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Buy Gazebo: A Great Investment For Your Backyard

May 8th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Summer’s around the corner and you’re in buy gazebo mode. A gazebo is one of the simplest landscape extras that you can install in your backyard or garden to instantly improve its appeal. It expands your living space into the outdoors and can help raise your property’s value.  Most people buy gazebos for their own personal use. It can be enjoyed in most seasons and will last for a long time.

Gazebos are available in myriad configurations and they can be customized to fit your yard. There are portable and permanent built-in gazebos. Portable gazebos are often made from steel, aluminum or iron and may have a canvas or nylon awning, and perhaps curtains for privacy. You can also buy gazebos with handy screen netting to keep insects at bay.

Permanent outdoor gazebos can be made from metals like wrought iron, steel, or aluminum; woods such as cedar, pine, or redwood; vinyl or even PVC.  You can buy gazebos fully assembled, or purchase a ready-made or customized gazebo kit and build it yourself (or hire a contractor). They can be enclosed with screens or glass; or left open. They can be stained or painted, and can have electricity and plumbing. Indeed, homeowners are only limited by the space they have and the budget alloted to buy gazebos. In short, there are LOTS of gazebos for sale. How do you choose which one to buy?

The key to buying the perfect gazebo is proper planning. Know your use requirements and budget, and you will be able to choose and purchase the proper one with ease.

Consider These Factors When Looking to Buy Gazebos

If you buy a gazebo for your yard, where are you going to put it? The answer depends on how you want to use the shelter. How many people will use it at one time? If you wish to use the gazebo just for relaxation or hanging out, you may want to shop for a smaller gazebo, maybe enclose it with landscaping, screens or half walls for privacy and locate it in a quiet spot away from the house and busy street.

If you plan to entertain regularly in your gazebo, you may want to place it near your kitchen and/or outdoor grill island for ease of transporting food and tableware. Entertaining large numbers of people means purchasing a large gazebo or gazebo canopy to enable them to mingle comfortably. In this instance you may even desire to buy a gazebo pergola with open sides or a gazebo with screen mesh.

Gazebos for a hot tub or spa enclosure must be large enough to provide an ample amount of interior space to walk around the spa. Use lush plantings, screens and/or walls for privacy, and ensure that proper plumbing, drainage and electric lines are available. Buy gazebos made from materials that can withstand steam and damp, such as vinyl, aluminum, and cedar. And yes, you can buy a portable gazebo to shelter a hot tub.

Weather and environment are two important things that will have a large impact on your gazebo’s appearance and maintenance. Make sure your gazebo will withstand all types of weather (wind, hard rainstorms, snow loads if permanently installed) common in your area. Portable and canopy gazebos especially need strong anchoring unless you plan to take them down in blustery weather. You can buy gazebo anchor kits as well. Also consider how much sunlight the gazebo area will get during the day. If you want to maximize the amount of sun your gazebo receives, make sure you position it away from trees or other structures that could create shade. In addition, you need to consider if surrounding landscaping or adjacent structures complement your gazebo in all seasons. 

If your budget is modest, you plan to trade your house within five years or less, you don’t plan to use the gazebo very often or year-round or you’re not quite sure you want to build a gazebo, buying smaller portable and pop-up gazebos may be best. For larger budgets, frequent or year-round use or those who will be staying put in their homes for five years or more, you might consider shopping for large canopies or permanent gazebo constructs.

Now that you have defined the gazebo’s general purpose, location and type, the next thing you should consider is its size. Be aware that you have to keep the surroundings in proportion with your gazebo. Remember that the more people you wish to accommodate at once, the larger the space you will need. As a rough guide, buying any gazebo sized between a modest 10′ x 12′ or 10′ x 20′ party size is good for most family gatherings or events. We can’t recommend any particular shape, but the classic octagon or hexagon is wildly popular. For those who wish to fully maximize entertainment space, a rectangular gazebo is often preferred. Carefully measure the desired location and ensure that every planned detail conforms with your measurements.

Now, it’s time to buy your gazebo! Shop online for the best selection.

Where To Buy Gazebos Online

If you want to buy a wood or vinyl gazebo, whether stock or customized, you can’t go wrong with the selection at Gazebo Creations. There’s a good reason they’re considered the number one gazebo retailer on the internet. I’ve telephoned and e-mailed many online sellers for details about their gazebos; and no one is more responsive, helpful or friendly than the folks at Gazebo Creations. Their gazebo kits are classic and beautiful. Use the Gazebo Wizard to endlessly customize your gazebo. You can purchase your dream gazebo in kit form, or have it assembled and delivered to you. Gazebo Creations accepts all major credit cards, checks via mail, PayPal, Google Checkout and will ship outside the US. They make buying a gazebo easy.

If you want to buy portable gazebos, gazebo canopies, or more permanent wrought iron and steel gazebos and pergolas, shop Canopy Center. They carry a wide selection of quality pop-up and portable gazebos at competitive prices. They list their lovely wrought metal gazebos under the “party tent” category which is unfortunately confusing. Staff is helpful and responsive. Canopy Center also accepts all major cards, checks via mail, PayPal, Google Checkout and will ship most items outside the US.

This summer’s cookouts, parties and stay-at-home vacations will be far more enjoyable in your new gazebo. Don’t wait to buy! Gazebos are in demand now, and the season’s fresh new models are online. Your friends and neighbors will be in awe when they see that lovely gazebo on your patio or deck. You will never regret your decision to buy a gazebo.

Define “Gazebo”, Please…

November 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Image by Martin LaBar via FlickrThis was an article that caught my eye…the village fathers of Flossmoor IL (USA) are writing regulations that explicitly define a gazebo for residential zoning purposes. Seems that the popularity of gazebos among locals has spurred some to build large and rather elaborate structures that the village board considers to be far beyond their definition.

One was a 1,200-square-foot roofed structure that would be used for roller skating. Another was a $9,000, 20-foot-by-15-foot enclosed structure with marble flooring and a hot tub, requiring electrical work.

It appears the Flossmoor village board wants to curtail the construction of what they seem to consider as oversized house additions; or small independent dwellings. The original zoning regs didn’t say exactly what a gazebo was.

The board ended up approving an amendment to its zoning ordinance that defines a gazebo as not exceeding 150 square feet, not containing enclosed areas, sleeping facilities, kitchens, bathrooms or water service.

It also needs to be a free-standing, roofed, open air structure with more than four sides. The structure may be enclosed for decorative or design purposes up to four feet above floor level.

The owners of the $9000 hot tub gazebo are protesting a recent stop work order on their gazebo. They state that the gazebo has been in their yard since 2003. They started doing repairs on it this year because it was damaged by a falling tree. Seems they’ve been cited for a few code violations since starting repairs. It’s not entirely clear from this story whether the village approved the initial 2003 construction to begin with. The village mayor says no decisions have been made regarding any existing structures.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Always check and doublecheck your local zoning regulations before building or repairing any gazebo in your yard. And know that sometimes zoning regs can change; and you need to be aware of those changes before doing any extensive repairs/renovation. Lastly, make sure you and/or your builder actually comply with the local building codes while constructing your gazebo. Don’t tick off the building inspectors!

We wrote a bit about the general definition and history of gazebos a while back. Many people today are using gazebos for not just recreation, but as pool changing houses, outdoor family rooms, even home offices. Nowdays it’s not uncommon for gazebos to be wired for the addition of fans, lights, or hot tubs and spas (which require drainage and perhaps plumbing). What do you think about the town’s gazebo definition - and their decision?

Coming to Terms With Gazebos - SouthtownStar.com

You CAN Have The Perfect Gazebo Spa Enclosure At Home

October 13th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

A gazebo spa enclosure seems to be the most self-indulgent project one could think of. Maybe it is; but being the contrarian I am, I say that now’s the perfect time to get one.

Why a gazebo spa? Well, more and more people are staying home to save money and gas and spend quality time with family. Why not invest in making your home as comfortable as possible for your staycations? Instead of paying through the nose for the pricey spa vacation away, put that money toward installing your own private spa and use it whenever you please. What better way to ease stress and soothe nerves frayed by the TV’s constant stream of bad news than soaking quietly in your very own personal at-home spa? If you have a spa gazebo on your own premises it is very likely you will use it often as you can access it at any time day or night.  With the great on-line selection of gazebo spa enclosures and hot tubs, your very own spa can be easy to obtain and affordable. Some hot tub companies offer payment plans that make the purchase painless. Light a scented candle or two, pop a video into the DVD player or dial up a fave mP3 or two on the entertainment system and there you go…instant escape!

Gazebos have gained in popularity with homeowners who have room in their backyards for these majestic shelters. Many have taken the bold step and built a spa gazebo in order to maximize outdoor relaxation while enjoying nature’s beauty. Here are some tips and suggestions that will help you have the perfect gazebo spa enclosure in no time.

DIY with a Gazebo Spa Enclosure Kit or Call A Pro For Help

You can easily find many types and styles of gazebo spa enclosure kits with easy-to-follow instructions, which with a little help from your family and friends can be put together in a few hours. A gazebo spa usually comes with screens in order to maintain the private atmosphere and to help ventilate the gazebo. You might even add a gazebo fan to create breezes. Because hot tubs may create steam and condensation, see that the gazebo is made from materials that can stand up to damp conditions; and that your fan is rated for outdoor use. Willy Goat and Gazebo Creations are two online merchants that sell fine spa gazebo enclosures.

If you need to buy a hot tub, know that some hot tubs don’t need to have built-in drainage but some do. So it’s important you read the hot tub’s installation instructions carefully or else you can end up flooding your own back yard.

Also, make sure that the gazebo spa enclosure you choose is large enough to contain your spa tub and coordinates with its shape. Nothing like trying to fit a rectangular hot tub into a round spa enclosure….  You want to have enough room to walk around the hot tub. If you want to have any furnishings in the spa enclosure (a bench or chairs, small table, etc.) remember to account for the space they will need when sizing your enclosure.

It will cost you more, but if you really need to, don’t be too proud to call a construction professional to install your gazebo spa and enclosure, hot tub drainage and any required electrical connections and ensure that the job is well done according to code so you can fully enjoy your spa. Professional installations come with guarantees, especially for the hot tub install, so you will be covered if anything goes wrong or needs repairs in the future.

Now if a built-in permanent gazebo and hot tub plumbing isn’t in your budget right now, or you live in a cold clime, or have limited space, consider that you can STILL have a gazebo spa enclosure. What you need to check out are portable hot tubs and portable gazebos. Yes! Portable gazebos and spas cost less and give you options to move the spa enclosure as you wish, or take it down for the winter and reclaim your patio. This blog has several posts on portable gazebos and portable backyard gazebos; use the Google search box at upper right set to “Gazebos Galore”. The portable spas pictured at left and below right are simply “plug and play”; no special electrical connections required. Mouse over the pictures for information.

No matter what your budget, consider that a hot tub in your backyard in the open air allows you to relax your body and mind while surrounded by nature. It is extremely important that we take time to relax and rejuvenate mind as well as body as often as possible in order to perform at our peak ability. Check our tips for landscaping around a gazebo to further enhance your spa’s beauty as well as your mental relaxation.

Do research your local regulations for any requirements regarding the installation of outdoor spas and gazebos. Some locales may require you to have a permanent fence with a locking gate surrounding your spa and yard to keep overly-inquisitive children safely away from your gazebo spa enclosure.

An Enclosed Gazebo Is the Ultimate Four-Season Shelter

January 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

An enclosed gazebo is the solution for people who want a four season outdoor room. Most people add gazebos to their homes to extend their living spaces and create unique and beautiful outdoor rooms. But many want to enjoy that beauty year-round, without the inconvenience of freezing rain, snow or biting winds blowing through the space.

A Gazebo By Any Other Name…?

Technically, an enclosed gazebo is not really a gazebo as the open sides associated with the traditional gazebo structure have been eliminated. Some refer to enclosed gazebos as sunrooms, or cabanas. No matter; the fully enclosed gazebo is rapidly becoming a preferred option for those who want to use their gazebos in all weather.

An enclosed gazebo’s uses are infinite because they’re just like another room of your house. You can opt to build it as an attachment to your house, place it on the deck at a short distance from your home; or erect it freestanding in the yard. As it’s walled and private, the fully enclosed gazebo can be used for a spa or hot tub getaway, a pool-changing house, or even a small guesthouse. You can add electricity and plumbing, even a covered porch to make it a completely independent structure from your home. I imagine some house guests may not want to leave if you put them up in such lovely accommodations….

Ideas For Using Your Enclosed Gazebo

Enclosed gazebos are perfect for home offices, game or entertainment rooms, art/hobby studios, exercise/workout rooms, and studies or libraries. Or, like the traditional gazebo, use them to meditate and get away from the world. Whether you build them with walls and shutters for privacy, or floor-to-ceiling windows all round to let the sun in like the aluminum gazebo pictured at right from WillyGoat, an enclosed gazebo is a one-of-a-kind addition to your home. Combined with a pergola or arbor walkway and beautiful plantings it can be a stunning focal point of your yard or garden.

You can buy fine enclosed gazebo kits online that you and a few friends, or your hired contractor, can assemble; or have the enclosed gazebo shipped fully assembled. The folks at WillyGoat carry a nice range of enclosed gazebo kits with either windows or fiberglass screens in cedar and aluminum; click the picture link above right for more information. Yardiac has a lovely 10′ Hexagon All Season Panelized Gazebo Kit including Sliding Windows with Screens in red cedar. Check out the customizable cabanas and custom pool houses at Gazebo Creations; they deliver kits and fully assembled gazebos.  An enclosed gazebo may be the perfect addition to your backyard utopia.

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