Gazebo Ideas

A gazebo is a small freestanding structure with a roof and an open structure used by many homeowners to enjoy the view of the outdoors and make the best use of space on a property.

A gazebo can add some architectural appeal and charm to your backyard. It is also a relatively low-commitment shade solution since it is a tiny structure with a lot of airflow and views of nature.

Gazebos provide additional outdoor space, shade, and shelter from weather patterns, and act as an ornamental feature to complement the rest of the home.

Here is everything you need to know so that you can have a dreamy gazebo adorning your home.

What are the different types of gazebos?

Gazebos are typically categorized according to material, use and design style.

Material

Portable/Pop up gazebo

These are lightweight, easy to carry and reposition as necessary. Portable gazebos have an attractive, contemporary and compact design using features like steel frames, thumb latch locks, water resistance and a full truss design.

These gazebos feature flexible covering materials like canvas which is easy to store and can be moved with little effort.

Temporary gazebos typically have a high-quality matte oxide coating and are available in different heights. They also have flexible covering materials to shield occupants from the weather.

Some temporary gazebos can be set up in minutes and are quite affordable compared to other gazebos that are permanently built into a particular site on a property.

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Wooden gazebo

This structure is elegant and enhances the appearance of the outdoor environment. Wooden gazebos usually feature lightweight, impeccable and pest-treated finishes, and are made from high-quality raw materials.

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Folly gazebo

Experts indicate that a folly gazebo is a building constructed mainly for ornamental reasons. Therefore, a folly gazebo is intended as a decoration rather than to be used.

This type of gazebo is a garden ornamentation that is purely decorative and mostly made from metal frames. They accentuate any landscaping since they provide an elegant backdrop for flowerbeds and other forms of residential  landscape

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Use case scenario

Garden gazebo

This is a freestanding garden building with a roof that can be hexagonal, spherical and octagonal. It can be made of wood or metal and with built-in seating inside the shaded space.

A garden gazebo can be the focal point of a garden and can be placed at a location with a fantastic scenic view.

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Pool house gazebo

This is a small shaded structure placed on one end of a swimming pool. Pool house gazebos typically have some furniture and free space for changing, and open sides to maximize the connection with the outdoors.

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Braal/barbeque gazebo

This is a small gazebo that can be used as a mini kitchen for your outdoor space. It is a practical sheltered area that will keep any appliances, utensils and food items same from the sun, snow, wind or rain.

A barbeque gazebo can host all your condiments, serving shelves and cooking utensils within arm’s reach, making it ideal to socialize and cook outdoors.

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Design Style

Rotunda

This is a large, circular gazebo that consists of a ring of pillars supporting a dome-shaped roof. Rotundas originated in Europe and have influenced the architectural style of many structures.

A rotunda gazebo has no walls, is a freestanding structure and can be fitted with furniture and other utilities to have more use for the home.

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Pagoda

Stemming from Japanese roots, pagodas are wooden buildings with intricate designs that act as scenic garden ornaments. They are marked by their oriental design, curved, pointed roofs that may be two or three-tiered.

Pagoda-style gazebos feature intricate lacy woodwork on the sides that rise up to knee or waist height.

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What should you look for when buying or building a gazebo?

Size

Start by thinking about what you will use your gazebo for. Does it need to have a grill, a hot tub or any other specific setting?

Once you have the answers to these questions, measure and mark out the dimensions on the site where you want them. 

Material

These materials are used to form the structure and the covering of gazebos.

Wood

Wooden gazebos offer a traditional appearance and blend well into the natural surroundings. You can find wooden gazebos with open panels or tongue-and-groove cladding and anything in between.

Metal

Many metal gazebos have a tubular frame for strength and a fabric canopy that can be matched according to preferences. You can find powder-coated steel gazebos, aluminum and wrought iron gazebos at different price points.

Burnt bricks

Burnt bricks have good resistance to moisture, erosion and wood while creating a good environment. They are also cost-friendly and feature medium-to-high compressive strength, making burnt bricks a good option for large gazebos.

Roofing materials

There are a range of materials that can be used to assemble a small and inexpensive roof covering for gazebos. These include tiles, metal roofing sheets, and thatch among others.

Each roofing material has its own drawbacks and benefits, so look over a few options and ensure you get something that is suitable for the weather in which you will have your gazebo. 

Polyethylene

Tent gazebos are made of polyethylene which is waterproof and cost-friendly. 

Polyester

These are waterproof and of higher quality than polyethylene gazebos. They can be a bit costly as a result.

Why should you add a gazebo to your backyard?

There are endless benefits to having a gazebo in your yard. It acts as a shaded and sheltered space to accommodate outdoor activities. A gazebo also adds aesthetic value to your property that serves as a stunning focal point for the landscaping that adorns your home.

A gazebo allows you to increase your outdoor living space and enjoy the outdoor conditions because it will protect you and other guests from harsh weather elements. It also provides a sense of seclusion and privacy to make it an ideal place for intimate conversations and private moments with loved ones.

Conclusion

A gazebo can create a point of interest in your backyard while adding an extra function to your home. It is a structure that shields you from the sun, the wind and rain, in addition to providing a convenient place for outdoor dining.

If you are interested in getting a gazebo for your home, consider your desired size, what you intend to do with the gazebo and the kind of material you would like it to be made from.

These factors will determine your budget and how well the gazebo will fit into your home.