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Gazebos Add Shade, Distinction To Your Landscape

June 17th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

This article in the Huntington WV Herald-Dispatch nicely outlines why you might consider building a permanent gazebo.  Can it beautify your yard? Yes. Can it increase your usable living and entertaining space? Yes. Can the gazebo make your home more inviting and enjoyable? Absolutely, yes. Will it increase your home’s market value? Real estate is in such a flux these days, it’s nigh impossible to give a definite answer; but like any home improvement project, a gazebo may add to a home’s value.The number one reason why homeowners buy gazebos according to the article is to add shade to the yard. They’re a beautiful way to create cool outdoor shelter. Check the offerings from Yardiac.com, Gazebo Creations, and Willy Goat for a wide array of options in permanent gazebos, cabanas and spa enclosures. There’s something for every price point.

Gazebos Add Shade, Landscape Distinction - HeraldDispatch.com

Outdoor Gazebos: A Fine Investment for Your Backyard Utopia

April 9th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Outdoor gazebos are a great way to expand your home’s livability. While gazebos are a common sight in public parks, courtyards, and gardens they are increasingly becoming an affordable option for homeowners who want to extend their living spaces and bring a bit of the outdoors inside.

There are many uses for outdoor gazebos; your imagination is your only limit. It can provide a place for entertaining friends or family, or dining al fresco. Some use the outdoor gazebo as an exercise and fitness room or for meditation and prayer. Gazebos can function as pool houses or spas, rec rooms and if properly outfitted as a home office or spare guestroom. Outdoor gazebos may also be built or erected for special occasions such as a wedding ceremony or anniversary.

Different Types Of Outdoor Gazebos

The traditional outdoor gazebo is basically a structure with a roof, rails and pillars but no walls. They may or may not come with floors. If the homeowner prefers, gazebos with screens, windows and doors are available to help make the gazebo an all season shelter. An outdoor gazebo can be a permanent installation, or temporary and portable according to your needs.

Gazebos can be square, hexagonal (six-sided), octagonal (eight-sided), dodecagons (twelve-sided), oval or round.  Outdoor gazebos can be constructed from a variety of materials. Wooden gazebos have a warm, rustic feel and are commonly made from cedar or pine. Outdoor metal gazebos are sophisticated and modern. Aluminum and vinyl gazebos are sturdy and easy to care for. Iron and especially wrought iron outdoor gazebos are charming and add an air of sophistication to a garden setting.

You have the option of ordering certain outdoor gazebos with screens, or window kits, and doors are available for enhanced privacy. Some may have optional electical kits available for an extra charge, so that you can add lighting or outdoor ceiling fans for gazebos. Many types of outdoor gazebos are available in kit form for the do-it-yourselfer, saving money and time. You can buy a pre-fabricated kit, or a gazebo kit custom-tailored to your desires. Outdoor gazebo kits can be constructed without professional help if you have any carpentry or handyperson skills; however, if you don’t remember that help is always available. Make sure you are familiar with your community’s regulations and laws before building any gazebo.

Care of Outdoor Gazebos: Helpful Tips

When investing in a permanently installed outdoor gazebo check that the materials it’s made from are truly weather proof and able to withstand the elements. For example, most iron used in outdoor gazebos comes powdercoated, which protects against rusting. Take care not to nick or damage that coating because it will invite rust and rot. Cedar and redwood are well-known for their weather resistance. You can treat these wood outdoor gazebos with special conditioning oils to maintain the wood’s looks, paint them, or let them weather naturally to a silvery patina.  Pine is somewhat less durable; which is generally reflected in the lower cost of pine gazebos. Vinyl gazebos are not only weatherproof but easy to clean and durable, especially if you have small children.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, ensure that your outdoor gazebo construction is hurricane-rated for your area. Similarly, if you live in areas where winters are harsh, make sure that the roof of your gazebo is able to hold heavy snow loads. Maintenance may be a simple matter of checking the roof for leaks or damage, repainting or retreating wooden gazebos, touching up any nicks or scratches on metal gazebos, and an occasional washing of vinyl outdoor gazebos. Outdoor portable gazebo owners will want to make a yearly check of the fabric canopy and walls, and any screen netting if applicable for mildew, holes or rips; as well as the metal support structure for signs of rust.

Most manufacturers of outdoor gazebos will provide you with free advice and information on the most weather proof materials, hurricane and snow load ratings; as well as how to care for specific gazebo types. Make sure to ask before you invest. Check the products of the gazebo manufacturers and suppliers featured on this blog at right under the “Recommended” sidebar, and shop around. 

An outdoor gazebo in your backyard or garden is a beautiful addition to your property. You will find that you will spend a great deal of time there enjoying family and friends; or a quiet moment of reflection. Outdoor gazebos are an excellent investment, adding value to your home.

Screened Gazebo Kits: Quickly Add Living Space and Value to Your Home

March 26th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Screened gazebo kits are a quick and easy way to add seasonal living space to your home.  The screened gazebo protects you from winged pests while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Screened gazebo kits come precut and packaged with everything you need - walls, screens, fasteners, rails, roof parts, and instructions - to complete your screened gazebo. The all-inclusive kit makes it easy for you and a few friends to construct the gazebo over a weekend.

You can use your new screened gazebo for dining, entertaining, relaxing.  Place it on your deck, out in your yard, maybe next to the pool; or even under trees as a cozy shaded garden sanctuary. Your choices are infinite. Screened gazebo kits come in many sizes, many shapes - square, octagonal or hexagonal are popular; and they can be made from metal, wood or vinyl. Some manufacturers’ gazebo kits can also be customized to your requirements.

Building a gazebo is a home improvement that can add value to your dwelling. Always check with your local zoning department and if applicable your HOA (homeowners’ association) to see if any permits are required for erecting your screened gazebo kit.

Yardiac.com, Willy Goat, and Gazebo Creations all sell a wide variety of screened gazebo kits for every price point. Gazebo Creations features custom kit options so you can have the unique gazebo you need. They even have electrical kits available if you want to power your gazebo for lighting, ceiling fans, or other uses. If you are looking for a simple yet elegant DIY way to add living space to your home without breaking the bank or spending months under construction, look into buying a screened gazebo kit.

Hot Tub Gazebos Are THE Ultimate In Relaxation

October 12th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

A hot tub gazebo is the definitive indulgence. Hot tubs have a wondrous relaxing effect on your entire body and mind. And gazebos are made for relaxation and stress relief. Talk about utopia in the backyard…!

Consider Carefully Your Hot Tub Gazebo’s Location and Requirements

Where you place your hot tub gazebo is a matter of personal choice; but is of importance. You can locate it on or near your deck for the enjoyment of family and close friends, or off in a quiet corner of your backyard for a nature escape; or, depending on your house’s layout, perhaps make it an extension of your master bedroom for complete privacy. I’ve always fantasized about having a nice large private outdoor deck off my bedroom with a gazebo on one side…but that’s my personal preference. In any case, make sure that the location you choose is large enough to install your hot tub and gazebo. Remember that you will need enough space inside the gazebo to be able to walk around the hot tub; so be sure to take your hot tub’s size and shape into account when calculating the size of the gazebo enclosure and allow clearance for walking.

Next, think about the type of hot tub you want and whether electrical power connections and proper plumbing and drainage can be provided to your hot tub gazebo in the location you choose. Power is needed to heat the water and run those soothing Jacuzzi jets. Consider when you will use the hot tub gazebo and if you want lighting in the evenings. What’s the maximum number of people who may want to use the hot tub at one time – two, three, five? Some tubs require drainage, while others don’t. Read the hot tub’s operating manual for clarity on drainage requirements. Do you want to install the hot tub to sit above ground, so that you step up to get in, or in ground so you step down into the warm waters? An in-ground hot tub installation will require excavation and likely underground plumbing and electrical lines. You can build a gazebo spa and permanently install a full scale professional hot tub. Just recognize that professional help will likely be required to ensure good drainage and proper electrical power.

Keep in mind that gazebos, spas or hot tubs can be temporarily or permanently installed. This is significant if the climate where you live won’t allow year–round enjoyment of an outdoor spa; or if finances are limited. You can choose to get a portable gazebo, and use it with a portable hot tub which may not need professional drainage as it can be filled from the outdoor tap. You will still have to account for electrical power. Read the hot tub maintenance and use instructions carefully or else you can end up flooding your gazebo and backyard. When you are done, or the season is over, you can pack it up and store it until the next time you want to enjoy your hot tub gazebo.

Lastly, check with your local zoning board and, if applicable, your homeowner’s association (HOA) to make sure your hot tub gazebo plans comply with all rules, regulations and building requirements. In some localities, having an outdoor pool or spa over a certain size or that is capable of holding so many gallons or more of water can trigger requirements for safety fencing and alarms to keep any overly curious neighborhood children out of the area. If possible, take a copy of your plans with you to the local zoning office so they have a good idea of what you want to do. Building a permanent hot tub gazebo installation, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, will likely require permits. You will be responsible for any necessary building permits.

Shop Wisely For Your Hot Tub and Gazebo

The best place to shop for a gazebo hot tub is in hot tub specialty stores where you can get professional advice if necessary. If you don’t know what type of hot tub you would like, visiting a local store with a large selection is best. Once you are familiar with the hot tub models and functions available, you can shop online for the best prices. There are many great hot tubs available online.

Handy do-it-yourselfers may want to consider finding gazebo plans, or using a gazebo kit, to build the hot tub enclosure. Gazebo kits come in cedar, pine or durable easy-care vinyl. Cedar wood has a wonderful scent that can enhance your stress release. Redwood, cedar and vinyl are all highly durable materials that will resist moisture from condensation. A DIY hot tub gazebo kit can be customized endlessly with screens, shutters and doors for privacy and to keep insects out; or you can plant decorative bushes and trees to screen your hot tub gazebo naturally. If you install the hot tub in ground, you can order a kit without rails or floor as in the above photo to accommodate it and enhance access. Depending on the shape of the hot tub, you might even consider a square gazebo or cabana for shelter. If you decide to install the hot tub yourself, do ensure that you comply with all local requirements and carefully follow the instructions.

If necessary, call a building professional for installation to make sure you can fully enjoy your hot tub gazebo. Insuring years of trouble free use may justify the expense.

A Gazebo Creations gazebo is the perfect place for a hot tub. You can create your own custom design using their online Gazebo Wizard. If you have questions, the staff is happy to assist you over the phone in designing the proper hot tub gazebo for your yard.

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