What Type of Gazebo is Right for You? Top Questions You Need to Ask

Having a gazebo in the backyard is an excellent way to enhancethe appearance while providing you with a quiet place to sit andrelax after a hard day at work. Gazebos are wonderful forbarbecue parties, family gatherings, or simply sipping on a cupof coffee or glass of lemonade on a lazy day. To create aromantic setting, you could string miniature lights along therailing and roof of the gazebo and then spend time with someonespecial out under the stars. Because of their popularity, thenumber of gazebo sales is rising. However, as with anyinvestment, you want to make sure you choose the right type. For that reason, consider the top five questions you should ask.

Can gazebos withstand strong winds?

If you live in a part of the country prone to high winds(Chicago), then this is a very important question to ask. Ifthe gazebo is constructed properly, it will hold up even inwindy conditions. The reason is that the gazebo canopy isdesigned with a wind vent that releases strong wind pressure. In addition, your gazebo would be anchored securely at thevertical points so the base, whether wood, stone, or concrete,is solid. Finally, gazeboes are heavy. For example, an 11-footmodel will typically weigh between 325 and 350 pounds.

Will my gazebo have a bug screen?

When shopping around for a gazebo, remember that not all includethe price of screens to keep out little creatures. Therefore,if you want a screen, you need to consider two things, first,the additional cost and second, the weight. In other words,make sure your type of gazebo is designed to handle the screenif you decide to add one on at a later date.

How is the foundation floor secured?

This is also an important question to ask since not all gazeboesare created equal. Most gazebos are erected on a foundationsuch as wood deck, concrete slab, or paver patio. Whateversurface you choose, the gazebo will need to be anchored. Forthe wood gazebo, screws can be run through the bottom plate ofthe wall section and then into the deck. For concrete, youwould drill through the bottom plate and then into the concrete,using concrete anchors. Then for the paver bricks, you want touse a concrete pier that is raised to the height of the paverbrick for each of the corners.

What choices do I have for size?

Most gazebo manufacturers make three specific sizes. First, youhave the smaller size, which measures 7.5 x 6.5-feet, followedby the family size that is 11 x 9.5-feet, and finally, the grandsize that is 18 x 15.5-feet. Now keep in mind that you can alsobuy plans to build your own gazebo or hire a professional toconstruct one that is custom made if you want a smaller orlarger size. Additionally, with these options, you can addfeatures that you might not get with a standard type gazebo,such as windows, special molding, wider steps, benches, and soon.

What are the advantages of the different type material?

The last of the five questions to ask when considering a gazebohas to do with material. In most cases, three types of materialare used, which include pine, cedar, and vinyl. For the pine,this is pressure treated and extremely strong. Because of that,it will last a lifetime and most are guaranteed against termiteand rot damage. Cedar is also a very popular choice in that itlooks beautiful and is naturally resistant to termites and rot. However, the cedar generally looks nicer when stained or paintedso there would be minor upkeep. Finally, vinyl is a lowmaintenance material that is strong and sometimes covered withtreated pine. That means while you pay less for a vinyl gazebo,you still get the beauty and sound structure of the pine option.

Dion Semeniuk is a proud owner of a beautiful backyard and has helped with others in their landscaping needs and gazebo choices. To learn more about what Gazebo is right for you, visit http://www.gazebo-directory.com