Outdoor Structures: A Guide to Choose a Great Gazebo for Your Garden

Home and garden designers are heavily relied on for suggesting what can be done to beautify our homes to the maximum. The degree to which this can be attained is dependent on how effectively you have communicated your design ideas and how they can be implemented further. Functionality-wise, gazebos maximize outdoor space, provide shade in the sweltering summer months, and permit entertaining guests in your garden in an aesthetically pleasing manner. So it is indeed an added bonus to have one in your yard.

Here are certain guidelines to assist you with regard to setting up the gazebo of your choice.

Choice of Material

Traditionally, metal gazebos compliment Spanish or Mediterranean style outdoor furniture. These are mostly used in public parks since they are more durable in the face of vandalism and do not yield under pressure.  The only downside is that they have to be re-painted or re-coated with wax at least bi-annually to prevent corrosion.

Vinyl gazebos are the most cost-effective. Sadly, they are not as durable. So in spite of being a visual treat, they will inevitably need to be replaced or used with caution.

As the most common choice of building material, wood ensures maximum durability for the gazebo. Not only do some gazebos last as long as 30 plus years, but they also harmonize with the theme of nature in your garden. It is therefore no surprise that homeowners select wooden gazebos to replicate a feeling of natural comfort and relaxation.

Selection of Design

Gazebos may have semi-open roofs with openings to alter the degree of shade being provided. Alternately, they can be distinguished by a waterproof, shingled roof for protection in poor weather. Gazebos can also have no walls and some posts, or low walls of about four feet. The former design would require less wood or metal, while the latter structure would permit the fixing of benches and screens to repel insects.

Hexagonal gazebos are more structured and have the characteristic of having the six-sided shape. Moreover, they represent a more classic taste in garden décor.

A common type of design for greenhouses is that of a pergola. This structure maximizes the amount of sunlight streaming in from the top. Pergolas are traditionally made out of wood and have crawling vines incorporated into the design so as to mimic the effect of nature.

Pop-up gazebos are the easiest to install. Additionally, these are both portable and versatile, making them a worthwhile investment. This allows homeowners to incorporate it in their garden while having the ease of putting it away and transporting it while moving their house. Most pop-up gazebos are made out of vinyl or metal. Stylistically, they may also include wind vents for airiness, or extendable braces for height extension.

Deciding between Building the Gazebo or Purchasing a Kit

Constructing your gazebo yourself is a tempting option. This is possible if you have prior carpentry experience, are fairly comfortable with the idea of buying your own wood or metal, can draft a construction plan and possess the prerequisite tools. Lumber or metal costs also need to be taken into consideration before embarking on such a project. However, it is preferable to either consult or recruit a professional carpenter. He will have more know-how regarding setting up of the gazebo on different terrain, and will also have specialized tools for creating the foundation and setting up posts.

The second option of buying a kit takes away all the hassle of making blueprints and personally ensuring that the material has been purchased. The kit, however, is not for the layman and will still require a professional carpenter. Hiring one will entail additional cost depending on the size of the gazebo, the location, size and intricacy of design. However, the results will be worth seeing.

It is certainly more expensive to hire a professional carpenter to do all the work from scratch. This can, however, enable a high level of customization and perfection of details.

Other Considerations

These include installing a concrete foundation if there is fear of seepage from nearby water sources, and ensuring that the kit, if purchased, comes with a floor plan. Moreover, the gazebo should be made in accordance with the size of the yard or garden, coordinate with the color of the house and fit in with the overall exterior design. An electrician should be hired to ensure that all lights and other electrical fixtures are in place and are functioning.