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

---

Planning a Water Garden...

A water garden is the area of your landscape that... Read More

The Perfect Garden Sundial

Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect... Read More

Bare Root Roses

Bare Root Roses, what to look for when buyingThe first... Read More

Halfway Through Summer - Are We Having Fun Yet

Today is Thursday the 23rd of June and we're almost... Read More

Basic Lawn Care - Mowing, Scarifiers, Aeration, and Watering Tips

The arrival of summer heralds a time of increased wear... Read More

Teak Outdoor Furniture - Where Function Meets Beauty

The wonderful thing about choosing teak outdoor furniture is that... Read More

How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard Paradise For Less Than $100

Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be... Read More

Tarragon: A Favourite of French Chefs

Long a favourite of French chefs, the herb Artemisia dracunculus,... Read More

Dont Roll that Lawn

Every spring some mysterious hormone hits the male of the... Read More

Teak Furniture - How to Care for it Properly

Many finer homes and businesses feature beautiful indoor and outdoor... Read More

How to Win the War Against Slugs and Snails

Slugs are one of the most hated of garden pests.... Read More

Invite Spring Early - Grow in Your Basement

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

Winter Gardening Looking Towards Spring

Ok, the title "winter gardening" might be a tad bit... Read More

Lifes a Beach--A Shore Theme in your Outdoor Space

Twentieth century American architect Phillip Johnson once said, "I hate... Read More

Hot Feeding Tips

Summer is the most enjoyable water gardening season and the... Read More

Frame Your Garden With Edging

You've planted the flowers, put in the shrubs and even... Read More

CO2 for Free

We've all heard that there is no such thing as... Read More

Tips On Caring For Your Cut Flowers

Imagine it's a special occasion and you've just received a... Read More

Gardening in Containers

Every Garden can benefit from the addition of container gardens.... Read More

Gardening is Good Therapy

Many of us garden just for the sheer joy of... Read More

A Bit About Bare Root Roses...

Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More

How to Control Deer in Your Garden

Deer are the most difficult of all pests to deter... Read More

Earthworm Friends in the Garden

Earthworms are a gardener's best friend.Research has shown that earthworm... Read More

Slugging It Out In The Trenches

In an effort to introduce a shaft of sunlight into... Read More

Compost YES, Epsom Salts NO

You'll often hear garden writers recommending the use of Epsom... Read More

How to for Lawns ? Mowing

How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More

What is the Right Plant and Where Do I Put It?

Know if your plants are disease-susceptible. Your choice of plants... Read More

Maintaining Oxygen Levels in Fish and KOI Ponds

Severe environmental stressors are the most frequent causes of sudden... Read More

Patios And Garden Pavers

Is your concrete or asphalt driveway an eyesore? Do you... Read More

16 Lawn Mower Safety Tips

1. Always read the instruction manual before operating your lawnmower.... Read More

It?s Gardening Season!

It's gardening season again! Are you ready? Whether you are... Read More

Adirondack Chairs - How to Choose One

In Blue Mountain Lake, New York, you will find a... Read More

Everyone Loves Flowers

Flowers Truly Reach Your Soul.Flowers are a heartfelt, natural way... Read More