Gazebos

What Is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a freestanding structure that provides a cosy hideaway while looking great as a part of outdoor landscaping. Its base is commonly octagonal, square, or round. The structure features an opening on each side and a fixed roof. 

Gazebos can often be found as a part of park designs, in public spaces or grandiose properties. On a smaller scale, they also decorate landscaping of many homes, while pop-up versions sometimes emerge on beaches and playgrounds. Portable gazebos are convenient for transport and can be even used as a family picnic shelter. 

Advantages of Gazebos

Due to its shape that reminds of an open house, gazebo poses as an outdoor extension of the home. It can serve as a small protected playground, or effortlessly host various dining activities. 

Garden gazebo is an alluring focal point that elevates the curb appeal and adds value to the property. Outdoor living space is a quality highly sought after in the real estate market.   

As a quiet place outdoors, it becomes a symbolic sanctuary as much as literal. For a member of a large family, this might be the advantage above all others.

Different Types of Gazebos

Gazebos can be portable or permanent. What is commonly known as a garden gazebo structure is a permanent version, set in place for the long term. Permanent gazebos are mostly made of wood, plastic or metals. The system is anchored in place and has a shingle, shake or metal roof. 

Portable gazebos are often seen as a pop-up version of a greater structure. Their standard composition is of metal poles, open sides and a fabric roof. It’s an excellent asset for BBQ time, or as an additional shelter for kids.

Material for Outdoor Gazebos

Metal gazebos are a common feature of parks or entertainment areas, mostly due to being heavy and hard to vandalise. There are several sizes and styles of metal gazebos. They can be covered with decorative roofing and include intricately designed panels, rails and accessories.

A wooden gazebo offers very attractive appeal, ideal for styling a home backyard. Installation is easy, and wood is strong enough to handle snow and strong winds. If properly maintained and treated against decay and insects, a wooden gazebo can be quite long-lasting. It also provides a space for a plethora of customising and accessorising options.

Canvas gazebos offer the broadest customising options. There’s a wide selection of attractive materials to spruce up a canvas gazebo. The fabric is typically durable and thick, able to withstand elements up to a certain point. Versatility and affordability make the key benefits of this distinct gazebo type. The addition of various kinds of mesh walls also helps with insects and pests. 

Gazebo Design Ideas

A pavilion is a traditional, octagon-shaped gazebo. Sometimes it can be found with a square base, often is made of wood: it belongs to favourite designs in the form of a garden gazebo.

Pergola gazebos look neat and classy as a part of any landscaping design. It perfectly matches with parks and places with lots of greenery. 

Victorian and Pagoda-style gazebos present the most traditionally styled versions of the item. They can make a perfect addition as a garden pergola in a well-maintained yard. 

Rotonda is an oval gazebo, usually composed of simple pillars that support a dome roof. This is an inherently European style, which also brought the same name to a circular, domed interior room.

Finally, a folly is a kind of metal gazebo, built mostly for ornamental purposes. Modern design plays with this form, but the folly gazebo is still used more for decoration than anything else.

How to Care for Gazebo?

Apart from each material’s specific needs, there are some general maintenance rules to apply. A gazebo should be regularly cleaned from both outside and inside. It’s recommended to occasionally check for birds, insects, or wasp’s nests.

Twice a year, a gazebo needs to be inspected for any sign of cracks and splits, as those must be fixed before they become bigger. In general, any damage after rains, storms, or snow should be repaired as soon as possible, to prevent further damage. Routine inspection should also prevent other issues like mould.