All about Gazebos
Gazebos
When it comes to creating the ultimate focal point destination in your yard, few things are as time proven as adding a gazebo. A gazebo will draw your attention to the farthest corners of your yard and serve as a destination that will entertain for years to come.
The concept of gazebos is not new and dates back to as far back as1400b.c. What was true then remains true today. When considering your options to either build or purchase a gazebo you have options. A gazebo can be as simple as four posts and a roof or it can be the more exotic classical style. Cost can vary for 1-200 dollars to a few thousand. My favorite method to getting a good quality cheap gazebo is to find one on craigslist. I’ve also built gazebos and assembled the packaged style that you could buy at target or walmart. I would recommend buying one to assemble versus building one from scratch as the extra labor involved in considerable.
Here are a few tips that can make your gazebo look a little more crisp:
- Make sure the ground is level and flat. This may also be a good time to decide if you want to leave your floor as dirt or place stepping stones, concrete, or pavers.
- Use a level to ensure that the uprights are straight. Your eye will pick up even a minor slant and cause your gazebo to look “rickety” and crooked. It also robs it of the “finished” and professional look.
Other Considerations to create a unique feel for your Gazebo
When it comes to creating a design for your yard or gazebo, it all comes down to the materials used and what combination you choose. Do you want abundant plant life to give a natural and organic feel? Do you want a lot of stone work to emphasize a more classical look? Would you like to accent the location with some beautiful woodwork etc? These are all ways that leave plenty of room for your creativity and some extra flexibility for your budget.
If you are on an even tighter budget or enjoy building one yourself, consider a pergola as an alternative. (see the section on Pergolas). These were made popular during the Italian Renaissance and are a little simpler to construct. They add many of the same “focal point” qualities, while minimizing the construction time etc. Again, don’t assume you have to build one. I’ve seen many “out of the box” versions that are very reasonably priced at target, walmart, and craigslist.