Gazebo construction is a relatively inexpensive way to add square footage to your outdoor living area. Gazebos are a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature, especially if you have a gazebo attached to your home. A gazebo can be very decorative and can add value to your home, but you must choose a builder carefully so you get a quality gazebo that will last for years.
A gazebo can be used for nearly any purpose, from leisurely weekends at the lake or beach to football or tennis activities. It is usually open on all sides and contains plenty of room for relaxing and dining outdoors. A gazebo can range in size from a tiny octagonal cottage for two to a spacious open gazebo housing a complete outdoor kitchen and dining area.
Gazebos are constructed in many different ways, depending on the style desired. Concrete gazebos are the easiest to build but require the most amount of work and cost. If budget is an issue, gazebo kits are available at most home improvement stores. These gazebo kits include all the necessary materials for the construction, including pre-fabricated wooden beams, lumber, gazebo roofing material, pegs and plugs for electrical wiring, and of course, the wood beams. Gazebo kits can also be ordered through online sources or directly from a manufacturer, and some even offer a do it yourself approach that includes instructions.
A gazebo can also be built as a more permanent structure and is commonly referred to as a gazebo deck. A gazebo deck is similar to a patio in that it can include built-in seating and tables, and even a place for cooking and socializing. However, unlike a patio, a gazebo deck will most likely not include any roof, although a gazebo roof may be installed if desired. A traditional gazebo would be constructed of wood logs placed atop a concrete foundation.
Gazebos and gazebo decks come in many shapes, styles, and sizes. A popular shape for gazebos and decks is octagonal, since these are the easiest to build using a pavilion as the base. Most octagonal gazebos feature latticed wooden walls and floors, while others feature simple open designs. Other styles of gazebo include pentagonal, and triangular. There are also gazebo structures that feature a combination of pavilions and walls, which are known as “mosaic” gazebo designs.
The roof of a gazebo deck is usually made out of wood. While metal may be an option for the roof of a gazebo, many architects and home designers do not recommend using metal as the main material for the roof of your gazebo. The metal is extremely heavy, and it can rust if left outdoors. It also conducts heat poorly, making it uncomfortable to sit in during the hot summer months. Many gazebo owners prefer to use wood as the main material for their gazebo roofs, since it allows them to construct the gazebo with fewer problems.
One of the many benefits of using wood as the main material for building a gazebo or other outdoor structures is that it allows the builder to incorporate whatever personal aesthetic he or she likes into the structure. Wood is also much easier to work with, and many builders find that they are able to build more unique and attractive gazebo designs because they are not limited by the designs that they can use. If you would prefer to use metal as the main material for the roof of your gazebo, you can do so without worrying about how the metal will conduct or react to the climate.
Gazebos are an important part of many outdoor backyards and should be considered just as highly as any other structure if you want to maximize the enjoyment that you get from your yard. A gazebo does more than just provide shade and a place to sit for afternoon concerts and barbeque food. They are works of art that add both function and beauty to any backyard.