If you have ample outdoor space, a gazebo can be a beautiful addition to your property. Gazebos have been a staple fixture in gardens of large homes for centuries. It was common to see the elite with gazebos. Back then, it was the social status symbols of the people in many regions of the world. As time went by, gazebos became multifunctional used for relaxing, reading, casual outdoor meals, or entertaining. It’s a great way to spruce up your outdoor space and provide a stunning focal point.
If there’s an area in your garden where you can place a gazebo, go for it! You will enjoy it as it provides some shelter for you while letting you enjoy a view of your home or garden. Here’s what you need to know before building a gazebo in your home:
1. Identify its main purpose
The first question you need to ask yourself is, “What am I going to use the gazebo for?” Do you need a shaded, outdoor relaxation area beside the pool or a hot tub? Do you want a place to eat outdoors in your garden? Do you want an outdoor game room with a pool table? Do you want an outdoor living space to put your new patio furniture on? Do you want it to hold a couple of benches or chairs so you can unwind and relax? Or do you want to set up a dining table that’s large enough to fit your ten friends? The purpose of your gazebo will be your deciding factor on the size, material, style, design, and everything in between.
2. Know exactly where you want a gazebo
Know where you want to build the gazebo and make sure you have enough space. Measure the area and figure out how the structure will work with the design of your house. Your gazebo may dwell in the middle of the garden, your backyard, pool area, wooden deck, patio, concrete slab, in a shady or sunny area, or a hidden area in your property. Visualize how you want it to function along with your space’s overall aesthetic. If you want a gazebo on a smaller scale, a patio gazebo can be easily made through your existing deck or patio.
The strategic placement of the gazebo is also very important. Consider the view that you want people to see while hanging out inside your gazebo. This will help highlight the things you want to be given attention and block out the things that you don’t want to see.
Make sure it will do well with your available space. If you have a small yard, a large gazebo that will take up most of your yard will seem out of proportion. If you have a large yard, though, you are freer to do what you want. You can accommodate a larger gazebo, but a smaller gazebo can still work as a nice feature.
3. Consider the size and budget
The main consideration in choosing the kind of gazebo to build depends on the size and budget, which goes hand in hand. Obviously, the bigger the gazebo, the more expensive it’s going to be. It will be a smart move to set a budget beforehand and make a realistic picture of the size and the type of gazebo you want to build.
4. Decide what style suits your taste
Decide on the statement that you want your gazebo to make. Do you want it to reflect your fine tastes in art and architecture? Do you want it to show how modernistic you are? Do you want it to be made of wood or vinyl? Do you prefer to feature some carved spindles of the Colonial style or the clean lines of the Dutch style? As much as possible, keep the design of your gazebo close to the design of your home so it will complement each other. Here are some style options for a gazebo:
- Folly gazebo
The most traditional gazebo design, kiosks are common today in public gardens and historic mansions seen all over Europe. It originated centuries ago on the estates of the elite, and these often have extravagant designs that are made to look like ancient ruins. A folly gazebo is built mainly for decoration and ornamentation. It’s often extravagant and is used to accentuate the landscaping. It also makes an elegant backdrop for the flowerbeds.
- Pavilion
A pavilion is an open-sided, simple type of gazebo that’s frequently open-air. It’s commonly made in the shape of an octagon, and it’s frequently seen in many gardens. This kind of gazebo lets the occupant enjoy the fresh air flowing from all sides. Also common are rectangular and oval-shaped gazebos. Large pavilion gazebos can be easily used as a gathering place for parties, an outdoor spot for dining, or a simple place to hang out.
- Rotunda
A gazebo with a rotunda design is focused on the roof, which is usually circular in design and in the shape of a dome. It consists of a ring of simple pillars that support the domed roof. This style originated in Europe, and it has become a typical architectural style for buildings. This design is typically found in public parks. If your home has a stately exterior, it can be an excellent choice to incorporate this kind of gazebo.
- Pagoda
Pagoda is a Japanese-style gazebo made of large, wooden buildings. It has an intricate design that can serve as a focal point for your beautiful garden. The oriental style is very evident in a pagoda gazebo, especially on its pointed roof. In addition to the recognizable roof style, this kind of gazebo often has intricate woodwork design on the sides that form a semi-wall, which are around knee- or waist-high. This type of gazebo can be used as an ornament, yet it can also be highly functional, too. You can make it a tea party station, or a place to peacefully perform your yoga exercises.
- Pergola
A pergola differs from the traditional types of gazebos because it doesn’t have a floor. It has colonnades that support a series of rafters that acts as a roof. Pergolas are functional, and it’s often decorated with vines or any climbing plants. Some decorate it with sheer curtains and drapery, while some decorate it with string lights. A pergola’s usual purpose is to be an extension of the house or a terrace or as a walkway between pavilions.
Pergolas are a common modern-style gazebo. It’s also the perfect gazebo to place next to the pool. You can place your pool lounge chairs there to give you a little more privacy. Be sure to check first where the sun shines bright during the summer before building a pergola gazebo.
5. Know how to decorate it
A gazebo is incomplete when left with its original structure alone – unless you are building a gazebo purely for design purposes. You need to decorate it to make it look livable and comfortable. Here are a few helpful ways:
- Decorate with greenery
You can plant vines that will grow up and around the gazebo frame, or hang plants in the archways. Weather-resistant baskets with lush foliage spilling out of it are a great decoration. Plus, they add fresh air and gentle perfume to the environment around you.
- Add some lighting
You also have to consider how your gazebo will look like at night. If your gazebo has electricity, you can wire up some string lights or a rustic chandelier for a romantic touch. If there’s no electricity, you can add solar-powered garden lamps to soften up space. To get the most out of your gazebo, you need to install some lights so you can be able to enjoy it in the evening.
- Add curtains and furniture
This seems like a no-brainer if you plan to hang out on your gazebo, but make sure that it suits the design and color of the gazebo construction. The best curtains to add are soft gauzy panels that billow with the breeze, yet weather-resistant enough to withstand the changing weather. Depending on how you will use the gazebo, you can choose furniture such as cushioned lawn chairs, loungers, or a small table with matching chairs.