Whether it's called a gazebo, pavilion, pergola, arbor, grotto, pagoda, shed, greenhouse, canopy or playhouse, outdoor structures can add a lot of character and functionality to your yard. Gazebos and other outdoor structures have been fixtures in yards for centuries and were originally built specifically to afford advantageous views of the surrounding areas. In modern times, they are equally built for use as a "summerhouse" for extra entertainment space as they are for a focal point in a garden.
Most people think of a gazebo as an small octagonal white garden building at the end of a long sweep of lawn, although today's versions are just as likely to be square, rectangular, or round; big and ornate or plain; have sleek, elegant lines or simple, rustic designs; and sit close to the house, to encourage outdoor dining. They can even be built right into a porch or onto a deck, patio, or pool surround. A gazebo is generally defined as a freestanding, open-sided structure with a solid roof and (usually) a floor, though designers are constantly reinterpreting the form. While traditionally made of wood, gazebos also can be built of metal, stone, or even reinforced concrete. Cedar and redwood are top wood choices for their stability and weather resistance, and both can be painted or left unfinished. Pressure-treated lumber is a less expensive option, but it should be covered with a semitransparent stain. Floors, which are often raised by one or two steps, may be wood, brick, concrete, or stone. Most often, the roof is clad in cedar shakes, though other materials, including copper and slate, may be used, and materials are often used to compliment the main house.
One of the nicest things about the gazebo is that when you are underneath it, you are well protected from the suns harmful rays or the rain. This way, you can enjoy your yard during a nice rain shower without having to worry about getting wet. Many people will turn their gazebo into a fun playhouse for their small children so they may play outdoors while being protected from the hot sun. And lets not forget that people love to have outdoor weddings, especially if the yard has a gazebo and garden.
There are three basic approaches to putting up a gazebo: building one from a set of plans, putting together a kit, or commissioning an original design. While a gazebo design needs to blend with the landscape and work with the style of the house, size is also a major consideration. A lot of times a gazebo is too small, but it's not often that it's too big. When choosing a site for a gazebo, avoid low-lying areas where water collects and set it on a level or elevated spot in order to keep it and its occupants dry and maximize the view. Before building, make sure you or your contractor consults the local building department about whether you need a permit to build it, or if the local building codes dictate what kind of foundation you will need.
While not every gazebo needs to be electrically wired, it is a popular option to increase the usefulness of a structure that can serve as a dining room, reading room, or space for entertaining. An outlet can power a lamp, sound system, and other practical amenities, and an overhead ceiling fan can make your gazebo feel like an oasis during the summer heat. Screening the sides will deter insects from joining you and adding removable windows can extend the gazebo's use in cooler weather. There is no limit to the uses of an outdoor structure except for the owner's imagination.
