This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. (6) You can use a chainsaw to cut the top pieces, which were also 6x6 treated. Here are some tips on how to build a hip roof for a gazebo: 1. Mix it up and choose a flat roof instead, similar to several Gazebo Penguin solariums Ive reviewed before. By adjusting the same plan-view triangle used to calculate the run of the hip, you can determine the run of the jack. Enter half the thickness of the rafter (34-in.). Its not difficult as youve already had to install the floor railings. Do the ones that are the longest first and gradually work your way out to the edge. Smart tip:Drill pilot holes in the components before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. The next step of the project is to install the roofing slats. Other than the fact that they look absolutely stunning if done right, open-roofed gazebos aka cantilever roofed gazebos have a surprising number of benefits. Your email address will not be published. It should run from one support to another support along the shorter side. If you like to add a personal touch to the outdoor gazebo, we recommend you to consider using 26 slats to build the railings, instead of the 22 balusters. Make sure the roof looks symmetrical. Lock the shingles into place with galvanized nails, making sure the next row covers them. Building a gazebo roof. you can use this method to make all size of octagon shapes! I used 77 tiles for this tutorial. Everything should fit easily, withoutapplying too much force. 12.9887 = 12-in. The part where the rafters meet the king post needs to be perfectly insulated. Another great thing about wooden roofs is that theyre easy to repair and replace. These all relate to rectangular style gazebos - the ornate problems of the hexagonal or octagonal gazebo roof are not covered here. Work with 3-tab shingle strips. Step 3 - Obtaining the Wood Visit your local hardware or lumber store to purchase the wood for your gazebo project. Keep it classic in the backyard with an octagon-shaped gazebo. Step 1: Clear the Area. The main roof is framed similarly to the single tiered roof. Use screws to fasten the joint where two walls meet. Some of us dont like closed roofs and thats okay! A backyard gazebo gives you a more sheltered and intimate space. This ring sits at the top of the posts and is built similarly to the outside beam structure of your foundation, if you chose the straight decking model. The best option would be to get a pre-designed kit and assemble it in your backyard. What is left over after measuring off each corner is the length of the sides. There are three main measurements: Corner to peak: measure from the top of the leg to the top of the gazebo's peak. Start with building a level base. Except for the portion that will be enclosed by the roof, the turret is sheathed and shingled on the deck. You will need 4 large posts for the corners. Afterwards, you should build the railings of the gazebo. With most of the crew lifting from inside, the turret roof is moved to its location on the exterior wall. This frame is the same dimensions as the bottom frame ring of the second tier. Fasten them to the substructure at the bottom with lag screws and toenail the posts together through the mitered edge. While you can cut parts of an octagonal gazebo on your own, the whole process can be quite complicated and time-consuming. Flat roofs are cheaper to install than pitched roofs because of their plain structure. Then I recheck and adjust the octagon until its measurements are exact. Remove the sod with a rented sod cutter. WELLFOR. Building the bottom layer with plywood might be a bit easier. An octagon frame takes the place of the spire to hold the place for the second roof tier. Step 1 - Draw the Gazebo floor with the Custom Room Tool. Install all eight posts, in the same manner described above. Just make sure that there is enough space in your yard to accommodate a gazebo. Build the rafters from 24 lumber, cutting the ends at about 25. You just have to install the rafters on the right spots. Use a saw to make the cuts to the beam, as shown in the diagram. ), then PRESS Run. Consult your plan for thickness. 9-7/16-in. When all the rafters and the fascia are in place, my crew and I nail on most of the sheathing, leaving a place for access from inside the third floor. During ancient times, these . 1 Build the posts. All Rights Reserved. If you dont want to drive in nails through the top railings, you could also use 11 redwood molding as nailing cleats. This 10 foot by 12 foot kit features a weather-resistant canopy and netting. However, you have to take a look at different octagonal gazebo plans before you purchase a kit. I like to build the entire turret on the deck near where it will be located, but away from the edge so that my crew can frame, sheathe, and roof the entire structure without staging or extension ladders. How About An Ancient Favorite: An Octagonal Gazebo Roof? All of our gazebo plans are custom made, and custom designed using the latest and greatest CAD software packages available. Outside Living. Also, follow Nadya on. If youve changed your mind about an octagonal gazebo check the rest of our gazebo ideas for more inspiration. While most of them are Victorian-inspired, theres virtually no limit when it comes to roof designs. Once the template is in place you can then mark out the footing hole positions. While there are different websites that offer you gazebo plans and gazebo ideas, you can design DIY gazebo plans using computer software like Sketchup. Great step by step plans, unfortunately, the material list does not list any quantities. Alternatively you can use pick walls, set a desired Overhang on the Options Bar (just make sure your walls are forming a good octagon first). A good gazebo plan should have detailed diagrams and information that will guide you as you are building a gazebo in your garden/yard. Do you have a romanticized vision of a gazebo in your yard? 10- Octagon Gazebo Plans These DIY gazebo plans will provide you with a cost effective 8-foot octagon gazebo that will enhance the beauty of any size backyard. Octagonal roofs look quite similar to double ceilings, except instead of having four sides, they have eight. How to Build a Hip Roof for a Gazebo . In addition to more living space, Fowler believed that octagonal roofed gazebos naturally let in more light compared to four-sided pavilions. As the name hints, these are short rafters that are used to provide some extra support to the whole roof structure. Standard: Unfinished. If you want your gazebo to blend in better, choose shingles in a colour that matches the roof of your house. The roof style you are most likely to consider is the square or rectangular "hip" style, in which four equally pitched . Cut a 6" long, 1-1/2" wide notch at the top of each post. Use a table saw to cut off the octagonal kingpost using a 44 post, or buy one from your local diy store. Before you can build a gazebo on your property, you'll need to establish a clear, preferably level area. To mark the hips birds mouths, slide the framing square along the plumb line until the HAP (height above plate) reads the same as the common rafter. Just make sure to treat the slats with appropriate products, against rot. Patio Decks. A pitched roof has excellent water draining properties, but you still need to insulate the roof with tar paper. To cover the roof, join the plywood sheets to the rafters with 1 1/2 nails. Plus, as theyre made of metal, you can bend and twist them to whatever design fits your gazebo whether its four-sided, octagonal, or even flat. Side traverses should be placed on the traverses that you had installed earlier on. Calculate the hip-rafter length Enter adjusted common run (4 ft. There are a few steps you need to take before building a homemade gazebo. Hang the swings with big eye bolts. A gazebo has a concrete or wood base. Mark and cut your rafter ends according to your plan, so that the end of each rafter is vertical. Heres what you need to have at hand: Tip: If you dont have all the tools, try to borrow from a friend instead of buying. The design should be able to withstand weather conditions in your geographical area (wind, snow, and heavy rainfall). Cut the center spire according to your plans. This woodworking venture requires many carpentry skills, so we recommend you to ask a skilled friend to assist you, if you dont have an extensive expertise in this field. This is why I decided to share some of my favorite gazebo roofing ideas with my lovely readers. In comparison, traditional roofing materials can heat up to 190F on a hot summer day, with a good portion of heat transferring into the gazebo. First of all, you have to set the layout of the octagonal gazebo on the construction site. To make your gazebo stand out, place a small wooden or acrylic decorative element, a bird, a star, etc. On the other hand, you could also get the done done by installing 26 boards, as in the plans. This makes it easier for you to fix the walls of the gazebo. For a small square gazebo, 4 posts will do. Drive it in 18 inches. Drawing of the roof of an octagonal gazebo. to equal 1 ft. 9-116-in. (5) Made sure each post is plumb and level before setting them with concrete. The expense isnt worth it if youre not big on home improvement projects. Then I start building the base. After covering the whole surface, we recommend you to cover the edges with strips of tar paper and lock them into place with staples. The angle between the rafters should be 90 degrees. Make sure that the screws are long enough to hold different pieces of timber. minus half the ridge (1-78-in.) You need to pay special attention to the top of your gazebo roof. Use the known angle formed by the common and hip runs in the center of an octagon, which is always 22.5. Whether you want to build a garden gazebo, a hot tub gazebo, or just a place to hang out in the backyard, we have the right set of gazebo plans that you are looking for. Use the 3-4-5 rule to make sure the corners are right angled and make sure the diagonals are equal. Put a building block at the corner joints just under the joists. Before getting too carried away, consider some practicalities, like cost, the size of your yard, the size of the structure, availability of materials, and who is going to build it. Based on the width of the gazebo and the pitch of the roof, this tool automatically returns critical information. Gazebos are also available in different shapes; octagonal shape and rectangular shape. Account for the thickness of the hip rafter. Double-tiered roofs have a second, smaller frame atop the main ceiling. Theyre often also combined with cupolas or corbels to make the roofs beauty pop even more. You have two options for this part. Features of our Backyard Octagon Gazebos. Adjusted run: half the turret base (4 ft. Battens are wooden boards, which are used to hold other parts of the roof. Measure and cut a shorter piece to fit between every two rafters, with a birds mouth, and the end mitered to fit against the blocking you installed. The sides are ripped at 3-34-in. Install the long pieces first. PRESS Diag. Roof decking, felt paper, and shingles are added to the upper roof section before it is installed. ), then PRESS Run. Gazebo plans share some common features with Deck plans and Pavilion plans. The roof assembly puts a lot of downward pressure in a very small area. After completing as much work as possible, the whole crew gets underneath the turret and walks it into place. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thank you for reading our article about gazebo plans freeand we recommend you to check out the rest of the plans. (10) Purchase 3/8 pea gravel for the main area and then put sand and pavers down for the fire pit base. The roof structure is supported by ripped down 4x4 posts fit together in pairs at each of the eight corners. A good gazebo plan should have detailed diagrams and information that will guide you as you are building a gazebo in your garden/yard. Center this assembly, making sure the rafters are placed on top of the posts. These free wooden gazebo plans will help you build a gazebo for your yard that will help guard you against the wind, rain, and sun while you enjoy the outdoors. Fasten the second tier roof assembly in place from underneath the octagonal frame. Make sure that each and every part has the right measurements. As you can see in the image, the rafters should overhang about 6-10. The first thing that you have to do is to assemble base frames to get an octagonal shape. Gazebo 10ft Octagon Assembly Sequence from Outdoor Living Today 2016 Outdoor Living Today 66.1K subscribers Subscribe 9.6M views 6 years ago 10ft Bayside Gazebo by Outdoor Living Today Assembly. You can still do it at this stage. Several posts ago, I reviewed some of the best gazebos available for purchase. Depending on the roofs thickness, design, and color, galvalume roofs are relatively budget-friendly. How to Build a DIY Cedar Planter Box in 4 Easy Steps, How to Repair A Canvas Gazebo Canopy (3 Methods), Make a DIY Self-Watering Planter Box Without Engineering PhD, Top rails: 8 pieces of 2 x 4 lumber with a length of 57 . Together, they work on creating beautiful outdoor spaces that serve as an extension of their home and inspire others to do the same. Of course, youll need to get the right tools and all the materials so your work wont be interrupted by an unscheduled trip to the store. The first step is to . Tip: For a professional result, you should put two layers of asphalt shingles on the roof. All rights reserved. Garden Ideas. But youll have to figure out a way not to damage the floor of the gazebo. Your email address will not be published. Roof boards should be placed in the rafters that you had fixed earlier. The Octagon Layout Calculator is a great carpenter's tool for laying out a perfect octagon. 8-116-in. Determine the centre of the octagon, mark the spot on the floor, and place whatever container you chose in place. The first step is to snap the turret-wall outline on the third-floor deck. A Top Notch Notch on Top. Read more in our Privacy Policy, P. O. Please read the FAQs: http://myoutdoorplans.com/faq/, Vague instructions for notching 44 for rafters such as how deep and at what angle due to slope of roof. An octagonal gazebo roof is a thing of beauty. It includes construction plans that are laid out in a step-by-step order, starting with framing gazebo components, erecting the walls and roof of the Gazebo, finishing the Gazebo with stucco, and finally landscaping the entire assembly. After getting this step done, you should install the asphalt shingles. The layout dimension is based on what to measure off each corner of an established square as wide as the gazebo. And dont forget to share with your friends! This means that youll never have to replace the roof ever again. The first time I saw an octagonal turret on a set of plans, I cringed. Therefore, we recommend you to use batter boards and string. Octagonal Patio Gazebo with Mosquito Net Metal Rectangle Screened Gazebo 10 x 12 ft. 2-Tier (Beige) Model # BASINGG81. Be sure the plan provides all of the necessary material measurements for the project. The side traverses should run along the longer side of the structure. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Homes Guide is part of PureMedia A gazebo kit comes with pre-designed short rafters. Make sure sure the rafters are secure properly, otherwise the whole structure wont be rigid enough. Standard sizes available 20' - 30' 12-Sided (Dodecagon) Once you finish installing the ridge board on your wooden gazebo, you have to add other roof supports. Jack run (1 ft. The center piece is ripped at 3-34-in. The rafters should be spaced out (at least 60 cm). For square or rectangular gazebos, a king post is optional. According to American phrenologist Orson Fowler, the very same man who popularized octagonal houses in the 19th century, an octagons geometry makes it the ideal shape for a gazebo. Because the roof sections are so small, there is little tolerance for out-of-plane members, so I check with a straightedge. Enter 22.5, then PRESS Pitch. The determining factor in dropping the hip is the thickness of that rafter. The light, flexible tiles can be installed on top of any existing hard surface such as wood, concrete and patio tiles. You'll need to excavate a nine-inch-deep area radiating out about 78 inches from the conduit. The bottom end is notched to fit over the edge of the outside plate. PRESS Diag to get the adjusted hip run, 5 ft. 11/16-in. Before you do that, put them into position and examine the structure so you know everything looks good. Once you finish fixing the wooden posts on the concrete floor, let the concrete cure. Dont forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. To secure the rafters, youll have to make a notch in the top part of each perimeter post. Fix the rafters to the gazebo using large bolts. Folly Gazebos: The prettiest among the lot, folly gazebos are purely ornamental. The standard gazebo is about 12 feet by 12 feet . Use the known angle formed by the common and hip runs in the center of an octagon, which is always 22.5. Home > Backyard > 30 Of The Best Gazebo Roofing Ideas: Learn More About Available Options To Get Inspired! After that, raise the joints and insert the core wooden block. Therefore, consider the octagon as a 12 square with cut off corners. The screws should be huge enough to hold those parts together. Therefore, you have to place the skids on concrete footings, as in the image. Worry not, my friend, for I have the ultimate list for you! Then you can plant a nice hanging plant with long leaves to cover the concrete container. Credit: Outdoor Living Today. Model # 41212MR-32. One of the last steps of the project is to install the asphalt shingles. Start off by looking for a garden gazebo design/plan for this DIY project. Enter one-half the thickness of the rafter (34-in. Cut 8 triangles of tar paper using the same measurements as in the above step. Turret-base width: 9 ft. 7-78-in. Concrete and wood are some of the most popular materials that are used to build the floor of a gazebo. Octagonal gazebo plans like this one make amazing outdoor structures for either a large or small yard. Our plans have tons of detail, included our unique . Place the decking boards on the base that you created earlier on. Truss roofs are generated almost entirely with engineering software and assembled by following a truss erection plan. I How to build an octagonal gazebo roof step by step I.I Step 1 - Gather your materials I.II Step 2 - Get your tools I.III Step 3 - Put up the king post I.IV Step 4 - Framing the roof of the octagonal gazebo I.V Step 5 - Build the bottom layer of the roof I.VI Step 6 - Waterproof the roof I.VII Step 7 - Shingle the roof Gazebos: How to Install a Gazebo Railing and Trim. Once you place the traverses in the right position, use screws to fasten them on the adjacent traverses. For an octagonal gazebo, its a must. Simplicity at its finest! Your email address will not be published. 1) The Raised Gazebo Design Plan 2) The Mighty Helpful Gazebo Plan 3) The Shaded Gazebo Design 4) The Tall and Airy Gazebo 5) The Prefab Gazebo 6) Backyard Sanctuary Gazebo Plan 7) Octagonal Gazebo Plans 8) Grill and Gazebo in One 9) The Redwood Gazebo 10) Western Red Cedar Gazebo 11) The Pointed Gazebo 12) Classic Gazebo Style For Special Events Roofing boards are used to hold different parts of the roof. When complete, the base is blocked up so that the rafters with tails can be installed. The task doesnt require heavy tools, so you probably have what you need already. ), then PRESS Run. Install two rafters against each flat face of the octagon and one at each corner of the roof. Pay attention when installing the ridge caps, as a poor installation would allow water to damage the roof sheeting. [1] Mark out an even 8 by 8 ft (2.4 by 2.4 m) square where you want the gazebo to go and then dig holes for the posts using a post hole digger. Solar panels are among the greatest inventions of mankind. The top section of the roof, or cupola, rises up out of the lower roof once assembled, with vents on all eight faces. If thats whats stopping you from building the gazebo of your dreams, weve got you covered. Assembling the bottom rafters - 1010 hip gazebo. Mark, then cut off the corners as shown in the photo with step 1 and Figure A (in Project PDFs below). Support the octagon from underneath to hold it at the proper height and level. On the other hand, as in the case of any woodworking project, you have to take accurate measurements, otherwise the parts might not fit together properly. Step 4 - Building a gazebo on a deck. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. After installing the rafters into place, you can braces from the posts. Use screws to fasten the joints of the frames. This divides the 3-1/2" overall width of the "44" into thirds. A ridge board runs from the apex of one truss to the apex of another truss. Thank you A rectangular gazebo might require 6, and an octagonal one 9. Most frames are made from a 2 x 6 plank of wood. Enter adjusted hip run (5 ft. As a result, open roofs are exceptionally cost-efficient because they dont require you to install extra lights or turn them on when the sun is out. Afterwards, attach two rafters to opposite sides of the kingpost. A short rafter should be placed on both sides of the corner rafter at a certain angle. Nail the shingles with several roofing nail, leaving about 1 from the edge. Cut a birds mouth in each rafter and miter the upper end to fit flush against the octagon center frame. Gazebo Size. Use screws to fasten them to the corner posts. Building the floor of the gazebo is not difficult if you use the right plans. Back To AnyCalculator.com After that, use Shingles to cover the roof of your gazebo. The DIY Gazebo This gazebo was created by a man who wanted to build his wife her dream gazebo but knew he couldn't afford the price of a prefab one. Secure a rope long enough to pass over the entire gazebo structure to the ground on the opposite side, to the second tier roof assembly. Easy to build with minimalistic design elements, pergolas are sturdy and highly functional. Enter adjusted common run (4 ft. Its structure is made out of solid Teak, with closed half railings to provide more privacy , using large cut pieces of bamboo. After removing the blocking, we nail the turret base to the deck and start to fill in the rest of the roof. Additionally, theyre faster and less disruptive to install. In order to get the job done in a professionally manner and quickly, we recommend you to assemble the frieze on ground level (after you took accurate measurements) and then install them into place by toenailing the top and bottom rail to the 44 posts. 11- Screened Kit DIY Gazebo Design No bugs, but plenty of shade and cool breezes are inside this DIY Screened Gazebo built from a kit. Half-moon shapes cut from 2x4 with a band saw create an open rail section between the two octagons. by 14-1/2-in. The style is cohesive throughout with mostly white lattice, which continues even up to the roof. You can use cedar shingles, which need to be placed individually. They should rest on the two traverses found on both ends of the wooden gazebo. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What Size Snow Blower Do I Need?, How Much Does A Tractor Weigh? A rafter is a triangular wooden structure that supports the roof. (record the rise for calculating the hip rafter). 2023, DIY Deck Plans. Shingles are among my favorite gazebo roofing options because they come in many designs, colors, and textures. You can use wood, corrugated iron, galvalume the choice is yours! Your email address will not be published. In order to lock them into position, you could either toenail them with 4 screws, or use corner brackets. In fact, its said that the average life expectancy of corrugated iron roofing is over 50 years! After that, place a waterproof layer on the roofing board; this will protect your gazebo from rain. Gazebo's can cost anywhere from $7,000 or $10,000, or even up to $15,000 to purchase and have installed at your home. The cost to build a gazebo ranges between $7,500 and $10,000, with the average homeowner paying $8,750 to build a 9 ft. screened cedar gazebo with a single roof . After that, get the necessary materials that are required to build the gazebo in your garden. Place the balusters equally-spaced, if you want to get a professional result. Ever wondered what slippery floors and trash bags have in common? Lock the rims and intermediate joists into position, by toenailing them with 6 long screws. Lag bolt them to the posts and toenail each end where it meets the inside face of the outside octagon. A truss distributes the weight of the roof evenly on all the wooden parts and holds the roof sturdily. Select sketching option Polygon (either circumscribed or inscribed), sketch the desired size roof. A post shared by Meghan Register (@meghan.register). Theyre likewise among the easiest roofing materials to install, which means you dont have to worry about hiring an expensive contractor if you know the basics of DIY. This step by step outdoor project is about gazebo roof framing. Here are all the materials you need to get ready: If youve already installed the top railings, so much the better. Don't forget to install the metal anchors in the concrete. You must also fill any holes with compacted soil to make the ground level. Octagonal Gazebo Plans This can be either constructed as a standalone structure or can attach this to the structure of your building. Place two trusses on both ends of the wooden gazebo. Mounting hardware included. If you notice any gap between the wooden post and the metal support, you can fill it with some silicone and tar. Building a hip roof for a gazebo is not as difficult as it may seem at first. Assemble the outside ring first. The main joists are not enough to support the decking, therefore we recommend you to install rims and intermediate joists at middle of the main joists. This guide is intended for a 10 ft octagonal gazebo where each side of the octagon is 2 . Credit: Shutterstock. I.III Step 1 - The base layer I.IV Step 2 - Trim the edges I.V Step 3 - The final layer I.VI Step 4 - Put in the ridge caps II How to roof a gazebo so it lasts Whether you're building a gazebo from scratch, assembling a gazebo from a kit, or just have trouble with a leaking roof on your old one, there's no need to worry. Always mix shingles from different bundles to make sure any differences in shade wont be noticeable. ALL wood pressure treated. These gazebo plans are for a wide variety of shapes - such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, and octagonal. These steps include: Obtaining permits Check for underground utility lines Create a plan Once you've cleared the pre-building stage and have all your tools and materials, you can begin building. After building the king post, you need to lock it into place with a 44 post (138 long). 6 /12. They will help to stiffen the structure. 11/16-in. Get it nearly finished, then slide it in place. Use fasteners long enough to go through both pieces and into the posts. Also, the wooden traverse should be placed on the wooden supports in a strategic manner; the sides of the transverse should hang from the support at an equal distance. While this might be more expensive than doing it on your own in the comfort of your home, it helps you save some time. Not to mention, gazebo plans might have different shapes. Rafters of the roof. (1) Measure out a hexagon and marked where all the posts would be. While not as elaborate, theyll undoubtedly give off a beautiful, dramatic flare to your backyard. More on this:How to Shingle a Gazebo Roof. Figure using around 16 bags of quickset concrete. Irrespective of your choice, we recommend you to take accurate measurements and to make proper cuts with circular saw. . And most of the time, building it yourself is still cheaper than ordering a kit and putting it up. However, you still need to account for the thickness of the hip rafter so that the jack layout remains true. The roof of a gazebo can be its most defining visual element. = 4 ft. 8-116-in. For added stability, consider . Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Resurfaced pressure treated southern yellow pine lumber. Step by Step Guide to Building a Rectangular Gazebo, How to Build a Gazebo With a Kit (Octagonal Gazebo). Smart tip: When installing the top rail, make sure you use a spirit level, otherwise the railings wont have a neat look. If youre not a big fan of cantilever roofs, you can instead get a partially open roof. The existing. Support the octagon from underneath to hold it at the proper height and level. This decorative element is optional, but we recommend you to consider building a frieze from 14 or 24 lumber, if you want to obtain a unique look and a unforgettable design. PRESS Diag = 3 ft. 1-316-in. If Ian isnt busy working on his latest project, you can find him reading up about another one! A gazebo is a structure that makes it easier for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery in your home. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1216 Lean to Pavilion Roof Free PDF Download, HowToSpecialist How to Build, Step by Step DIY Plans, Lay out the outline of the gazebo is a professional manner, using batter boards and string, Use adjustable post anchors, to secure the posts into place, Plumb the posts using post level clips (a level that reads in both directions simultaneously).