Part 2: Installing Plywood & Underlayment – DIY Gazebo Roof Installation

Now that the planning is complete, we move on to the physical installation. In this part we install the plywood sheeting, underlayment, metal drip edge, and starter course.

Installing plywood sheeting on gazebo roof during DIY project — Part 2: Installing Plywood Sheeting

Installing the Plywood Sheeting

Use standard framing nails (75mm long shank) and nail the plywood at 150mm centres along the edges and 300mm centres in the field.

Storm Nailing Tip: In high wind areas or roofs over 8 metres high, nail the entire sheet every 150mm.

Plywood sheets placed with 2-3mm expansion gap on short ends — Plywood Placement with Expansion Gap

Plywood Placement
Leave a 2–3mm gap on the short ends of the plywood to allow for expansion, but butt the tongue and groove ends tightly together.

Safe scaffolding setup for working at heights on gazebo roof — Working at Heights – Safe Scaffolding

Safety Note – Working at Heights

Working above 2 metres is considered “working at heights”. Use proper scaffolding for safety.

Installing metal drip edge along bottom of plywood roof — Installing Metal Drip Edge

Installing the Metal Drip Edge

The drip edge protects the bottom edge of the plywood from moisture. Overlap pieces by 100mm. Never nail through two layers of metal drip edge.

Rolling out asphalt saturated felt underlayment on roof — Applying Asphalt Saturated Felt Underlayment

Applying Asphalt Saturated Felt Underlayment

Starting at the bottom, roll out the felt material. Overlap vertical joins by 100mm and horizontal joins by 50mm. Staple it down securely.

Next Step: Part 3 – Laying Asphalt Shingles & Flashing