calculate your gazebo layout. Very simple to use. Accurate to 1/16".
The Garden Rustic Octagon Gazebo is one of the most simple and cost effective octagonal gazebos to build. The entire gazebo is constructed out of rough sawn (not dressed, smoothed, or surfaced) lumber, which in most parts is readily available and cheaper than dressed lumber. Rough sawn lumber does not require painting and it gives off an appealing rustic look. The Octagon Layout Calculator is a great carpenter's tool for laying out a perfect octagon. Use it to calculate your gazebo layout.
Of course, it’s not mandatory to give your wood gazebos a platform base or to even include all the other structural elements that a traditional gazebo has. A cool interpretation of a wood gazebo is the Fire Pit Gazebo Swingset pictured above.
It only includes a simple frame built around a firepit with swings hanging around it. It’s a very casual and fun idea to which you can add a roof. Or you can assemble additional features that would make your own fire pit gazebo better suited for you and your garden.
(1) Measure out a hexagon and marked where all the posts would be.
(2) Were going to be setting six 10 foot 6x6 treated posts, so you need to get down a good three feet in the ground.
(3) After Holes are dug, it's time to put in some posts. Figure using around 16 bags of quickset concrete.
(4) The posts are heavy so be carful and get some help putting them in the holes.
(5) Made sure each post is plumb and level before setting them with concrete.
(6) You can use a chainsaw to cut the top pieces, which were also 6x6 treated.
Measure between each base post and used 2x6's to determine the angle needed for each top 6x6.
(7) Used large lag screws to secure the top braces into the posts.
(8) Once the main top 6x6 supports are up, angle cut and screw in treated 2x6's inside the hexagon for additional stability.
(9) Put down Preen pellets and then weed guard to (hopefully) keep the weeds and grass out.
(10) Purchase 3/8 pea gravel for the main area and then put sand and pavers down for the fire pit base.
(11) Order 3 cedar swings if you want to include them. Hang the swings with big eye bolts.
