At face value, a gazebo might seem like a simple concept entailing a roofed outdoor shelter. However, in practice, a gazebo is a highly versatile space that can serve a vast range of purposes. With the right gazebo pick, you can set up an outdoor space that can serve as the focal point of your backyard, a cozy space for staycations, and an elegant venue for fun events.
The gazebo model you choose determines the functionalities you can get from it. As such, you need to choose a model that will not limit your ability to express your personality and preferences. Read on to find out all you need to know to choose the most suitable gazebo for your backyard.
Determine the Type of Gazebo you Need
It’s normal for first-timers to become overwhelmed by the range of designs and shapes of gazebos available in the market. One way to deal with this overwhelm is to determine the exact type of gazebo you need. The myriads of models you’ll find out there can all be roughly classified into a finite number of categories, each with unique pros and cons.
If you’re running short of space in your backyard, you can opt for lean-to gazebos, which you can place right beside the exterior wall of your home. They come in both wall-mounted and freestanding designs. A pop-up gazebo is another type of gazebo suitable for smaller spaces. It’s a retractable structure that you can easily put up in a few minutes to set up a dining space, a lounging space, and other functional spaces in your backyard. However, though they come with features like storm straps and UV protection, they’re not ideal for use under extreme weather.
For more permanent, weather-resistant gazebos, you can choose a soft-top, or hardtop freestanding gazebo. Both types of gazebos are structures that stand on their own with stakes or anchors driven deep inside the ground. However, hardtop gazebos, as their name suggests, are sturdier and more durable than their soft-top counterparts. Soft-tops are more or less of an inferior version of hardtops and are more vulnerable to the elements, moisture, wear, and tear.
If you’re planning to set up a wider outdoor structure over a large parcel of land, you can opt for gazebo tents. These are hybrid models that combine the spaciousness of tents with the elegance and functionalities of gazebos. They’re a great choice for BBQ events, outdoor parties, camping, and a host of other fun activities.
Other Vital Elements to Consider
After determining the type of gazebo that suits your needs best, the next thing you should do is to get down to the finer details of your gazebo. You need to determine the size and material compositions that suit you best. Ideally, you should always opt for a gazebo size that’s one berth (space for human occupants) wider than what you need.
Gazebos also come in a wide range of materials, each with their unique advantages and disadvantages. For the covering, canvas is lightweight, cheaper, and more colorful. But though they come with waterproof and anti-UV-ray properties, they’re don’t hold up well to extreme weather. For more reliable covering materials, you can opt for acrylics, vinyl, polythene, polyester, and Coolaroo.
When it comes to frames, the most durable gazebos come with metal frames – mostly steel and aluminum. For a more traditional appearance, you can opt for models with wood frames.
Other essential elements you should consider when picking a gazebo model include mosquito netting, reversible sidewalls, doors and curtains for privacy, ceiling hooks for fans and lighting, decorative lighting, a portable misting system or temperature control system.
Above all, you shouldn’t rely only on your judgment or those of family and friends when setting up a gazebo. We’re always eager to lend our steep professional outdoor structure expertise to help you bring your gazebo ideas to life. Reach out to us today.
Leave a Reply