Gazebo Timber

[oldmisery]

Does anyone know where I can purchase materials to construct a gazebo in excess of a 5 mtr. square . The constraints in length appear to max. at 4.8 mtrs.
I live in the Chester/ North Wales area, and would be delighted to end my search for " Timber Holy Grail. " If not, it's the saw attack on the decking patio.

[buildersmate]

I don't think timber is sold in std lengths longer than 4.8m - not at econimic prices, anyway.
When I have constructed long pergolos (greater than 4.8m long) I use the galvanised steel tie strap material that is sold in builders' merchants to join the long lengths together. This could work for you.
I make the long sections out of material that is about 150mm x 45mm, treated sawn timber.
The tie straps are relatively cheap and are pre-drilled with holes that I can put chunky screw through. The x-section of the tie material is about 30mm x 5mm thick - it's quite tough stuff.

[The Builder]

Yes, Merchants can get lengths of 6m or more, but they have to order it in. Although, for some small sizes, they hold up to 5.4m.

For a 5m span, you'll need some fairly big sections (depending on how far the roof timbers are spaced.) Even at 400mm centres, you might need 200mm x 75mm (8x3) ........... that's just to carry their own "self-weight".

Might I suggest you have a "purlin" at the middle point of say ......... 2 8x2s bolted together to give an overall 8x4. (This is much stronger than one 8x4.)

Then you'll only need approx 2.6m lengths of 4x2 bearing on the two sides of the structure, with their other ends bearing on the purlin.