What Type of Gazebo is Right for You? Top Questions You Need to Ask

Having a gazebo in the backyard is an excellent way to enhance the appearance while providing you with a quiet place to sit and relax after a hard day at work. Gazebos are wonderful for barbecue parties, family gatherings, or simply sipping on a cup of coffee or glass of lemonade on a lazy day. To create a romantic setting, you could string miniature lights along the railing and roof of the gazebo and then spend time with someone special out under the stars. Because of their popularity, the number of gazebo sales is rising. However, as with any investment, you want to make sure you choose the right type. For that reason, consider the top five questions you should ask.

Can gazebos withstand strong winds?

If you live in a part of the country prone to high winds (Chicago), then this is a very important question to ask. If the gazebo is constructed properly, it will hold up even in windy conditions. The reason is that the gazebo canopy is designed with a wind vent that releases strong wind pressure. In addition, your gazebo would be anchored securely at the vertical points so the base, whether wood, stone, or concrete, is solid. Finally, gazeboes are heavy. For example, an 11-foot model will typically weigh between 325 and 350 pounds.

Will my gazebo have a bug screen?

When shopping around for a gazebo, remember that not all include the price of screens to keep out little creatures. Therefore, if you want a screen, you need to consider two things, first, the additional cost and second, the weight. In other words, make sure your type of gazebo is designed to handle the screen if you decide to add one on at a later date.

How is the foundation floor secured?

This is also an important question to ask since not all gazeboes are created equal. Most gazebos are erected on a foundation such as wood deck, concrete slab, or paver patio. Whatever surface you choose, the gazebo will need to be anchored. For the wood gazebo, screws can be run through the bottom plate of the wall section and then into the deck. For concrete, you would drill through the bottom plate and then into the concrete, using concrete anchors. Then for the paver bricks, you want to use a concrete pier that is raised to the height of the paver brick for each of the corners.

What choices do I have for size?

Most gazebo manufacturers make three specific sizes. First, you have the smaller size, which measures 7.5 x 6.5-feet, followed by the family size that is 11 x 9.5-feet, and finally, the grand size that is 18 x 15.5-feet. Now keep in mind that you can also buy plans to build your own gazebo or hire a professional to construct one that is custom made if you want a smaller or larger size. Additionally, with these options, you can add features that you might not get with a standard type gazebo, such as windows, special molding, wider steps, benches, and so on.

What are the advantages of the different type material?

The last of the five questions to ask when considering a gazebo has to do with material. In most cases, three types of material are used, which include pine, cedar, and vinyl. For the pine, this is pressure treated and extremely strong. Because of that, it will last a lifetime and most are guaranteed against termite and rot damage. Cedar is also a very popular choice in that it looks beautiful and is naturally resistant to termites and rot. However, the cedar generally looks nicer when stained or painted so there would be minor upkeep. Finally, vinyl is a low maintenance material that is strong and sometimes covered with treated pine. That means while you pay less for a vinyl gazebo, you still get the beauty and sound structure of the pine option.

Dion Semeniuk is a proud owner of a beautiful backyard and has helped with others in their landscaping needs and gazebo choices. To learn more about what Gazebo is right for you, visit http://www.gazebo-directory.com

---

Choosing the Perfect Landscape Painting

Landscape paintings are a beautiful way to spruce up the... Read More

Sleeping Beauties: Porches For Dreaming

There's something magical about sleeping outside, drinking in the night... Read More

Fall is the Time to Get Your Garden Trees and Shrubs Ready for Winter: Heres What to Do

Tips for winter care of trees and shrubsWith the garden... Read More

Gardening Vertically: Fad, Emerging Frontier or Long-Overlooked Art Form

Sure, it makes sense that there's a buzz about vertical... Read More

Decorate Your Outdoor Spaces on a Budget!

Many times when the weather becomes sultry, the only place... Read More

Rosemary: The Herb of Remembrance and Friendship

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly called rosemary is an aromatic herb indigenous... Read More

Riding Lawn Mowers

Most riding lawn mowers are machines fun ride and extremely... Read More

How to Grow Basil

Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More

Add Value to Your Home - Landscaping

Just recently my friend had his house appraised between $800,000... Read More

Add Rich Color To Your Garden With Blue Perennial Flowers

Blue flowers are some of the most striking plants around... Read More

How to Make Your Own Rooting Hormone

When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem... Read More

Feng Shui in the Garden

"The Ancient Art of Placement" called Feng Shui (pronounced phung... Read More

An Outdoor Swing is A Great Way to Relax

There is simply no better vantage point from which to... Read More

Care of Dendrobium Orchids

DendrobiumsThis month I am focusing our attention to the care... Read More

Patio Swings Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space with Comfort and Style

Are you looking for a way to spruce up your... Read More

Pest Control Tips for Maintaining Your Greenhouse

Greenhouses provide a warm, humid atmosphere and are home to... Read More

Basil: The King of Herbs

One of the most popular herbs is Ocimum basilicum commonly... Read More

Choosing the Right Roses for Your Garden

The selection of roses you can grow in your home... Read More

Kirengeshoma palmata

Kirengeshoma palmata Sometimes known as yellow waxbells, Kirengeshoma palmata... Read More

Planting Bare Root Roses

Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More

9-11 Changed Everything for the Garden Tractor Business

While traveling the US and occasionally taking the back highways... Read More

A Little Known Secret to Successful Outdoor Gardening

Pruning...Outdoor gardening is so much easier when you know how.... Read More

Invite Spring Early - Grow in Your Basement

Now's the time to get ready to grow your own... Read More

Selling Your House? Trim Your Shrubs!

Shrubbery and other greenery that has an unkempt appearance can... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

Edgeworthia Chrysantha

Although it is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, the family... Read More

Fall Pond Cleaning

Doing a full pond cleaning during the colder winter months... Read More

How to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden

The flittering of the butterfly through your garden is no... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Yours to Design and Plan

To design a wild flower garden, you do not need... Read More

The Importance of Garden Decor

The Quest for SignificancePeople are looking for ways to add... Read More

Understanding Weeds - But mostly How to Kill em

When I was a child, I loved to pick Dandelions.... Read More

The Incredible Daylily

Some people have referred to daylilies as the poor man's... Read More

Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Come to My Garden

Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybirds, can be a... Read More