This tutorial will show you how to build a lattice walled gazebo and sunroom / screened porch.

The first step to building the lattice walled gazebo is to lay down a section of foundation large enough for whatever purpose the gazebo will serve. I find 6x6 is a nice size, so that's what I'd like to use for this project. Brick, lattice, or column deck foundation will work for the base of the gazebo, choose whichever goes best with the style of the house on the property.

Next, use the room tool to place a room over the entire foundation.

Go up to the second floor and take out the lattice foundation tool. Drag from one corner to the diagonal opposite, and you will find your second floor covered by decking.

Back on the first floor, lets remove the walls in the areas we want lattice to be. In this case, there are two wall panels in the center that will remain, and the two on either side will be removed. Do this on each side of the gazebo.

Lets head back up to the second floor and once again use the lattice deck tool from corner to corner over the entire area.

Now we have lattice walls where the normal walls have been removed!

We could add doors in the center, but as this is a gazebo it's best to open it up by removing the wall sections now.

Then lets add a 2x2 room in the center of the second floor.

Fill the room with the lattice deck tool by dragging from corner to corner on the third floor level.

This time we want the entire 2x2 room enclosed with lattice, so remove all of the walls.

Then repeat dragging the lattice foundation over the deck on the third floor.

For a more traditional gazebo lets clip the corners of the gazebo with the diagonal lattice tool.

Then clip the foundation of the gazebo as well.

Select stairs and add them to each entryway.

Cover the gazebo with a hipped roof by dragging from corner to corner on the diagonal. Then do the same for the 2x2 "room" on the third floor.

Add plants/trees to the surrounding area as you like.

Some cheat codes are helpful when it comes to decorating the gazebo. Use them as needed to decorate as you like, and be sure to turn them off when you're done.

moveobjects on

boolprop snapobjectstogrid false

boolprop allow45degreeangleofrotation true

For a more interesting floor pattern, try laying down some flower border in the design of your choice before adding flooring, then mix and match.

Be sure to remove the flower border when you're happy with your floor design.

And there's the finished project!

Now if you'd like a screened porch, or a sunroom, you can add one to an existing house, or build your house around one. I'm going to add one to this demo house, just as an example.

First, remove any stairs/plants/fencing and anything else that might be in the way, then lay down a section of foundation the size that you'd like for your sunroom. Make sure it's large enough that you can "go inside" with the camera for picture taking. The lattice walls are foundation, so they do not drop as regular walls do.

Make your new addition look like it's always been there by making sure the foundation paint and flooring match the look of your home.

Now use the room tool to add walls around the foundation area.