10 Best Gazebos and Buying Guide
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Editor Pick Gazebos
Gazebos Buying Guide
Gazebos are widely known as status symbols. And it’s a direct reflection of the personal taste of the owner. They are a must-have for every outdoor space for numerous reasons. It doesn’t matter if you go for a pop-up, permanent, minor, or significant gazebo; it will deliver social mingling in a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere that usually combines leisure, work, and pleasure.
However, choosing a suitable gazebo for your outdoor area can be overwhelming. This is because there are numerous options to pick from. If you want to buy a gazebo, this article will help you to navigate the countless options to choose the perfect one for your outdoor area.
Why You Should Invest in Gazebo？
You would enjoy several benefits when you invest in gazebos. Here are some of them.
A Space to Entertain And Dine
If you regularly host your loved ones, then you need a gazebo. Spending time with friends and family under a shelter on your patio is a great experience. A gazebo can provide a reliable cover to serve and nest food protected from rain, direct sunlight, and other elements. You can comfortably put six to eight chairs and a table in your gazebo. Even on days when the weather is perfect, you will get an added aesthetic when you dine in a gazebo.
They Provide Privacy
One of the essential benefits of gazebos is that they will provide privacy in your outdoor space. If other people can see into your patio or you live in a terraced house, it’s challenging to get any privacy, especially during summer. Nobody will be comfortable having the constant feeling of being watched by outsiders—a place where you can rest without being self-conscious benefits your overall well-being. A gazebo can provide a place where you will feel safe without the fear of being watched by people. Numerous people put their gazebo where they can enjoy tranquility and peace.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Your Gazebo
Choosing the best gazebo for your outdoor area is challenging. However, some factors can make the process easier. These factors will help you to identify and select the best gazebo that will fit your space and your needs. Here are some of them.
Decide On The Type of Gazebo You Want
There are several types of gazebos available on the market. The one you choose should be dependent on your needs and preferences. Here are the most common types of gazebos homeowners prefer.
Well-Backed: well-backed gazebos are one of the most affordable options available today. They are usually installed using the backing of a glass door or an exterior wall. Well-backed gazebos are incredibly easy to build and compact. They also come with four steel or wooden pillars tied to drapes. Some well-backed gazebos have acrylic or glass enclosures. They also use sloping roofs to improve their outdoor feel and look. This type of gazebo is also an ideal choice if you have limited available space in your outdoor space. Furthermore, you can change the looks of well-backed gazebos by changing their drapes regularly.
Pop-up: this type of gazebo is best for special celebrations and events because of its temporary nature. Pop-up gazebos are available in kits. So, you can easily set up this gazebo in minutes. Is your anniversary or birthday coming up? Remove your pop-up gazebo from your attic, install it quickly in your outdoor space, and start your party. You can also leave them permanently after you finish using them. However, this is not advisable. This is because the material used to make pop-up gazebos, such as nets, fabrics, PVC films, and screens, can’t withstand rain, sunlight, or high winds. Only bring it out on special occasions to best use your pop-up gazebo.
Canopy: this type of gazebo is similar to a pop-up gazebo. The only difference is that canopy gazebos can be used permanently in the outdoor space. They have sturdier and more durable roofs from PVC sheets and other UV-resistant fabrics. The curtains, nets, drapes, and screens embellish the gazebo’s corners and sides. The primary function of canopy gazebos is to allow you to enjoy the air in your hair. You would enjoy reading your favorite book and doze off under this gazebo. Many people consider a canopy gazebo to be an affordable luxury.
The Size Of Your Gazebo is Vital
Some critical factors should influence the size of the gazebo you choose for your outdoor area. Choosing a gazebo that is too large for your outdoor space will not be a good idea. You also won’t want to choose one that will underwhelm your patio. Here are some things to consider before choosing the size of your gazebo.
Available space: you must first know the open space in your outdoor area before choosing the size of your gazebo—this helps you to choose a gazebo that will complement your space instead of overwhelming it. Don’t guess the available space in your outdoor area. Ensure you measure it out using stakes and twine. Additionally, leave at least two feet of space around your gazebo for maintenance.
How Many People Will Use it?: If you want to buy a gazebo for your small household alone, you don’t need to buy a big one. However, if you use your gazebo for gatherings, events, and celebrations, you should go for bigger ones. Estimating the people using your gazebo will also help you choose the best size.
Material: Wood, Metal-framed, or Polycarbonate?
Here are the three common materials used to make gazebos.
Wood is a natural material that can blend perfectly with your outdoor space. You can choose between a wooden gazebo that is dip or pressure treated. Dip-treated gazebos are widely known for their amber or orange color finish. The manufacturer dips the wood inside the preservatives, giving it a surface coating. However, it would be best to reapply this preservative annually to sustain protection. Pressure-treated gazebos, on the other hand, use a different approach. The manufacturer forces the preservative into the wood. They usually have lighter colors. You don’t need to worry if you see any green-blue patch on your pressure-treated gazebo. It’s the preservative residue and will fade over time. The preservative makes pressure-treated gazebos durable and gives them protection from rot.
Metal-framed: gazebos made using a metal frame and a fabric roof provide you with an affordable and fantastic outdoor haven. PVC is arguably the strongest fabric for gazebo roofs due to its fire retardant and waterproof properties. Metal-framed fabric gazebos are the cheapest among the three common gazebos. And they usually have open-sided designs. The only ideal way to use them is during summer. You should store them after summer if you want them to last long.
Polycarbonate: polycarbonate gazebos are an ideal option if you want a replacement for wooden gazebos. And they will seamlessly integrate into outdoor spaces with modern styles. They usually have aluminum frames. They also feature acrylic side panels sometimes. Polycarbonate gazebos require minimal maintenance and are UV protected. So, they will retain their appealing look for decades with little care.
Which Base Should You Use For Your Gazebo?
Some fabric and aluminum gazebos designed for temporary application might not need a base. They often come with anchor kits, which you can use to secure. Every other type of gazebo needs to be connected to your outdoor area. If not, they would constantly shift, undermining the structure’s integrity. Here are some standard gazebo bases to get you started.
Concrete Pad/Slab: the concrete pad is the most expensive base for gazebo bases. It is also the most effective. The closest replacement for the concrete pad is the concrete slab. It would be best if you placed the slabs so they would form a steady base. When doing this, ensure there is no significant gap between the slabs. Concrete pads and slabs will conveniently fit on a perfect dressing of hardcore and sharp sand. This will give allowance for proper drainage of water.
Wood: A wooden base might be the best option if your gazebo has its flooring. This is because it can provide bearers for pressure-treated floors. It may even be an entire deck. The wooden base can also function as a floor for open-sided gazebos with supporting columns and a roof.
Pavers or Block: these are more affordable than wooden and concrete bases. Pavers are also aesthetically pleasing and significantly decorative due to their various sizes, shapes, and stone types. Before setting the pavers, it’s wise to level out the available space in your outdoor area. This will prevent settling and sinkholes. We advise that you use a two-inch thickness for your paver.
Final Thoughts
Adding gazebos to your outdoor area will give it a luxurious look. They can also function as a haven for you and your loved ones. However, it would be best to consider some factors before choosing the proper gazebo for your outdoor area. These factors include the type of gazebo you want, the size, the material that best fits your needs, and its base. If you follow this guide, you will choose a suitable gazebo for your outdoor space.
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