Timber frame gazebo kit review: Cornelis pitched roof
- Pitched roof timber frame of about 4.60 x 6.60 m, adaptable to your size
- Solid Douglas fir or oak, 18 x 18 cm posts, 7.0 x 18 cm roof beams
- Douglas fir £6,965.77, oak £12,538.38 for the timber frame (price on 12 November 2026)
- Lead time about 8 weeks after you approve the construction drawing
Our verdict point by point
| Point | Our verdict |
|---|---|
| Durability | Good, above ground. Oak is durability class 2, Douglas fir 3 to 4. Neither is meant for ground contact, so the posts stand on a foundation. |
| Appearance | A classic barn shape with a pitched roof, gently curved braces and an overhang of about 30 cm on every side. |
| Assembly | Numbered kit with a construction drawing and a 3D animation. Mortise and tenon and half lap joints, secured with timber pegs in pre-drilled holes. |
| Maintenance | Timber above ground under its own roof. Oak and Douglas fir do move, so drying checks are part of the deal. |
| Price | Douglas fir £6,965.77, oak £12,538.38, for the frame. |
| Lead time | About 8 weeks after you approve the drawing. |
See the Cornelis timber frame with pitched roof
What convinces us
- Plenty of covered space. At about 4.60 x 6.60 m the Cornelis is our roomiest pitched roof. A big table, a lounge set and the barbecue all fit underneath.
- Overhang all round. The roof overhangs about 30 cm on every side, not just the front, which keeps rain off the posts and joints.
- No screws in the frame. Mortise and tenon and half lap joints, pegged with timber pegs. Real craftsmanship you can see at every joint.
- Heavy sections. 18 x 18 cm posts and 7.0 x 18 cm roof beams. The frame looks solid because it is.
- Drawing first. You get a digital construction drawing and a 3D animation to check before we start. Nothing is made until you approve it.
- Room to grow. Roof boarding, walls, sliding panels or steel doors can be added later.
The downsides
- Cost. Even in Douglas fir this is not a cheap structure, and oak costs nearly twice as much. The price is for the timber frame.
- Waiting time. Allow about 8 weeks after approving the drawing.
- Build it soon after delivery. Put the frame up within 1 to 2 weeks if you can. Until then, store the timber covered with air flow at the sides so it does not distort.
- Timber moves. Oak and Douglas fir shrink as they dry and can check. Oak contains tannins that turn black with iron, so use stainless fixings.
- It needs space. With the overhang the Cornelis is bigger than its base size. In a small garden it soon dominates.
Not sure the Cornelis fits your garden? Call us on +49 2821 7483051 or send us a sketch.
Who it suits, and who it suits less
A good fit for
- A large garden where you want to live outdoors, with plenty of cover.
- Anyone after a classic barn shape with traditional joinery.
- Self builders who want a numbered kit and a clear drawing.
Less suitable for
- A small or narrow garden. Look at a smaller model instead.
- Anyone who needs a structure within a few weeks.
- Anyone after a crisp modern look. Our modern black range is made for that.
Comparison: Cornelis or Berend with pitched roof
The alternative in our own range is the Berend timber frame with pitched roof. Same build, same 18 x 18 cm posts, but smaller and so cheaper.
| Cornelis pitched roof | Berend pitched roof | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Our roomiest pitched roof, about 4.60 x 6.60 m | Smaller |
| Douglas fir | £6,965.77 | £5,818.47 |
| Oak | £12,538.38 | £10,571.57 |
| Posts | 18 x 18 cm | 18 x 18 cm |
| Lead time | About 8 weeks | About 8 weeks |
Our advice: choose Douglas fir for the shape at a sharper price, and oak for the heaviest, most refined finish. Any size is possible; the calculator shows our standard models as a starting point. Prices on 12 November 2026.
More of our reviews: Berend flat roof veranda review and timber frame barn kit review.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Cornelis timber frame?
The standard model is about 4.60 x 6.60 m, with an overhang of about 30 cm on every side. As we always build to measure, it can be larger or smaller.
Oak or Douglas fir for a gazebo kit?
Oak is more durable (class 2), heavier and looks more refined. Douglas fir (class 3 to 4) is lighter, easier to work and cheaper. Both suit a covered structure above ground.
Do you need screws to build the frame?
Not for the frame itself. The mortise and tenon and half lap joints are secured with timber pegs that you tap into the pre-drilled holes.
Price your timber frame in the calculator
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