Garden Gazebo

A gazebo is defined as a summerhouse, a garden pavilion or a belvedere, positioned so as to have a view but I think a garden gazebo is somewhat different. Quite often you want your gazebo space available to shelter from summer breezes or shaded from the sun. You may not also be able to have the desired view but it is a matter of preference or trade off.

Size of the gazebo

My 10 x 10 gazebo is simple and is of the pop up variety so it can be removed easily in bad weather or repositioned in a more sheltered spot. It is not too big as I have even removed it from the garden, on occasion, and erected it indoors to keep the children amused.

The great outdoor gazebo

It is so nice to sit outside, but if it is too hot then the benefit and ‘feel’ of an indoor space (gazebo) which is still outside is a treat. My gazebo is not very large but as you can see it can accommodate a small table and two chairs easily. It is portable so if you erect it and then don’t like the positioning you can easily disassemble it and then move it to a new spot. Unfortunately, this is not the case with a permanent wooden gazebo, which most people are familiar with. Traditional gazebo designs
in North America and Europe are usually 8 sided (all equal sides in octagonal shape) and built of wood with a top covering comprising a standard roof.

Gazebo placement

Arbors are nice shady spots that might be suitable for your new garden gazebo. Other considerations are near a pond which some people like but I don’t like notion of children playing near any water features which are large. I prefer a flat dry grassy area for the gazebo. As a child I use to play at a bandstand in a local public park. It was quite large and a brass band did play there on occasion. I did not think of it as a gazebo because of it’s size, but that’s what it was.

Assembly of pop up gazebos

Assembly is usually easy and detailed instructions will be provided by the supplier or manufacturer of gazebo kits. These building (if they might be called such) and transitory and as such will not need any building permits. A more permanent structure might require investigation in case regulations exist on structure type, height, facilities required and so forth.

Once you have cleared a space for the footprint of the gazebo you can begin. Make sure you have adequate room around all sides so allow extra room for ties, spikes and securing wire that may be needed. The roof is assembled on the ground first and then it is gradually hoisted upward by inserting the support poles or rods. These may be aluminium or toughened plastic. The assembly is so much easier if you have one or two other people to assist you.

Considerations when buying more expensive gazebos

Whatever gazebo plans you might have it might be helpful to study and investigate some of the following features:

• Roof type. Can be metal, wooden shingles or rubber slate
• Cupola or Weathervane?
• Top railing and Ceiling type
• Screens required?
• Electric ceiling fan and lighting needed.
• Benches, how many?
• Type of wood to choose (although you can have the option of a metal gazebo)
• The exterior finish required

Securing a gazebo

Because your gazebo is usually open on at least one side there is a possibility of a breeze entering and then treating your ‘room’ like a hot air balloon and cause it to lift off and blow away. To prevent this you will need to stake down the unit with the spikes and ties provided.

Illuminating gazebos

Garden lights can be used to illuminate your gazebo and allow continued use of it as darkness falls. The portable garden gazebo lets you try out various sites around your yard or property and, who knows, if you happen upon an ideal spot you might then consider building a permanent garden gazebo which might even have a nice view as a bonus.