Gazebos add grandeur to your garden.
Gazebos are freestanding structures, often octagonal for use outdoors. They usually have a roof and can be open on all sides. They provide shade, shelter, an ornamental feature and a place to rest.
Gazebos are known by many names including summer houses, kiosks, pavilions, pergolas, arbours, grottos, pagodas, lookouts, or belvederes. They come in a range of sizes, designs and materials depending on your requirements.
Size
Gazebos vary greatly in size allowing for all requirements and budgets. At the smaller, cheaper and simpler end of the scale, you can purchase a temporary, pack away, tent style gazebo. These are easy to assemble with just a few poles and a cover over the top. They then escalate to semi permanent fixtures. These can be made of wood or metal, and are slightly more complex to erect than the temporary ones, but are sturdier and generally look more stylish. The smallest permanent gazebos can accommodate four people but they increase in size to comfortably house up to ten or more.
Design
Gazebos are available in a variety of designs to fit in with the feel and style of your garden. If you have an English rose garden then a Gothic wrought iron gazebo would be perfect for your thorny beauties to grow around. A wooden bandstand style gazebo lends a classic look to your garden, and provides the perfect setting for afternoon tea. If your garden is at the cutting edge of design then a contemporary aluminium gazebo would enhance a modern theme.
Material
The material of your gazebo is extremely important, not only for the aesthetics of your garden, but also for the use and lifespan of your gazebo. The three materials which are typically used are wood, metal and PVC.
Wooden gazebos look natural and can blend in with any garden. However, permanent wooden gazebos can be difficult to assemble, are heavy and need to be treated to stop rot or discolouration.
Metal gazebos have a contemporary look, are often cheaper than their wooden counterparts, and rarely require any preservation treatment.
Plastic or PVC gazebos are typically temporary structures. They have the advantage of being cheap, light and easy to assemble, but due to their weight are not suitable when windy.
Gazebo accessories
There are plenty of gazebo accessories for you to choose from. By adding a little comfort and a little lighting you can really create a home from home.
Gazebo lights
There are many types of decorative gazebo lights. They can be strung around the aluminium or wooden frame of your gazebo to create ambiance and light during the night. With a little twinkle and soft glow gazebo lights help create the perfect atmosphere for entertaining guests.
Gazebo curtains and side panels
Some gazebos include side panels or curtains, but it is possible to buy them separately. Gazebo curtains are usually designed to fit all gazebos and fasten easily with velcro strips.
So when it gets a little chilly in the evening you can pull the curtains or side panels in, and carry on outside in the warmth of your gazebo. Curtains can also help on sunny days when you need a bit of shade to cool down, or even when you want a little more privacy.
Furniture
Some gazebos come complete with matching furniture and fittings. This not only adds style to your gazebo and garden but also saves you the time of shopping around for gazebo furniture.
However, if it’s not included there are plenty of garden tables, chairs, swing seats, loungers and benches that will make your gazebo more comfortable.
Ideas for gazebo uses
There are many uses for gazebos. They are popular for wedding receptions and parties. Some people just want a little getaway in the garden to grab a little peace and quiet.
Gazebos provide a perfect structure for climbing plants to cling to. Clematis and wisteria as well many types of ivy are well suited for this.
For those who like to take their gazebo with them, there are folding gazebos which are popular for barbecues, picnics or trips to the beach. You can even have a spa or jacuzzi in your gazebo.
Did you know?
The word gazebo was first recorded in England in about 1752. It is believed to be a combination of the English word ‘gaze’ with the Latin suffix ‘ebo’ which means “I shall” thus gazebo means, “I shall gaze”. Many linguists have mistakenly associated it with the French “Que c’est beau” which means “How beautiful”. An easy mistake to make!
