Planning for a Garden Gazebo

There was a time when garden gazebos were only available to those who could afford to spend an extravagant amount of money. Gazebos have not only become affordable, the styles are varied and widely available. No matter what size area you have to devote to your gazebo building project, you can find the perfect size and style gazebo that will fit your personal landscape needs.

Before selecting the garden gazebo that is right for you, there are a few things you must consider carefully.

What is the main purpose of your gazebo?

Will you be using it for a sheltered hot tub or spa area? 

Garden gazebos can make a lavish center piece for a specialty garden, an outdoor cooking or grilling area or just a quiet place to sit with a cup of coffee and watch birds, or simply relax and view your garden. For centuries, gazebos have been used as viewing shelters, teahouses, pavilions, pagodas, summerhouses or kiosks. You can decide what the design of your garden gazebo will be like. If you enjoy cooking outside and do a lot of outdoor entertaining, you may want to install a personalized fire pit or brick barbecue. If you decide to place your garden gazebo near your pool area, why not consider special lighting, an entertainment center or privacy screening, adding doors or windows and turning your gazebo into a guest changing area or pool house.

Once you choose the site of your gazebo the fun begins. 

• Will you add electricity and plumbing? 
• How about ornamental fountains or adding a fish pond or birdbath?

Before choosing your spot be sure and keep in mind the seasonal advantages and drawbacks for the area you have chosen. 

• Do you have high winds in the summer, or heavy amounts of snow in winter? 
• What type of landscaping will you choose ? 
• Will you use plants, vines, shrubs or trees to accent the area?

All of these things need to be considered before choosing your gazebo.

Gazebos can be constructed from many types of natural cedars and pines and there are many styles available using vinyl or other synthetic materials.

© Piotr Adamczyk

The styles are varied and no matter if you choose an old fashioned Victorian style, a gazebo with Greek or Asian influence or a simple rustic country style, be sure and consider the unlimited availability of accessories for your gazebo.  You get to pick and choose what type of space to create, choosing your favorite roof design, decks, specialized lighting, stairs, railing, doors or gates, built in or freestanding furniture, outdoor cooking appliances, arbors, trellises, ponds, wishing wells, footbridges, wooden arbors, even personalized stone pathways.

Because of the popularity of gazebos, you are now able to personalize and design your garden gazebo in any way you desire. Whether buying a garden gazebo do-it-yourself kit or having your gazebo constructed by a professional, be sure and use your imagination when planning your personal garden gazebo get-a-way. Also keep in mind if you have enough space in your garden area, why limit yourself to just one?

N. B. When building a gazebo, it might be necessary to get planning permission or a building permit and the utilities installed inspected  e.g. In Texas it is that way IF the gazebo is inside the city limits.   Joe