Gazebo Build

[oakykokey]

Hi

I want to have built a gazebo in garden size 5x4metres so a fair size, i have been quoted for an oak but coming in well over budget,i am a newbie to woodworking!
What are the alternatives i am wating for a tanalised softwood quote, how would that compare to oak for longevity. Is it worth paying extra for oak?
Anybody have any reccomendations for a supplier in Leicestershire and a fitter?

Thanks!

 

[RobinBHM]

Who is quoting you? -is it a specialist oak framing company or maybe a gazebo company?

Maybe you could source the timber and get a chippie in to build it for you? (you would have to provide some drawings I expect).

Green oak isnt that expensive to buy, but it does need the right construction methods to cope with the movement.

Tannalised timber will have a limited lifespan in comparision to oak

 

[oakykokey]

I have drawings and its a timber company called coltmans they charging around £7000 including cedar shingles? labour on top!

 

[RobinBHM]

Maybe do oak posts, brackets and ring beam, then softwood for the roof structure (perhaps thats what they are anyway).

And then get a local chippie to cut, pitch and install it for you -it wouldnt be that difficult for a good carpenter to build.

Or buy just the oak frame from a specialist and source the rafters, shingles etc yourself.

Would somewhere like this be worth trying:

http://www.oakframesdirect.com/

 

[AJB Temple]

As a general guide the oak framing companies will charge you about four times the pcf price for green oak bought from a a timber yard. For that you get the deigned frame and the joints cut, and maybe delivery. Erection is extra. Personally I think this is exorbitant, but to do it yourself you do nee to be able to cut the joints well and handle timbers that can be quite heavy. Gazebo is a very easy build as long as you have got help for putting it up.

A lot of green oak is coming from France and I am paying around £22 pcf for QP1 grade at the moment. I can put you in touch with a reputable oak supplier if you are serious about it and PM me. You will need a cutting list. Stick to standard size timbers. They will also provide you with pre-cut braces (a faff if you lack a bandsaw) at about £40 a pop.

If I were using a bare timber finish oak beats softwood hands down. If you plan to paint it, softwood will be fine. Green oak is easy to work and very forgiving. You do need to have some modicum of skill to mark out and cut the joints but there are several books that show exactly how to do it. again PM me and I will recommend something suitable if you want.

Oddly enough I will be building one myself soon when I have got the current two buildings done, as I want to create an outdoor bbq kitchen.