Things to consider when Buying the Best Gazebos Planning to install a new gazebo in your patio, backyard, or garden? Before you invest, there are important considerations to take into account. The following tips will guide you through the entire process of selecting the perfect gazebo.
Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Gazebo Finding the right location for your gazebo is an essential step in creating your ideal outdoor space. Consider the following factors to ensure the perfect placement:
1. Personal Preference Determine the purpose of your gazebo, whether it's a tranquil retreat, an intimate hideaway, or a focal point for social gatherings. Let your personal preferences guide you in choosing the most suitable spot.
2. Views and Surroundings : Take into account the views and surroundings you desire. If you seek tranquility, position the gazebo to capture scenic views. For added privacy, place it amidst lush foliage. If you plan to host social events, consider a central location that allows ample space around the gazebo.
Creating the Perfect Space When determining the space needed for your gazebo, keep the following guidelines in mind:
1. Socializing Gazebos: If you plan to host parties and gatherings with around 12 to 25 guests, ensure there are approximately fifteen feet of space around the gazebo. This allows for comfortable movement and ample seating arrangements.
2. Family and Friends: For a gazebo accommodating around 12 people, consider corner or center units with an interior space of about 16” x 16”, and a foreground area of approximately 150 square feet. This provides enough room for interaction and relaxation.
3. Intimate Escapes: To create a cozy and private atmosphere, position the gazebo amidst dense foliage, leaving about 10 feet of space on all sides. Opt for a gazebo size similar to that of a bedroom, allowing for a personal sanctuary.
4. Personal Time and Activities: For moments of meditation, reflection, yoga, workouts, and other quiet moments, prioritize minimal clutter and maximize open space. Ensure there is at least 10 feet of unrestricted space on all sides, promoting a serene environment.
Determining the Ideal Dimensions The size of your gazebo depends on its purpose and the number of people it will accommodate. Here are some general recommendations:
1. 8” x 8” Gazebos: These compact units are ideal for intimate family sit-outs or small backyard dinners.
2. 12” x 12” Gazebos: This universal size is suitable for a family of four and can comfortably accommodate six guests.
3. 14” x 14” Gazebos : Ideal for small gatherings or business dinners, comfortably accommodating around 13-15 people.
4. 18” x 18” Gazebos: For those who frequently entertain groups of up to twenty guests, this size works well for both permanent and pop-up gazebos.
It's worth noting that all the suggested sizes result in square gazebos, as they offer a good balance between floor-space utilization and elbow room.
Finding the Perfect Material When it comes to selecting the perfect gazebo, it's important to explore the various material choices available. Take into account the following options:
1. Wood Wood is a popular choice for gazebos due to its natural and inviting appeal. It seamlessly blends with the existing wooden elements in your backyard or garden, creating a soothing atmosphere. Here are some key benefits of using wood for outdoor gazebos:
• Natural and harmonious integration with the surroundings• Well-suited for outdoor environments and durable• Simple to maintain, with a variety of finishing options• Wide variety of natural textures available, such as maple, teak, and oak
2. Vinyl Vinyl, a versatile building material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a popular choice for gazebos. It offers a range of practical features that make it a desirable option:
• Waterproof properties for excellent moisture resistance• Climatic stability, ensuring it withstands different weather conditions• UV resistance, maintaining its color and integrity under sunlight• Stain and scratch resistance, preserving its appearance over time• Low upkeep requirements that save you time and effort• Long-lasting durability, providing a reliable and stylish gazebo option
3. Fabrics Fabrics are a popular choice for temporary gazebos, infusing them with a colorful, cheerful, and vibrant ambiance. With a vast array of colors, designs, and patterns available, you can create a variety of eye-catching pop-up gazebos using fabrics. Some fabric choices for gazebos include:
Canvas : A durable and versatile fabric suitable for outdoor use.Denim: Known for its strength and rugged appearance, denim can add a unique style to your gazebo.Cotton with multiple layers: This fabric option provides extra thickness and insulation.Opting for fabric tents allows you to create a boho environment that energizes and enhances the atmosphere of parties or gatherings.
When it comes to gazebo roofing, you have multiple options such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, rubber slate, and cedar shake. Ensure that the chosen roofing material blends seamlessly with the overall design and aesthetic of your gazebo.
Different Types of Gazebos There are various types of gazebos available, each offering its own unique design and features. Here are the different options to consider:
1. Wall-backed Gazebos Affordable and easy to build, these gazebos are installed with the backing of an exterior wall or a glass door. They typically have four wooden or steel pillars with drapes tied to them. Some designs may include glass or acrylic enclosures with a door. These gazebos often have a sloping roof, enhancing their outdoor aesthetics. They are ideal for limited backyard spaces and offer the flexibility to change the look by periodically changing the drapes.
2. Pop-up Gazebos Pop-up gazebos come in kits that allow for DIY assembly. They are mostly designed for temporary use and are ideal for special events and celebrations. While they can be set up as a permanent installation, it's recommended to use them primarily for occasional purposes. The materials used, such as fabrics, screens, nets, and PVC films, are not built to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, or high winds.
3. Canopy Gazebos Canopy gazebos are similar to pop-up gazebos but designed for permanent use. They feature more durable roofs made from rigid PVC sheets or other UV-resistant materials, allowing them to withstand direct sunlight. Drapes, curtains, screens, and nets can be added to the corners and sides of the structure. Canopy gazebos provide an open-air experience, making them ideal for enjoying the breeze while reading or relaxing. They offer an affordable luxury option.
4. Dome Gazebos Dome gazebos are distinguished by their aesthetic design. Instead of a sloping roof, they feature a dome-shaped roof that gives a colonial look to the structure. The absence of structural supports allows for efficient utilization of floor space. Dome gazebos can have hexagonal, octagonal, or square dimensions and are primarily chosen for their visual appeal.
5. Brick-and-mortar Gazebos Brick-and-mortar gazebos are permanent structures built to last. They are constructed like a room, with a foundation serving as the base. These gazebos can range from cozy 2-seaters by the pool to spacious pavilions meant for larger gatherings. Key features of brick-and-mortar gazebos include constructed wood or plastic structures, raised marble, granite, vitreous, ceramic, or vinyl flooring, open sides with railings, sloping roofs (single or multi-tiered), arched exterior sections, and seating options such as hard benches, sit-outs, or cushioned chairs. These gazebos offer long-term solutions and are considered high-end status symbols.
6. Floating Gazebos Floating gazebos are elite and exclusive structures built on an underwater foundation. They resemble mini-villas floating on a water body, often with a platform supporting the structure. Solid teak or oak wood is commonly used for the entire body. Floating gazebos offer a luxurious and unique experience, and their designs can vary from Zen to Colonial or Oriental. If you have a pond on your property with blooming lotuses, a floating gazebo would be a fitting choice.