Choosing Your Gazebo - Part 1
Gazebos, as shown in Figure 1, can trace a history back more than 5,000 years where archeologists have found murals showing gazebos being used in Egypt. But, the Middle East may not be able to take credit for the development of the gazebo as historians have uncovered evidence of gazebos in early cultures in China and Japan as well as the Mediterranean.
Figure 1 - Wood resin gazebo
In North America gazebos were the traditional gathering places at parks where bands would play into the late evening providing a comfortable rest bit from the heat.
Today gazebos can be found to suit almost any outdoor décor style and function. They provide shade and a level floor to place outdoor furniture. They can be the perfect place to entertain guests or can be used to provide a tranquil place to read or contemplate the world.
Locating your gazebo
As gazebos are visually open structures it is important that what you see when you look up and through the gazebo is pleasing to the eye. Positioning the gazebo so that there is a view of a garden, bird bath, sun dial or water feature helps to enhance the personal overall feeling of serenity.
Of course if you have young children you may want to place the gazebo so that you can watch the tots play on the jungle gym or in the sandbox!
Gazebos can be situated to be the focal point of the landscaping or they can be offset so that they blend in to the natural setting. Providing a stone or brick path to the gazebo tends to highlight the structure, whereas a grass path tends to allow the structure to blend in.
Drainage
Many homeowners do not consider the natural drainage under and around their new gazebo installation. If you plan on using the gazebo during the rainy months in your area you do not want to have to take a boat to get to it. Good drainage for your gazebo and the path to get to it is a must if you want to be able to make the most of it.
I always recommend pouring a concrete pad rather than placing the gazebo directly on the ground. But, as an alternative you can use a 4 inch base of crushed stone. A heavily compacted #57 bluestone makes a reasonably good base and will stop most rodents from burrowing under the base. Patio and paving stones have a tendency to shift.
The use of a wood base, if it is not elevated off the ground, as in a deck structure, is not recommended as the wood that is in contact with the ground will rot.
Figure 2 - Plantings around a gazebo
Figure 3 - Bamboo gazebo |
Position
Position the concrete pad or compacted crushed stone so that you have, at a minimum 24 inches around the entire base of the gazebo to allow for plantings, as shown in Figure 2.
Gazebos make excellent deck extensions, to provide shade and protect you from light rains. Gazebos come in a number of different materials; Cedar and Redwood, plastic, aluminum and bamboo, as shown in Figure 3. The material you choose should match your deck so that the gazebo blends into the overall outdoor décor.
Gazebos also work well nestled in heavily treed areas and/or in areas that have steep inclines and rocks. In areas with steep inclines it is important that the foundation supports for the gazebo bring the floor to a level position. If you are placing your gazebo in a heavily treed area ensure that you do not have large tree branches that might pose a hazard to the gazebo in high winds.
It is also very important that the gazebo be firmly anchored to its base. Additional information on anchoring a wood structure to a concrete pad.
If you are working close to a lot line, remember that the roof of the gazebo generally overhangs the structure and it is the outside of the roof that must remain within your lot line to avoid problems with neighbors.
Shape and Style
Before you choose the style and shape of your gazebo you should consider how you and your family will utilize the structure. Gazebos can be square, octagon, hexagon, round and rectangular. If you are planning on installing a hot tub or spa inside the gazebo you should take a piece of paper or use a computer to place the hot tub or spa inside the gazebo to ensure that you have sufficient room to get in and out of the hot tub or spa and to place any additional outdoor furniture that you may desire.
Note: If you are placing a hot tub or spa on a raised wood deck, the deck structure will most likely need reinforcement. For additional information see our article "Hot Tubs & Raised Decks".
You should decide whether or not you will want to use the gazebo for activities that require lighting, such as reading, after the sun has set. Electrical power may also be desired for entertainment systems, barbeque accessories and a ceiling fan. Secondarily, you may want to have electrical connections for speakers from your home entertainment system and/or communications. Having electrical power available at and/or in the gazebo is best accomplished by a proper planed underground electrical connection before creating the pad and erecting the structure.
In areas that have a high level of insect activity it may be wise to consider the installation of screens on the gazebo openings. Many gazebo models have screens as options, but even with those gazebos that don’t have screens most handymen can produce simple screens that can fit between the support columns.
Figure 4 - Door and glass enclosed gazebo
Figure 5 - Aluminum framed gazebo
Figure 6 - Gazebo furniture |
Gazebos can also be turned into enclosed structures by adding windows and a door, as shown in Figure 4, although in my opinion this negates the benefits and beauty of a gazebo as it creates a standalone building, a solarium.
Permanent or temporary
Although traditional gazebos are permanent structures, new style gazebos can be erected only for the seasons that are applicable to outside enjoyment. These temporary gazebos, as shown in Figure 5, are generally made of aluminum and utilize a weather resistant cloth for the roof. The aluminum structure provides a “modern” appearance and aesthetically fits in well with the more modern type of brick home construction. The temporary gazebo structures are generally much less expensive than the permanent style gazebos and in many cases do not have a floor.
Note: If you are considering a temporary gazebo you must ensure that when it is erected it is very securely fastened to the ground, deck or patio. Temporary gazebos are light weight and with the cloth roof become kites and will take-off in event the lightest winds.
Outdoor furnishings
A gazebo is an enclosure and while a few do have bench style seating most require the addition of outdoor furnishings, as shown in Figure 6, to make them a usable structure.
It is relatively easy to find the "right" outdoor furniture
Remember that although you want the gazebo to look nice, it is also important that the furnishings are comfortable. You also want furniture that can stand-up to the climate conditions in your area. There is nothing worse than having to scramble to take numerous items inside when an unexpected cloud burst hits your home!
Woodworkers can build their own Adirondack style outdoor furniture from these free plans.
Plantings
The plantings that you choose should suit your geographic location. In my opinion it is best if they are colorful and should be relatively low with respect to the railings of the gazebo, you do not want them to block air flow through the gazebo nor do you want them to be a haven for insects.
Selection of gazebo kits
Home handymen can build their own gazebos with these free gazebo plans.