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Metal Gazebo: An Outstanding Garden Or Patio Accent

July 23rd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

A metal gazebo is an unusual accent for one’s patio or garden. Metal gazebos are visually striking precisely because they are not an ordinary, run-of-the-mill wooden or vinyl gazebo. The shape of the structure is classic gazebo, yet the choice of material - metal - makes it up-to-date and new. Metal is gaining in popularity as a gazebo building material. Let’s check out some of the reasons why you might consider putting a permanent metal gazebo in your yard.

Metal Gazebos are Strong and Durable

An outdoor structure must be strong and durable to withstand the elements year-round, which qualifies metal as a good gazebo construction material. A outdoor metal gazebo may sound rather stark and cold but it does not have to be. You will easily find traditional and contemporary styles in different sizes, even unique custom made designs should you have a specific look in mind. Metal gazebo kits are in vogue with the DIY crowd. Popular metals include iron, wrought iron, steel and galvanized steel, and aluminum.

There are aluminum gazebo kits (like the one pictured, assembled, at right) that allow you to enjoy the carefree maintenance and strength of aluminum in a traditional gazebo shape. These gazebos can be ordered with doors, screens and/or glass windows making your gazebo the equivalent of a sunroom.

Particularly interesting and decorative are metal filigree gazebos; gazebos that feature finely detailed and scrolled metalwork on the frame elements.

An intricate filigree gazebo in metal (such as the one at left) looks lovely in a garden with vining plants and flowers climbing the sides. Some metal gazebos even come with a weather-resistant canopy that attaches to the openwork mesh roof to offer more shade to guests below. Then there’s that unique look. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another yard with THAT kind of gazebo.

Metal Gazebo Care and Maintenance

The materials used in building a metal gazebo need to be conditioned in order to endure different types of weather conditions year round. Galvanized steel and aluminum are highly rust-resistant, while steel and iron need to be treated or powdercoated to resist corrosion. Rust is the number one enemy of a metal gazebo. If you buy a powdercoated steel or iron gazebo, make sure to not to scratch the metal’s coating as rust will set in. If needed, anti-rust compounds may be applied every year to the gazebo’s frame and parts. Check the manufacturer’s suggestions for care. Follow the instructions and you will be able to keep the metal gazebo fresh-looking and beautiful for as long as you want.

The roof needs to be designed and constructed in such a way that accomodates the weather in your particular locale. For example, if you live where it snows heavily then you need to have a roof that is rated for snow loads or that facilitates removal and drainage. Hot and humid areas may require you to cover the roof with a canopy to minimize heat and sun glare for yourself and friends.

You and your family and friends will enjoy your new metal gazebo for outdoor dining, barbeques or get-togethers. Its sleek good looks will complement any style patio or outdoor furniture set and give a unique look to your outdoor entertaining space. Take a closer look today at a metal gazebo for your backyard. The gazebos pictured here are sold by Canopy Center or WillyGoat. Click on any of the pictures for more information about that specific metal gazebo.

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.

Wrought Iron Gazebo: Unique, Old World Sophistication

May 21st, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you want a unique gazebo with an antique flair, you might want to check out a wrought iron gazebo.  Wrought iron has a beautiful old-fashioned look that can add sophistication and elegance to any garden, lawn or courtyard.

Wrought iron gazebos are extremely durable.  Wrought iron metal has been a popular choice for outdoor furniture.  Many people worry about how wrought iron’s finish might wear over time.  Many wrought iron gazebos are treated with anti-rust solutions during manufacturing, then powder-coated with color pigments for a smooth, long-lasting finish.  Care should be taken not to scratch or nick the finish as this may expose the bare metal to the elements and invite rust problems.  If you have a wrought iron gazebo that’s fairly easy to assemble and take down (such as those with canvas tops), you may wish to store your gazebo indoors during winter to give it maximum protection.

Most wrought iron gazebos can be easily assembled and erected following the manufacturer’s instructions.  Be sure to note any special care instructions as well. You can find wrought iron gazebos in many different shapes and styles.  You might decide to buy wrought iron furniture to match your gazebo and enjoy the set while dining outdoors or socializing with friends.

An elegant and fashionable wrought iron gazebo will soon become the center of attraction for your family and close friends especially if it is placed in a quiet garden nook away from the clamor and din of the street.

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