Well... Contractor has been booked far in advance and I haven't had spare time anyway so haven't done much with my lake this summer. I still plan to drain it down to a depth of 10' or so and then do some work this fall and most next summer.

Now I'm thinking ahead to building a gazebo on the island. Not your regular gazebo. I'm thinking a three story one. First floor for get togethers, grilling, etc. Second floor screened in for sleeping. Top floor with a balcony for star-gazing and trespasser / wildlife watching.

Here is where I need advice. I thought about using wood posts as the supports; but I don't want coons climbing them and tearing up my mosquitoe screens or defecating. Plus wood eventually rots. I thought about using heavy iron posts (oil field casing); but someone pointed out that a tall iron structure on an island surrounded by water might attract lightning. That may not be a good thing. I thought about getting some 8" PVC and filling it with concrete. I'm not certain how strong that would be.

I've searched the web unsuccessfully so far. This site has a lot of people on it with a wide range of knowledge. Any advice or good links you've found?

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