What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is a pavilion type structure that is often built or erected in outdoor spaces like gardens and backyards to provide shelter from the elements.
What Is the Point of A Gazebo?
The idea behind gazebos is to provide some protection from sun and rain while simultaneously adding to the aesthetics of outdoor spaces. The open sides allow you to enjoy the views around your garden while staying dry or out of the sun. Temporary or pop up gazebos have become an essential accessory to bring to music festivals or outdoor events as they are so easy to transport and use.
What Are the Main Features of A Gazebo?
Usually freestanding in design and open on all sides using beams as opposed to walls. They can be any size and shape but will always have a slanted roof and it is more common for larger gazebos to be octagonal. Often used as an architectural garden feature, they are both decorative and serve a purpose.
What Is a Gazebo without A Roof Called?
A gazebo without a roof is typically referred to as a pergola, especially when talking about garden structures. Pergolas serve less of a purpose other than to look good but they do still create a nice space underneath to relax and enjoy the sun.
What Is the Difference Between a Gazebo and A Pergola?
The biggest difference between gazebos and pergolas is roof design and function. Gazebos can provide full coverage from the sun and rain because of their solid slanted roofs whereas pergolas have open tops with horizontal beams which will only provide partial shade. Pergolas are often used for climbing plant features and create a nice atmosphere in summer but gazebos can be used all year round.
What Are Gazebos Made From?
Permanent gazebos that you might see in a city park can be built from brick, stone, or even marble as well as wood or manmade materials. Garden gazebos are most often made from wood and can be built relatively easy using kits or instructions and raw materials even though most people don’t. You can use recycled wood for the roof, sides, and floor however you should use strong and reliable wood for the beams. Pine is most common however if you have the money then oak will last a very long time and looks very nice new or aged.
Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Gazebo?
Building a gazebo from scratch can cost as little as a few hundred bucks if you have some power tools and a rough idea of what you are doing. Buying a gazebo can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 and up depending on the size and materials. So there is no doubt that it is cheaper to build a gazebo using raw materials than to buy a ready-made one. But for most people, this is not the question you should be asking. The questions you should be asking yourself are, “do I have the skills to build a gazebo?”, “do I have the tools to build a gazebo?”, “do I have the time to build a gazebo?” etc.. if the answer is no then I would say opt for the ready-made option.
Why Is It Called a Gazebo?
First seen in the 18th century, it was a somewhat made-up word combining the word “gaze” with the Latin Suffix ebo which means “I shall”. Combining to mean”I shall gaze”. So there you have it!
Where to Place a Wooden Gazebo?
You would typically place your gazebo in an area that gets an abundance of sun and currently has no shade or shelter. You should look for level ground unless you plan to raise the floor in which case you can balance it off. Considering the views you will get should help you place your seating if you plan to fix it in. Thinking about how neighbors houses might overlook and privacy will be a consideration for some.
What Is the Best Roofing Material for Gazebos?
When planning to install a permanent gazebo in your backyard, the roofing material should be of just as much importance as the wooden structure. Asphalt shingles are one of the best value options lasting for up to 30 years and they look very smart. Metal roofs last even longer at 40-60 years but are loud when it rains and only really work for 4 sided gazebos.
Get in touch if you have a question about gazebos and we will answer it.
